Chalus, Haute-Vienne, Limousin: a natural gem to explore

Cross the square under the plane trees towards the stadium, and follow the gymnasium to join the voie verte. Follow the cycle path for 1 km, turn left at the first chicane, then left again at the stop sign. At the intersection, turn right (observe the Giant Sequoia), then first left. Cross the railroad line, turn right at the next crossroads and drive for 3.500 km. After passing through the hamlet of Les Penauds, turn left. At the junction with the RN21, be very careful and cross the road. Follow this road for 4km. When you reach the station, turn left towards Espace Hermeline: a stopover is recommended, a leisure center with a pond, adventure course in the trees, bike-rail, mini-golf....Take the road back towards the village, at the intersection, turn left, then the first right and finally left. Continue for 2.5km, at the intersection tr

The only facility of its kind in Haute-Vienne and Limousin, the 13-kilometer Voie Verte des Hauts de Tardoire is built on a former railroad line. Located between Châlus and Oradour sur Vayres, it winds its way through unspoilt countryside, where rollerbladers, people with reduced mobility, hikers and cyclists can all enjoy a pleasant, safe walk (no motorized vehicles allowed). The Voie Verte des Hauts de Tardoire is located in the heart of the Périgord Limousin Regional Nature Park, and is an invitation to discover its cultural, natural and historical heritage. See the Château Châlus Chabrol, the Tardoire valley, the hemp drying shed, the wash house... Departures from Châlus, Champsac, Champagnac la rivière and Oradour sur Vayres train stations. Bikes and electric bikes available for hire.

The Richard Coeur de Lion West cycling loop takes in the rolling roads of western Limousin, in Haute-Vienne, in 4 stages and 10 sections. You'll cycle along the Voie Verte des Hauts de Tardoire and the V56 and V93 cycle routes. You'll visit the villages of Châlus, Rochechouart and Nexon, with their castles on the Richard the Lionheart discovery route. You'll pass through Limoges, the city with the largest concentration of services and facilities, and then the small villages where life is good, such as Oradour-sur-Vayres, Saint-Martin-de- Jussac, Saint-Priest-sous-Aixe, Aixe-sur-Vienne and Saint-Hilaire-les-Places. You can cycle this loop at your own pace, in sections, stages or all at once, depending on your mood and your cycling skills.

The Richard Coeur de Lion West cycling loop takes in the rolling roads of western Limousin, in Haute-Vienne, in 4 stages and 10 sections. You'll cycle along the Voie Verte des Hauts de Tardoire and the V56 and V93 cycle routes. You'll visit the villages of Châlus, Rochechouart and Nexon, with their castles on the Richard the Lionheart discovery route. You'll pass through Limoges, the city with the largest concentration of services and facilities, and then the small villages where life is good, such as Oradour-sur-Vayres, Saint-Martin-de- Jussac, Saint-Priest-sous-Aixe, Aixe-sur-Vienne and Saint-Hilaire-les-Places. You can cycle this loop at your own pace, in sections, stages or all at once, depending on your mood and your cycling skills.

A hike starting from Châlus to discover the hamlets and surrounding countryside. The circuit takes in part of the GR 654 -sentier de Saint-Jacques voie de Vézelay. You can extend the route with the Pinélous circuit.

The Pinelous trail from Châlus takes you through the heart of the Châlus countryside to discover the hamlets and the Limousin bocage. You'll enjoy several viewpoints over Châlus and the Châlus-Chabrol castle. You'll take part of the "voie verte des hauts de tardoire".

In 1908, a 19 year old English student, Thomas Edward Lawrence, became fascinated with the medieval period. To finish his thesis and live his passion, he decided to tour France by bicycle. Following the trail of Richard the Lionheart, he arrived in the summer of 1908 in Périgord, near the castle of Montaigne. Ambitious to celebrate his 20th birthday in the shadow of the tower of Châlus, where the Duke of Aquitaine and King of England once died, he set off along the roads of the Dordogne and described his impressions. You too can follow his itinerary and meet the monuments, characters and legends that attracted him!

