Explore the gems of Etagnac, Charente, Poitou-Charentes

Departure from Étagnac village hall. Ponds and forest. A quiet walk in the heart of nature. Passage to Château de Rochebrune, where the trail passes through the park, which can be visited in summer (July and August), and also in September for Heritage Days. Very few roads. On the spot there's toilets 🚾 on the side of the village hall, and 100m away bakery, butcher's shop, and in the opposite direction the relay restaurant, vast parking lot to welcome you. (Green circuit markings)

Departure from Etagnac salle des fêtes. New route with the link to join the Val de Vienne circuit. Be careful, there are barriers on the link which must be closed after passing through if you wish to continue on it. Blue circuit markings.

This trail is constantly on two levels, one terraced, the other clinging to the hillside. Passage near the Etricor chapel, Beaulieu former hamlet of the commune of Chassenon, with 4 diversions of 4-7-8-10 km Blue signposting. At the Etagnac roundabout, take the D193 towards Chassenon. At the bottom of the road, there is a car park on the right, 3km away (blue route markings).

Cross the village of Chaumeix and its lake and walk around the Bugearas pond. Enjoy the architectural heritage in the village of Chaillac (Romanesque and Gothic church from the 12th and 15th centuries, classified as a historical monument, water pump, "sarcophagus", cross).

Departure from salle des fêtes parking lot: nearby shelters, toilets, sports café, bakery, butcher's shop. Circuit through the countryside, returning along the banks of the river Vienne. Unmarked route.

With its 46 hectares, the large island of Chaillac is the largest of all the islands in the Vienne. This walk around the island allows you to discover all the richness of the fauna and flora. You can also explore the site by following the interpretation trail.

This 2 kilometre trail is located on one of the largest islands in the Vienne. It focuses on the discovery of the human and natural heritage of the island. The walk, very easy, is marked out with small markers which reveal the treasures of this part of the island. This is an opportunity to get to know the diving cingle or the water robin, which can be seen during their migrations in autumn and winter. The island now belongs to the Community of Communes, and a farm is installed there. It carries out an activity of market gardening, breeding.

One of the circuits for the duck festival, leading to the Lac de Lavaud. The only difficulty is the distance of 17km.

The "Circuit aux portes de la Charente" takes you through the Limousin countryside to discover its natural (streams and ponds) and architectural (fountains) heritage. Don't miss Rochechouart and its castle overlooking the Graine valley. Option to shorten the tour.

Discover the remarkable trees of the Parc Naturel Régional Périgord-Limousin. Leaving Rochechouart, head for the commune of Chéronnac, where the source of the river Charente is located. 1.5 kilometers further on, take a bend in the road to discover the exceptional natural site of Peyrassoulat and the Tardoire, home to multi-century-old trees. On the way back, cross the village of Biennac and its 13th-century church, and walk to the majestic Bramefan oak, measuring 4.60 m in circumference.

Bordering the Charente, 5 km from Saint Junien, Chaillac boasts a leisure complex with bowling, laser game, indoor soccer and restaurant. The totally independent, unoverlooked gîte opens onto a terrace overlooking lawned grounds and a 6x4 m above-ground heated swimming pool open from June to the end of September. Route départementale 86 passes right by the property.

Just a 10-minute walk from the center of Rochechouart and its château, Champ des Oiseaux is a beautiful architect-designed house surrounded by a large park with trees and flowers, set in 3 hectares of meadows. The 3 bedrooms with en-suite shower rooms are on the first floor. In the morning, enjoy breakfast with homemade jam made from fruit from the orchard and a view of the surrounding countryside: a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!

The Renaissance is on the heights of Saint Junien, a city of character, a city of leather, paper and porcelain. Pascale and Gilles from Alsace have fallen in love with this place where they live. They have renovated the old farmhouse and its non-adjoining sheepfold into a cosy, charming, independent gîte. It opens at the back to a pleasant, spacious and sheltered terrace, grounds with a private above-ground swimming pool and views over the countryside. The swimming pool (5 m 4 x 5 m 4, depth 1 m 3) is open from June 1st to September 30th depending on weather conditions. Hiking trails pass near the gîte, Saint Junien offers a variety of activities: fishing in the Glane and Vienne rivers, visits, golf, aqua-recreation centre... The mounts of Blond are nearby.

Le gîte du Manoir has been created in the heart of the Manoir des Perrières, a guest house nestled in magnificent grounds with a heated swimming pool at the entrance to the village of Rochechouart. It is an extension of the tea room (open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and close to a restaurant due to open in 2025. The swimming pool is shared with guests of the Domaine's 5 guest rooms. Comfortable and elegantly decorated, the gîte boasts a touch of originality in the second-floor bedroom, designed as a cabin overlooking the ground-floor bedroom, while preserving total privacy.

