Located within the central region of Limousin, the departement of Haut-Vienne is a great destination for those who enjoy getting away from it all on their holidays. A very green and rural area, there are many opportunities in this area to get outdoors and enjoy both the scenery and the pleasant climate. The main city of Limoges, famous for its pottery and ceramics, has plenty of accommodation and meal options, as well as being an interesting and attractive town.
Most people will have heard of the historic town of Limoges because of the famous pottery that has been produced there for centuries. There are still several factories operating in the area today, many of which offer tours or at least the chance to buy some of the hand-made products. There is an interesting museum dedicated to the important industry in Limoges, called the Adrien Dubouche museum, featuring many of the best examples of the art from the 18th century onwards, as well as information on how the ceramics are made and why the industry began in this particular area.
The rest of Limoges is well worth exploring too, including the Gothic cathedral of Saint-Etienne, the Bishop's palace and its gardens next door and the narrow streets of the old town, particularly Rue Boucherie, which has apparently changed little since the 15th century. The main square is always a lively place to enjoy a drink or a snack in the summer months. North of Limoges is one of the most intriguing attractions in all of France; the village of Oradour-sur-Glane. The village was destroyed by Nazi soldiers after they killed all 600 inhabitants, including over 200 children. The structures have never been rebuilt and remain as a memorial to those who died that day. Every June 10th, on the anniversary of the massacre, there is a procession through the town and a moving memorial service is held where the village church once stood.
There are several walking trails throughout the Haut-Vienne countryside, but some of the prettiest are found around the Vassiviere Lake in the south, where there are also beaches if you fancy taking a swim or hiring a pedalo. Nearby is the mount Gargan which offers a fantastic view over the region. The climb is very easy, following a gentle path all the way to summit. In the west, you can find the Perigord-Limousin Regional National Park, which has numerous official walking or biking trails.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Haute-Vienne? Then below is a selection of gites in Haute-Vienne and villas in Haute-Vienne that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
