Meilhards

Push open the door of St-Yrieix church (14th and 15th centuries) to discover the tomb of Marquis Philippe de Meilhards, maréchal de camp of Louis XIV; in the choir, an altarpiece by master sculptor Antoine Cruveilher, recently restored to reveal frescoes in shades of ochre and red.
In the heart of the village, admire the château, which was most famous in the Middle Ages, and was rebuilt in the 18th century after a fire.
Meilhards? rich past is also reflected in the existence of gold mines at Laurière, which were exploited from Gallo-Roman times until the early 20th century.
To the south of the village gushes the limpid water of the fountain Sainte ?Radegonde, reputed to be miraculous. Originally venerated as a pagan spring, it was Christianized and a chapel was built.
The Etang de la Besse, reserved for fishing, is an ideal place to relax