The Manoir des Perrières is a beautiful residence nestled in magnificent grounds with heated swimming pool (open from 1/05 to 30/09) at the entrance to the village of Rochechouart. The restoration of this beautiful residence was orchestrated by architect Nelly. Her vision was to create 5 comfortable guest rooms for 2 to 4 people. On the first floor, a breakfast room and lounge are at guests' disposal. With her architectural eye, Nelly has taken particular care with the decor, giving the place elegance and refinement. The choice of furniture, lighting, curtains and carpets has been made with delicacy and taste. She has combined functionality with charm. On site, a small tea room has also found its place next to the guest house, with Lauren at the helm. Together, they will welcome you to this unusual place ...

The Hôtel de France is located in the historic center of Rochechouart, near the Maison de la Météorite and the château housing the Haute-Vienne Museum of Contemporary Art. It has 12 fully renovated rooms, including one accessible to the disabled. The restaurant has an indoor dining room and a terrace for fine weather.

The village of Babaudus lies on the heights overlooking the Graine valley. The houses and barns, built of meteorite breccia, are surrounded by gardens. Marie's house opens onto a courtyard bordered by the old barn, enclosed by a low wall and a palisade, and onto a terrace overlooking a meadow and vegetable garden. This gîte has been awarded the "eco-gite", "eco-gesture" and "biodiversity" certifications, guaranteeing a stay in which preserving the environment is a priority.

In the heart of the pretty village of Rochechouart, nestled at the end of a picturesque lane, is the Lemosin gîte, carefully renovated by Sabrina and Frédéric. This comfortable, well-decorated gîte offers the ideal setting for a stay right in the center of town, just a stone's throw from local shops. Thanks to its privileged location, guests can explore the cultural riches of the area, such as the Château de Rochechouart with its contemporary art center, and other nearby historic sites. It's the perfect base from which to discover the treasures of the local heritage.

Moon River warmly welcomes you to its accommodation on the banks of the Vienne river in Saint-Junien. The house features a kitchen opening onto the living room, as well as a bedroom with en-suite bathroom. A small terrace is also available, so you can enjoy the soothing setting for your meals and breakfast. For a moment of relaxation, an outdoor sauna and jacuzzi are available and included in the price for stays of more than one night. On the same site is the snack bar (also run by the owners), offering light meals. Parents are advised to be vigilant when staying by the river.

The Moon River also offers bed & breakfast accommodation! Adjacent to the gîte and on the same site as the snack bar, enjoy the same warm setting on the banks of the Vienne. Downstairs, you'll find a large common room with kitchen, dining room and lounge. Upstairs are the bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom. For a moment of relaxation, an open-air sauna and jacuzzi are available and included in the price for stays of more than one night. On the same site is the snack bar (also run by the owners), offering light meals. Parents are advised to be vigilant when staying by the river.

This village of ancient origins was part of the Viscounty of Rochechouart in the Middle Ages. The last of the Haute-Vienne communes, Saillat-sur-Vienne was created in 1928, and was previously a cadastral section of the neighboring commune of Chaillac. The Saillat-sur-Vienne site is one of Limousin?s industrial flagships, and Europe?s leading producer of office paper. For relaxation, the commune boasts a large-capacity village hall, an ornamental park, hiking trails between the Vienne and Glane rivers, and a landscaped pond for outdoor activities such as picnicking, fishing and pétanque.

The Ile de Chaillac is the largest island on the Vienne, measuring 3 kilometers long and 300 meters wide. Two loops enable you to discover its wealth of flora and fauna.

The Le Village leisure complex is all about sharing laughter and fun: play area (1 to 12 years) with slides, trampoline, climbing... bowling (from age 10), laser game (from age 7), indoor soccer. Just a few minutes from Saint-Junien, this complex is the perfect place to spend some quality family time. Feeling peckish? There's a restaurant upstairs for those with a big appetite, or let yourself be tempted by a sweet treat at the indoor bar.

Looking to fill up on local produce? Look no further than L'Oignon fait la force, in Rochechouart! Organic vegetables and berries are grown here and sold direct from the farm on Fridays (June to December) from 4:30pm to 7pm. You'll also find natural sourdough bread, fruit juices, honey, eggs, preserved vegetables and local beers, among other things. Other sales outlets include: Biocoop in Saint-Junien, Saveurs fermières in Limoges, and the Rochechouart school restaurant.

The village, perched on the left bank of the Vienne river, has many attractions. It huddles around its bell tower and a small square dedicated to Frédéric Mistral. The church of Saint-Saturnin offers a striking contrast between the austerity of its façade and the beauty of its interior architecture. The south chapel, an example of Limousin Gothic art, features 15th-century frescoes. Chaillac offers a wide range of activities, including fishing and hiking, as well as the "Le Village" leisure complex with bowling, laser tag and children's games. Fancy a stroll along the water's edge? Go to Chaillac Island!