This 8km trail starts with a climb to the village of La Grande Veyssière. The trail continues through the woods, skirting the stream of the Etang du Mas to end at the traditional village of Le Puy. You will take a path bordered by a low stone wall until you reach a road intersection, be careful. Another 1km before arriving at the village of Lautrette, cross it, a long stony descent follows until the crossing of the brook. You will cross some chestnut groves on 1km to join the road, go along it on some meters and finally take the way back.

On this walk along the Gorre, you'll discover some amazing trees and shrubs! These different species offer their virtues for the design of various musical instruments: violins, cellos, organs, flutes, guitars, pianos, harps, bagpipes and more. But also children's musical toys. Take advantage of the rest areas to listen to the songs of nature and build simple instruments with your children.

Enjoy a serene and pleasant stay at L'Escale Gourmande, ideally located in Châlus, near Limoges.

Sandrine and Dominique, originally from Lorraine, settled down a few years ago on the Atlantic coast vacation route, in the center of the village of Chalus. Their home is a beautiful maison de maître with heated swimming pool on the Limoges - Périgueux road. With a passion for decoration, they've hunted out and restored three guest rooms, one with a peaceful, romantic atmosphere, another with a vintage feel, and the third evoking the Belle Époque. Breakfast is served in the dining room.

La Voie Verte des Hauts de Tardoire is a 13-km section of an old railroad line that winds its way through unspoilt countryside, where hikers, cyclists, rollerbladers and people with disabilities can enjoy a pleasant, safe walk. The loop and audio-guided nature walks invite you to discover our cultural, natural and historical heritage. Picnic tables are at your disposal, and numerous activities are offered all year round. In Châlus, the old railway station has been converted into a space where you can hire adapted equipment (mountain bikes and VTCs, electric or non-electric, rollerblades, tandems, recumbent tricycles, push bikes, carts, etc.) from April to November. Open all year round, equipment hire by prior online reservation.

Élodie and Eric have travelled the length and breadth of France, and in May 2022, they decided to settle down! They fell under the spell of this house in need of renovation. After a year of renovation and a good dose of energy, they brought Résidence Loanie" to life in June 2023. On the ground floor, they installed a comfortable 25m² guest room, with private shower room and toilet, workspace and extra sofa bed. It can accommodate up to 4 people. Guests also have access to a dining room and kitchenette (60 m²). Last October, to complete their services, they opened "L'Alternative", an alternative health and wellness center. Guests staying at the Residence can, if they wish, take advantage of the center's wellness services.

Located in the heart of the village of Châlus, the Hôtel du Centre offers 4 affordable rooms. On-site restaurant open every day except Monday, with the option of lunch on the terrace.

At only 2 Km from Chalus, in the countryside, the house opens onto a beautiful terrace with a view of a ornamental pond, the site is superb and restful. Warm and cordial welcome. On the spot a gite for 8 persons.

In the middle of nature, the restored farmhouse opens on a park with trees and flowers and a pond on a property of 7 ha where the owners' house with 2 guest rooms and the gite, located at the end. The gite has a fully enclosed 8000 m² garden with a private heated swimming pool for the gite, open from June to September depending on the weather conditions.

Frédérique welcomes you to her country house in the heart of the Limousin region. Located in the commune of Châlus, this town with its rich history is part of the Périgord-Limousin Regional Nature Park, 35 km from Limoges and a few kilometers from the Dordogne. You'll enjoy a calm and pleasant setting, with the possibility of sporting and/or cultural activities. The rooms are located on one of the routes to Santiago de Compostela. - Chambre Glycine: Independent access. Double bed with the possibility of an extra bed. Breakfast served in room. Cooking facilities available in a separate kitchen at extra cost. Private bathroom (shower) and toilet. - Chambre Tilleul : Independent access. Double bed, wardrobe and breakfast table. Private bathroom (shower) and toilet. Refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker.

At the gates of the Périgord and in the heart of the Regional Natural Park, a pretty stone house situated in the large flowered garden where the owners' house is also located. The gîte opens at the back onto a shaded and totally independent enclosed plot of land with a gazebo and swing.

