Discover Folles, Haute-Vienne, Limousin's Local Gems

Hiking through the Haute-Vienne in the magnificent massif of the Monts d'Ambazac, the first western foothills of the Massif Central, which culminate at 701 m altitude. You will walk through the Limousin mountains and its historical heritage. This hike will offer you many panoramas on the Monts d'Ambazac, and will take you through forests of deciduous trees, conifers and beech trees. Dive into the history of the 12th century, with the chapel of the monastic order of Grandmont (variant), and discover the many villages with traditional architecture.

A pleasant walk, without any particular difficulties, which will enable you to discover the local heritage (churches, Saint-Sulpice station and its alignments of ginkgo biloba trees, fountain and drinking trough) and to walk through the forest and the pond area.

In the land of Suzanne Valadon, between the water and the stones, you will take a walk of great tranquillity. The banks of the lake and the village of the same name, Sagnat, are worth a visit.

This 2-hour walk will take you through the countryside around Bessines-sur-Gartempe, with beautiful views and passages through sunken lanes. At the edge of the pond of Sagnat, discover the tree circuit and enjoy a swimming break during the summer.

Departing from Arrènes, come and discover this hearty, rugged gravel route, offering breathtaking views over the Monts d'Ambazac and Monts de Châtelus Le Marcheix landscapes. A cool break along the Thaurion gorges, with its river and lake. Gentle country lanes, small roads and forest paths, travel in the heart of a 100% natural environment. Take care at km 2.8 - 3.9 - 11.9 when crossing departmental roads.

Departure from the church. Follow the direction of Saint Goussaud (D48) until la Ronze. In the centre of the village turn right and then 200m further on take the path on the right. At the next crossroads follow the forest track on the right to Bossabut. In the heart of the village : - the A1 circuit enters Arrènes by the road on the right then at 500m by the path going down on the right.

Completely restored in 2023, the Chalet is nestled in the heart of the countryside in the Monts du Limousin. Detached house on a large private plot of 3000m² overlooking the pond (0.35 ha)

The holiday home is set in its own grounds of over 5 hectares, surrounded by fruit trees and fields, with no other buildings in sight.

Le Montheil is a small, flower-filled hamlet overlooking the Monts d'Ambazac, with uninterrupted views over the green, wooded countryside. The house next to Jenny and Peter's comprises 2 gîtes. It's an ideal base for exploring the hiking trails of the Monts d'Ambazac.

Le Montheil is a small, flower-filled hamlet overlooking the Monts d'Ambazac, with uninterrupted views over the green, wooded countryside. The house next to Jennie and Peter's comprises 2 gîtes. It's an ideal base for exploring the hiking trails of the Monts d'Ambazac.

During a guided tour lasting over an hour, the owners of Château du Chambon will take you through the 500-year history of this timelessly charming 15th-16th century manor house, a rare example of Renaissance architecture in the Limousin region. You'll discover not only the entire interior, but also the roof structure, the dovecote and the main courtyard with its terrace, gate and moat. This private château, listed as a Monument Historique, has recently undergone a major restoration campaign. Private visits all year round. Summer visits from August 15 to September 30. Telephone booking required.

The hamlet of Lavaud offers a large view on the Monts d'Ambazac and the surrounding meadows. From the hamlet, several hiking trails allow you to discover the marked relief of this area bordering the Creuse. The small church of Folles is a testimony of the rural Romanesque art, the viaduct of Rocherolles a model of its kind. The gîte, which is not overlooked, opens onto a terrace and a 600 m² enclosed plot of land. At the bottom of the plot is a private heated swimming pool (9.5 x 4.5), open from May 15 to the end of September, depending on the weather conditions, with a well-sheltered terrace with awning.

4 B&Bs for an overnight stay in the Limousin countryside

Just 6 km from Highway 20, this market-garden farm in the heart of the countryside offers a panoramic view of the Monts d'Ambazac. The three bedrooms are located in a stone cottage next to Hélène and her family's home. The house is surrounded by a vast ornamental garden, and the fruit and vegetables are grown organically. At breakfast, you'll enjoy fresh fruit and jams. You can also leave with a basket of vegetables (depending on the season).

The small house opens onto a terrace. It is surrounded by a vast garden of pleasure and production of fruits and vegetables led in Bio, near the family house and the small store of direct sale.

Welcome to Galachoux, nestled in the heart of the Monts d'Ambazac, near the Rivalier river. Our gîte offers a unique experience, combining calm and respect for nature. Ideal for family and friendly gatherings, this warm space is located in the center of France. The house, surrounded by greenery, reveals a beautiful landscape. The proximity of the Rivalier creates a soothing atmosphere, perfect for nature lovers. Our accommodation offers an environmentally-friendly experience. The 18th-century house, renovated in the 90s, combines old-world charm with modern amenities. The main room, with its fireplace and large dining table, offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, complemented by a small lounge for relaxing. The six bedrooms, spread over two floors, invite you to spend peaceful nights. Every window reveals a panoramic view, encouraging escape.

During a guided tour lasting over an hour, the owners of Château du Chambon will take you through the 500-year history of this timelessly charming 15th-16th century manor house, a rare example of Renaissance architecture in the Limousin region. You'll discover not only the entire interior, but also the roof structure, the dovecote and the main courtyard with its terrace, gate and moat. This private château, listed as a Monument Historique, has recently undergone a major restoration campaign. Private visits all year round. Summer visits from August 15 to September 30. Telephone booking required.

1st category lake, hand fishing station. Online sales www.federation-peche87.com

Lac du Pont-à-l?Âge covers an area of 49 hectares. It has a wild, singing character, where trees, water and stone create a harmonious, peaceful landscape. This reservoir on the Ardour was created in 1972 by the communes of Laurière and Folles to power a now closed hydroelectric plant. A long, narrow peninsula accessible via a ridgeline path is one of the most picturesque parts of the site.

