Gite with swimming pool Limousin - regional activities

This stunningly beautiful region of still lakes, fast flowing streams, gentle rolling valleys, ravines and forested mountains has been one of the best kept secrets in France. Away from the tourist crowds of the Dordogne and similar regions of France, the Limousin has maintained its own brand of quality time and quality of life.

Whatever your taste in outdoor pursuits the Limousin has it. Marked trails through stunning countryside, through enchanted forests untouched by time, to vantage points with scenery that will take your breath away.

Take a short walk through the forest up to the orientation table overlooking our cottages for one of the best views in the Limousin, on a clear day you can see the Puys de Dome, extinct volcanoes over 100 km away.

Mountain bike trails abound in the immediate vicinity of the cottages or, if you prefer, rent a kayak at nearby Pont Dognon and explore the gorge around the river Taurion. For a really adventurous day out then why not try Arbre en Arbre at Vassiviere - an obstacle course high up in the trees to get the adrenaline going! They also have a special course for the very young.

The Limousin is known as the Lake District of France with dozens of beautiful lakes, many with artificial beaches. The lake at Lauriere, just 10 minutes away, is a beautiful beach lake with large grassed areas and shade, has pedaloes, crazy golf, a bar and is perfect for a leisurely picnic.

If fishing is your forte, then you are spoiled for choice with so many lakes and rivers to choose from, some offering day tickets. Alternatively there are special holiday permits available which allow you to fish most of the lakes and rivers.

There is something here for all ages, the Parc du Reynou - an open zoo where you can walk amongst the animals (not the lions obviously!), The Aquarium in Limoges, La Labryinthe giant maze at Gueret - the largest in the world, the Wolf park, Parc Bellevue with fairground rides, swimming pools, karting and artificial climbing. These are just a few.

In fact there is so much to the Limousin that we have our own website dedicated to the history and attractions of the region. The-Limousin.co.uk

As in most of France, the region has many fine chateaux to explore, however, for a piece of modern history then a walk around the martyred village of Oradour Sur Glane is a stark reminder of mans inhumanity to man. Almost the entire population, 632 men, women and children were rounded up and massacred by an SS Panzer division from Strasbourg and the town burned to the ground. It has been preserved in its original state as a memorial to those who perished and a new town was built nearby. It truly is a unique experience, and a unique place.

Limoges has its own special history, not only for fine porcelain but also for its butchers. Much of the old city has been preserved and a walk through the butchers quarter, with it's quaint shops and restaurants is a must for any visit there.

As with all of France, the Limousin has many fine restaurants to suit all pockets. We can thoroughly recommend Le Moulin au Fieux, a friendly restaurant 5 minutes from our cottages, for outstanding cuisine in picturesque surroundings.