Renovated farmhouse with very bright living room, equipped kitchen opening onto living room. Bathroom with Italian shower and bathtub, not forgetting the double washbasin. On the first floor, there's a bedroom with two single beds. On the second floor, there are two further bedrooms, one with a double bed and the other with two single beds. There's plenty of storage space in all rooms and on the landing, with all the comforts you need for a comfortable stay. Bed linen, towels and tea towels are provided at no extra charge. We can also provide breakfast every Saturday and Sunday morning and on public holidays, for an additional charge of 8 euros per person, payable on site.

This rural park, due to open in summer 2024, is a convivial place accessible to all (games, walks, fitness trail, picnic breaks, etc.) but also a privileged place for observing nature and biodiversity. The variety of wetlands at the bottom of the valley is conducive to a high level of biodiversity: flora associated with rush marshes, cardamom meadows, flowering undergrowth and wet forests form habitats favorable to amphibians, birds, insects and mammals. The ponds and willow riparian zone are ecosystems in their own right. The valley is a real biodiversity reserve and educational tool. The meadows will soon be home to sheep, goats and horses, and the ruin de la Hulotte and the future belvedere will be the focal points for appreciating this typical rural landscape. Come and discover!

Immerse yourself in the history of Châlus by opening the doors of the visitor centre, housed in the former station concourse and freely accessible throughout the summer. An illuminated map reveals all the region?s tourist attractions at a glance, while visual, tactile and audio aids take you on a captivating journey through the history of the station, local geology and the skills that shape the region, with content available in English and Braille. This lively venue also hosts the Voie Verte des Hauts de Tardoire cycle hire service, perfect for prolonging your discovery of the countryside.

La Voie Verte des Hauts de Tardoire is a 13-km section of an old railroad line that winds its way through unspoilt countryside, where hikers, cyclists, rollerbladers and people with disabilities can enjoy a pleasant, safe walk. The loop and audio-guided nature walks invite you to discover our cultural, natural and historical heritage. Picnic tables are at your disposal, and numerous activities are offered all year round. In Châlus, the old railway station has been converted into an area where you can hire equipment (mountain bikes and VTCs, electric or non-electric, rollerblades, tandems, recumbent tricycles, push bikes, carts, etc.) from April to November & in July and August, equipment can be hired at Oradour-sur-Vayres, by prior reservation online or by telephone. Free access all year round.

Several picnic areas with tables, benches and nearby toilets are available in the commune. The first is behind the Maison de l'Intercommunalité. The second is at the start of the Voie Verte des Hauts de Tardoire, in a quiet, leafy setting.

Housed in former stables in the center of Châlus, the Pays de Châlus eco-museum invites you to discover local history, heritage and traditions. A permanent exhibition features numerous objects reflecting the way of life in the Limousin countryside in the 19th and 20th centuries. A reconstructed living room takes visitors back to a not-so-distant past. Numerous farming and carpentry tools are on display. Immerse yourself in local history and discover the heritage of the Pays de Châlus: castles, churches, rituals and traditions, past events, famous people... The Association's volunteers will tell you all about local history, spiced up with anecdotes. Guided tours for groups on request.

Once a prestigious residence, this château was built in 1280 by Géraud de Maulmont, advisor to the Viscountess of Limoges, Marguerite de Bourgogne. It suffered considerable damage, notably during the French Revolution. Dismantled in 1790 and used as a prison, its roof collapsed in 1928 and its tower in 1994. Today, its remains are an interesting reminder of a late 13th-century castle. As early as the Middle Ages, an agglomeration grew up around it, resulting in the construction of a new church and cemetery. Guided tours for groups all year round (maximum 10 people), by prior arrangement.

Built in the 12th-13th centuries, the church was originally the castle chapel. Richard C?ur de Lion's entrails are said to be buried here. The porch of the gateway to the castle courtyard, the triumphal arch separating the nave from the choir, and a niche with an accolade in the chapel all remain. A capital from the Romanesque choir is still in situ. Fragments of columns, capitals and statue supports are housed in the château.

