Limousin and the Creuse region of France are renowned for outdoor pursuits - there is great fishing, cycling, horse-riding, and lots of walks to enjoy, not forgetting hearty cuisine and a very warm welcome.
Below are a selection of activities to get you started - see links page for more details.
Activities & Days Out
Bourganeuf has its own tourist information office located under the Zizim Tower.
Golf - there is a 9 hole golf course with driving range located in Bourganeuf at 28 Route de Gueret apparently it is one of the toughest short courses in France - booking is recommended and there and the course is open year round - on the main route from Bourganeuf to Limoges there is an 18 hole golf course - there is a full set of clubs located at the house.
Fishing - a major activity in this part of France to the point where you can purchase a cheap rod in the supermarket - there is an abundance of lakes and even schools - licences are required - see link.
Cycling & Walking - if you are fit bring your bike - the landscape undulates but flat surfaces for a leisurely cycle can be found at Lac Vassiviere - located about 20 minutes from Bourganeuf, this is the largest man-made in France, it is surrounded by bike trails and footpaths, boat hire is available and there is a free water taxi. Located at the centre of the lake is a chateau with exhibition areas, a lighthouse and a small menagerie. There are manmade beaches, playgrounds, picnic and camping areas, water ski-ing and horse-riding is available. During summer this is a very popular destination and autumn sees the beautiful turning leaves. Definitely worth a few, relaxing days out.
The Maze at Gueret - located on Route de Bourganeuf, Gueret - this is the largest maze in the world covering 2 hectares, open Feb - Nov - there is also a restaurant and other activities like paint-balling and a mini farm.
Les Loupes de Chabrieres - The Wolves of Chabrieres - this is a wolf sanctuary located close to Gueret - open all afternoon June, July & August you can see wolves in as close to their natural habitat as possible - you can see the wolves being fed. There are other activities such as a small farm and museum.
L'Aquarium du Limousin - located in Limoges at 2 Boulevard Gambetta - open all year round with the exception of Christmas and New Years Day.
Musee National de la Porcelaine Adrien Dubouche - Place Winston Churchill, Limoges - museum of porcelain.
Parc du Reynou - Le Vigen - nr Limoges - zoo & gardens, April - September 10 - 7pm - open yr thru but dates and times may vary includes a cafe, shop & picnic area.
Museum of Electricity - Bourganeuf - Bourganeuf was one of the very first places in Europe to benefit from electricity open mid June to September - 10-12 & 2-6pm except Tuesdays.
Maison du Tapissier - Aubusson -is renowned for its tapestry and rug making and the museum houses permanent exhibitions and period furniture - located across from the main car park - Aubusson is also a very nice little town.
Lac Vassiviere - Huge man-made lake with sunbathing, watersports, swimming, dining, boat rides and tours and a mansion housing modern art exhibitions - located about 20 miles from the house and a great day out.
Local Markets - each town has its own market assume mornings on the below dates
Bourganeuf - Wednesday
Gueret - Thursday and Satruday
Aubusson - Saturday
La Soutteraine - Thursday and Saturday
Limoges - every day
Cinema - there are several cinemas in Limoges some of which show English language films.
Food & Drink
Hazelnuts and mushrooms are abundant in this region of France and Limousin cattle are world renowned for the quality of their meat.
Pastis - aniseed flavoured aperitif with licorice and sugar usually taken with water - it can be mixed for cocktails such as 'Death in the Afternoon' mixed with Champagne.
Creusois Cake - made from butter and hazelnuts can be served with custard - creme anglais.
Pate de Pomme de Terre - Potato Pie
There are plenty of places to eat and I am sure you will discover a few hidden treasures.
La Mezzanine - Bourganeuf - a lovely little bar and restaurant located on the town square, pop in for coffee and Cognac, the lunchtime plat du jour or an evening meal - the waiter is called David, speaks perfect English and is lovely. Wi-fi is available at €4 per hour.
There are a couple of take away pizza places in Bourganeuf and even a mobile fish and chip van which visits Bourganeuf on the last Saturday of the month - serves English cut chips and Pukka Pies!
La Belle Epoque - Gueret - located two doors down from our bank on Place Bonnyaud - unfortunate really as every time we have paid some money in we have immediately spent it on lunch! Brilliant value lunchtime menu, generous portions, excellent service and lovely decor.
For self catering purposes Bourganeuf has a very well stocked Carrefour.