Located in a protected Natura 2000 site and Zone Naturelle d?Intérêt Faunistique et Floristique, it was built over the river La Gartempe by the Compagnie du Paris-Orléans between 1852 and 1854, using stone cut from blue granite. It is 54.60 m high, 187 m long and comprises 12 arches on 2 levels. Up to 2,000 workers (earthworkers, carpenters, quarrymen, masons, blacksmiths) from the local area and other nationalities (Belgians, Italians) worked on it. The work cost 1.5 million gold francs.

It consists of a table weighing around 20 tonnes resting on 3 pillars. Another 6 m slab weighs 25 tonnes. Its slightly elongated chamber is trapezoidal in shape. It was excavated in 2003 and restored in 2006. Each new stone in the chamber's construction is marked by a brass pastille set into the mass and stamped with the date 2006.

Paulhac, a small village in the Creuse region, is one of the most pleasant in the area and is home to a remarkable Templar commandery. Built in the middle of the 12th century, the Paulhac commandery is a typical example of rural Limousin Gothic architecture, having served as a model for other Templar buildings in the area, such as Blaudeix, Chamberaud and Saint Moreil. Dating from the late 13th century, the large frescoes displayed here are one of Paulhac's major attractions. The Chapelle Saint Fiacre (Saint Fiacre Chapel), adjacent to the church and probably an oratory in the cemetery, features a symbolic flamboyant pediment? A keystone bears the coat of arms of Pierre d?Aubusson, lord of Merchois, Grand Master of the Hospitallers. The delicate sculpture of a dove adorns the central arch.

The town hall of this pretty village in the Monts du Limousin offers you the chance to take a picnic break right next to the fountain. Take the opportunity to visit the nearby church of l'Assomption-de-la-Très-Sainte-Vierge.

A picnic table is available just behind the town hall, a stone's throw from the shops, church and fountain!

The 13th-century church was built outside the village, but was rebuilt in 1833-1835 in the village itself and in the outbuildings of the former château. It is in the shape of an equal-armed cross, with a Romanesque dome. It was renovated in 1991-1992.

Situated above the village, originally Gallo-Roman and later a Commanderie Templière, the foreground offers a glimpse of an old farm and the Ardour valley, topped by the Monts d'Ambazac.

Burgers to take away and also on request (reservations required 36 hours in advance) quiches, tuna and tomato pie, potato and meat pies, apple flaugnarde, chocolate cake, custard,...

open-plan lunches and takeaway pizzas to order

The last 3 generations of the Nougier family have been striving to give guests the very best in fine cuisine. The chef uses only fresh ingredients ("maître restaurateur"since early December 2013). The stylish restaurant was awarded a "Bib Gourmand" by the Michelin Guide in 2007. It is also mentionned in the prestigious Guide Hubert.

Daily starter + main course or main course + dessert. Order your pizzas from Monday to Saturday, lunch and dinner. Pasta and Burgers

L'Auberge du Pont welcomes you to its restaurant for a convivial meal. To guarantee you a quality meal, the chef concocts dishes using fresh local produce. Limousin meats are a particular highlight.

Sandwiches, salads, burgers, pastries, macaroons and other delicacies to eat in the tea room or to take away.

Burger, panini, tortillas, sharing box

A lover of French gastronomy, Denis Pingaud is delighted to introduce you to the products of his region through quality cuisine. Fish and seafood to order

Lunch on reservation.

Completely restored in 2023, the Chalet is nestled in the heart of the countryside in the Monts du Limousin. Detached house on a large private plot of 3000m² overlooking the pond (0.35 ha)

The holiday home is set in its own grounds of over 5 hectares, surrounded by fruit trees and fields, with no other buildings in sight.

Typical Limousin country house, combining the cachet of the old with a touch of modernity to create a cocooning atmosphere. The property is located in a village in the heart of the Monts du Limousin

Le Montheil is a small, flower-filled hamlet overlooking the Monts d'Ambazac, with uninterrupted views over the green, wooded countryside. The house next to Jenny and Peter's comprises 2 gîtes. It's an ideal base for exploring the hiking trails of the Monts d'Ambazac.

Le Montheil is a small, flower-filled hamlet overlooking the Monts d'Ambazac, with uninterrupted views over the green, wooded countryside. The house next to Jennie and Peter's comprises 2 gîtes. It's an ideal base for exploring the hiking trails of the Monts d'Ambazac.

The hamlet of Lavaud offers a large view on the Monts d'Ambazac and the surrounding meadows. From the hamlet, several hiking trails allow you to discover the marked relief of this area bordering the Creuse. The small church of Folles is a testimony of the rural Romanesque art, the viaduct of Rocherolles a model of its kind. The gîte, which is not overlooked, opens onto a terrace and a 600 m² enclosed plot of land. At the bottom of the plot is a private heated swimming pool (9.5 x 4.5), open from May 15 to the end of September, depending on the weather conditions, with a well-sheltered terrace with awning.

4 B&Bs for an overnight stay in the Limousin countryside

Just 6 km from Highway 20, this market-garden farm in the heart of the countryside offers a panoramic view of the Monts d'Ambazac. The three bedrooms are located in a stone cottage next to Hélène and her family's home. The house is surrounded by a vast ornamental garden, and the fruit and vegetables are grown organically. At breakfast, you'll enjoy fresh fruit and jams. You can also leave with a basket of vegetables (depending on the season).

The small house opens onto a terrace. It is surrounded by a vast garden of pleasure and production of fruits and vegetables led in Bio, near the family house and the small store of direct sale.