A must-see destination, Châlus-Chabrol is known the world over as the symbol of the famous King of England, Richard the Lionheart. He was mortally wounded here in 1199. The crossbow bolt he received made him suffer for several days before he breathed his last at the foot of the large chimney in the guard room. The château still represents the resistance of the Viscounts of Limoges against the Plantagenets. It has belonged to illustrious families such as the Sully, Albret, Borgia and Bourbon families. King Richard's entrails rest in the chapel. Store and refreshment bar on site.

As evidenced by the remains of mosaics and potsherds discovered in the mid-19th century, the church at Lageyrat was most likely built on the site of a Gallo-Roman villa, from which the area undoubtedly derives its name (Lageyrat or Lageyrac, the suffix -ac meaning "estate" in Gallo-Roman times). The church, dedicated to the protomartyr Etienne, was probably founded very early, perhaps as early as the Merovingian period. Although some parts of the building, such as the nave and entrance door, may date from the 11th century, it is now mainly Gothic in appearance, thanks to the 15th-century reconstruction of the choir, transept and square bell tower surmounting the transept cross. The latter parts are vaulted, but only the north arm of the transept has retained its original vaulting.

Under the patronage of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens, Pageas church was rebuilt between 1449 and 1499, the previous church having been destroyed. On the outside, the solidly-built edifice features a fine collection of sculpted modillions under the roof frame. The pointed-arch portal is of the Limousin type, with a single arch and a large eight-leaf rose window. The bell tower is covered with chestnut shingles. Inside, the nave has three pointed-arched bays supported by round or prismatic columns. The transept, also vaulted, is topped by an oculus providing access to the bell tower. In the nave, part of the plaster remains, revealing part of the liter bearing the coat of arms of the du Masnadaud family. In the choir, the keystone is adorned with a cross-bearing lamb. Traces of a "Tree of Jesse" can also be seen towards the gallery.

Marica-Lise and Benjamin welcome you to their hotel-restaurant in the commune of Châlus. Located in the heart of the Périgord-Limousin Regional Nature Park, you'll be sure to satisfy your desire to discover the town, notably by visiting the unmissable Château de Châlus-Chabrol or the Pays de Châlus Eco-museum. Enjoy traditional regional cuisine, just like at home. All-you-can-eat buffet. Menus and takeaways available. Ample parking nearby, ideal for truckers and other travelers in search of flavors.

Artisanal pizzas made with quality products, dough kneaded daily on site and made with French wheat guaranteed GMO-free. Sweet and savoury pizzas, drinks and desserts to take away.

Patricia Kergroach's mobile crêperie "La P'tite Krêpe" offers you home-made crêpes and galettes, from a varied menu and recipes featuring organic and, wherever possible, local produce. Its specialty is the "Guémené" galette made with andouille sausage; but if you're more of a sweet tooth, let yourself be persuaded by the crêpe with homemade caramel beurre salé or chestnut cream. Alternatively, you can compose your own galette with the ingredients of your choice! Patricia also offers her services, to order, for events (weddings, birthdays, seminars, etc.) and local functions.

Cyrille offers simple cuisine based on good, local produce.

Located in the heart of Châlus, the Hôtel-Restaurant du Centre invites you to enjoy pizzas, takeaways and vegetarian menus with family and friends. In summer, enjoy the lovely terrace in the historic heart of the town. A stone's throw away, be sure to visit the Galerie "Pierre Desproges", a former haberdashery, which showcases local artists in summer. The famous humorist who gave his name to the place lived here in Châlus for several years, where his grandparents were shopkeepers.

In a contemporary, minimalist setting, Carine and Sabrina welcome you indoors or out on the terrace when the weather's fine, and offer a traditional cuisine of home-cooked dishes made with seasonal produce, as well as themed evenings on Fridays.

Le Relais de la Tour is open for lunch and dinner (7:00am - 9:00pm) from Monday to Friday - Closed on Saturdays and Sundays, except for group bookings. With a capacity of 140 covers, it is equipped with 2 rooms ideal for group meals, families, etc. ... Menus, formulas and à la carte menus.