Rochechouart cemetery boasts a unique monument: the tomb of wine merchant Léonce Chabernaud. He died in 1953, and wanted a lightning wagon to be installed over his grave. The large barrel is made of concrete on wheels (the exact effigy of the lightning wagon), with a capacity of 100 hectolitres, and is mounted on rails. It is stained red, and the epitaph reads: "Léonce Chabernaud, vins en gros, Rochechouart".

This bridge, which used to cross the Glane on the old salt route linking the town to the Atlantic Ocean, is unusual in that it is angled. Built in the 13th century of fine ashlar, it features three pointed arches. A great way to get to the Corot site from the side of the industrial buildings, on foot or by bike.

The hermit Amand settled on the banks of the Vienne, near a ford, to live in prayer. He was joined in 500 by Junien, and the two of them went on to help travelers cross the ford. When he died, Amand was buried near his hermitage. In the 11th century, his grave was found, and a church was built over it. In the 16th century, the Récollet brothers took possession of the site, which had become dilapidated. The abbey was rebuilt to include a church, refectory and monastic cells. During the French Revolution, the entire property was sold to Sieur Bernard, a miller, who in turn sold it to Sieur Périgord, sub-prefect of Rochechouart. The latter demolished the buildings and used the materials to build retaining walls, giving the abbey its fortified appearance. Today, only the north transept remains, and gardens have been laid out.

In the 9th century, the Charroux Abbey created a priory on the site of the present-day church. Consecrated in 1060 or 1067, Saint-Sauveur church is an exceptional example of 11th-century Romanesque art, in all its purity and austerity. Note the spiral-shaped spire, which dates from the late 18th century (1767-1774). Spires of this type are rare, and many people explain their shape by numerous legends... Note the frescoes inside, one from the 15th century, the other by Greschny in 1969. The church's gallery houses a Museum of Sacred Art.

An extraordinary event in the planet?s history took place in the Rochechouart, Chassenon region? 200 million years ago. An asteroid measuring one and a half kilometers in diameter completed its journey at 72,000 km/h. The Espace Météorite Paul Pellas is a permanent exhibition space, with a range of activities focusing on a number of themes: the solar system, meteorites, the effects and consequences of falling objects, impact craters around the world, and the French Astroblème de Rochechouart-Chassenon crater. In an area of around 150 m², rock and meteorite samples, educational panels, models, computer terminals and video projections help you to better understand the subjects, and on your way out, you can stop by a small store.

Just a few minutes from Saint-Junien, the Winch Grill welcomes you to a bucolic setting overlooking the Bujaras lake. Nestled in the Le Village leisure complex, enjoy a family outing to recharge your batteries after a game of bowling or laser tag. The menu offers something for everyone: salads, burgers, grilled meats? Takeaway also available!

Restaurant, bar-tabac, with shaded terrace at the back of the building.

L'Estaminet du Château is located in the historic center of Rochechouart. For all gourmets, dishes as beautiful as they are tasty are on offer, made with products carefully selected from local producers. To respect products and seasons, the menu changes every 15 days - 1 month, so there's no excuse not to return! In summer, enjoy the guiguette atmosphere and its concerts (program on the Facebook page).

While walking in the historical center of Rochechouart, you can stop at the hotel-restaurant de France. With a menu on a slate or of the day, you can be tempted by seasonal dishes cooked with local and regional products.

Located behind Rochechouart church, in the heart of the historic town center, Café des Sports offers fast food at lunchtime. A terrace is available for snacking: croque-monsieur, panini (ham and cheese, 4 cheeses), crêpes, cookies, ice creams and drinks to take away? For vegetarians, a 4-cheese panini awaits you. Snacking is only available from June to the end of October.

Dans L'Même Panier "Casse-Croûte" is an extension of the local produce store in the town center. On the banks of the Graine, Vincent and his team offer you a buffet for 20?/person: hot drinks, soup served in a cauldron and all-you-can-eat bread (tea, coffee), a plate of cold meats and cheeses, six make-your-own crêpes accompanied by jams, honey or spreads, not forgetting a glass of wine or hot chocolate. You can also add local products and artisanal drinks to your basket! In fine weather, you can enjoy the beautiful terrace overlooking the river, and if the weather turns cloudy, discover the charming interior room. Visit our Facebook page to see what's on. The room can be privatized for all your events.

On the banks of the Vienne River, discover the Moon River snack bar for a quiet break, just 5 minutes from the town center. On the menu: burgers, fish and chips, pizzas, salads and drinks of all kinds. Vegetarian options are available on request. The perfect place to unwind on theme nights. Want to relax? You can book a wellness and meal package for 2 to 6 people. For 2 hours, enjoy the sauna, Jacuzzi and deckchairs, followed by a meal with drinks!