Located in the authentic village of Bussière-Galant, this traditional restaurant serves delicious regional cuisine. On the menu: a choice of 3 starters, main courses and desserts.

Helle and Stuart welcome you to their charming restaurant in Bussière-Galant, near the Espace-Hermeline. Enjoy succulent traditional French dishes, prepared on site. On Friday evenings, don't miss the unmissable fish and chips menu.

In the heart of unspoilt countryside, enjoy an unforgettable brunch in a medieval atmosphere at La Taverne, opposite the Château de Montbrun. A la carte meals made with organic and local produce, children's menu and shaded terrace with greenery in fine weather. Gourmet meals. The tavern is open at lunchtime, and the rest of the day until 9:30pm for drinks, desserts, crêpes and ice creams. From July to August, continuous service from 12pm to 10pm.

Enjoy a serene and pleasant stay at L'Escale Gourmande, ideally located in Châlus, near Limoges.

Set in a large wooded park, the Village de Vacances de la Sapinière is adjacent to the sports park. In the shade of large chestnut trees, 20 bungalows can accommodate 4 to 5 holidaymakers. A large 6-place bungalow completes the accommodation on offer. Admission to the swimming pool is free for village guests. Pets are welcome if kept on a leash, tattooed and vaccinated.

Sandrine and Dominique, originally from Lorraine, settled down a few years ago on the Atlantic coast vacation route, in the center of the village of Chalus. Their home is a beautiful maison de maître with heated swimming pool on the Limoges - Périgueux road. With a passion for decoration, they've hunted out and restored three guest rooms, one with a peaceful, romantic atmosphere, another with a vintage feel, and the third evoking the Belle Époque. Breakfast is served in the dining room.

Élodie and Eric have travelled the length and breadth of France, and in May 2022, they decided to settle down! They fell under the spell of this house in need of renovation. After a year of renovation and a good dose of energy, they brought Résidence Loanie" to life in June 2023. On the ground floor, they installed a comfortable 25m² guest room, with private shower room and toilet, workspace and extra sofa bed. It can accommodate up to 4 people. Guests also have access to a dining room and kitchenette (60 m²). Last October, to complete their services, they opened "L'Alternative", an alternative health and wellness center. Guests staying at the Residence can, if they wish, take advantage of the center's wellness services.

Located in the heart of the village of Châlus, the Hôtel du Centre offers 4 affordable rooms. On-site restaurant open every day except Monday, with the option of lunch on the terrace.

Ideally located near the RN21. Water tokens available from the station.

At only 2 Km from Chalus, in the countryside, the house opens onto a beautiful terrace with a view of a ornamental pond, the site is superb and restful. Warm and cordial welcome. On the spot a gite for 8 persons.

In the middle of nature, the restored farmhouse opens on a park with trees and flowers and a pond on a property of 7 ha where the owners' house with 2 guest rooms and the gite, located at the end. The gite has a fully enclosed 8000 m² garden with a private heated swimming pool for the gite, open from June to September depending on the weather conditions.

Frédérique welcomes you to her country house in the heart of the Limousin region. Located in the commune of Châlus, this town with its rich history is part of the Périgord-Limousin Regional Nature Park, 35 km from Limoges and a few kilometers from the Dordogne. You'll enjoy a calm and pleasant setting, with the possibility of sporting and/or cultural activities. The rooms are located on one of the routes to Santiago de Compostela. - Chambre Glycine: Independent access. Double bed with the possibility of an extra bed. Breakfast served in room. Cooking facilities available in a separate kitchen at extra cost. Private bathroom (shower) and toilet. - Chambre Tilleul : Independent access. Double bed, wardrobe and breakfast table. Private bathroom (shower) and toilet. Refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker.

At the gates of the Périgord and in the heart of the Regional Natural Park, a pretty stone house situated in the large flowered garden where the owners' house is also located. The gîte opens at the back onto a shaded and totally independent enclosed plot of land with a gazebo and swing.