Just outside Saint-Junien, the Le Relais de Comodoliac restaurant welcomes you in a warm and cosy atmosphere: large armchairs, white tablecloths, greenery, fireplace? You'll find modern, tasty cuisine. When the weather's fine, enjoy the lovely shaded terrace overlooking the park. Every lunchtime, you can take away the daily starter-main course-dessert menu.

The Fleur de Lotus restaurant offers you a cuisine that takes you on a journey to Asia. Vietnamese, Chinese and Thai specialties await you.

This bar-brasserie is located at the entrance to the town of Saint-Junien, for a short break at a low price.

Bordering the Charente, 5 km from Saint Junien, Chaillac boasts a leisure complex with bowling, laser game, indoor soccer and restaurant. The totally independent, unoverlooked gîte opens onto a terrace overlooking lawned grounds and a 6x4 m above-ground heated swimming pool open from June to the end of September. Route départementale 86 passes right by the property.

In the village of Chaillac-sur-Vienne, time almost seems to stand still. Nestled between the green hills of the Limousin region, on the banks of the river, you can breathe in the calm that is the charm and uniqueness of the French countryside. Access to La Barrière and its 2 bedrooms is via a small dead-end road, bordered by meadows. There's nothing better for a green and peaceful stay.

Just a 10-minute walk from the center of Rochechouart and its château, Champ des Oiseaux is a beautiful architect-designed house surrounded by a large park with trees and flowers, set in 3 hectares of meadows. The 3 bedrooms with en-suite shower rooms are on the first floor. In the morning, enjoy breakfast with homemade jam made from fruit from the orchard and a view of the surrounding countryside: a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!

The Renaissance is on the heights of Saint Junien, a city of character, a city of leather, paper and porcelain. Pascale and Gilles from Alsace have fallen in love with this place where they live. They have renovated the old farmhouse and its non-adjoining sheepfold into a cosy, charming, independent gîte. It opens at the back to a pleasant, spacious and sheltered terrace, grounds with a private above-ground swimming pool and views over the countryside. The swimming pool (5 m 4 x 5 m 4, depth 1 m 3) is open from June 1st to September 30th depending on weather conditions. Hiking trails pass near the gîte, Saint Junien offers a variety of activities: fishing in the Glane and Vienne rivers, visits, golf, aqua-recreation centre... The mounts of Blond are nearby.

Dating from the 18th century, Le Moulin de la Maillerie welcomes you to its verdant setting, with heated swimming pool from late May to mid-September, and private island. To recharge your batteries, take advantage of the estate's grounds, with easy access to hiking trails and the pretty town of Rochechouart, with its castle and museums. Come and experience a genuine moment of relaxation and rejuvenation. The site, with its canal, reach and lock, requires parents to be vigilant with young children.

Service area: industrial terminal. Facilities: oil and water changes. Parking area. Open all year round, except in frosty periods. Rates: 3? for 1h electricity or 100L water. FLOTS BLEU tokens available at the Tourist Office 6 Rue Victor Hugo and at the Café des Sports (species only) 9 place Dupuytren (behind the church).

Le gîte du Manoir has been created in the heart of the Manoir des Perrières, a guest house nestled in magnificent grounds with a heated swimming pool at the entrance to the village of Rochechouart. It is an extension of the tea room (open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and close to a restaurant due to open in 2025. The swimming pool is shared with guests of the Domaine's 5 guest rooms. Comfortable and elegantly decorated, the gîte boasts a touch of originality in the second-floor bedroom, designed as a cabin overlooking the ground-floor bedroom, while preserving total privacy.

The Manoir des Perrières is a beautiful residence nestled in magnificent grounds with heated swimming pool (open from 1/05 to 30/09) at the entrance to the village of Rochechouart. The restoration of this beautiful residence was orchestrated by architect Nelly. Her vision was to create 5 comfortable guest rooms for 2 to 4 people. On the first floor, a breakfast room and lounge are at guests' disposal. With her architectural eye, Nelly has taken particular care with the decor, giving the place elegance and refinement. The choice of furniture, lighting, curtains and carpets has been made with delicacy and taste. She has combined functionality with charm. On site, a small tea room has also found its place next to the guest house, with Lauren at the helm. Together, they will welcome you to this unusual place ...

Le Logis d'Aliénor is a two-storey bed and breakfast. It is located above the town's perfume and beauty store, run by the owner. Ideally located in the heart of Rochechouart's historic district, you're just a short stroll from the majestic château and its Museum of Contemporary Art, the Maison de la Réserve on the history of meteorites, hiking trails, the Tourist Office and local shops.

The Hôtel de France is located in the historic center of Rochechouart, near the Maison de la Météorite and the château housing the Haute-Vienne Museum of Contemporary Art. It has 12 fully renovated rooms, including one accessible to the disabled. The restaurant has an indoor dining room and a terrace for fine weather.