Leisure Pursuits

The locality of the property has something to offer to everyone.  The more popular pursuits include:-

Walking

Limousin boasts 6,000 km of footpaths, many around lakes.  There are numerous, themed walking circuits in addition to the more challenging national network of hiking routes which crisscross the Limousin.

Horse Riding

With 1,000 km of bridleway, Limousin offers plenty of opportunities for scenic riding.  There are many equestrian centres and riding schools.  Those with an interest in equestrian pursuits will derive enormous pleasure from the National Stud at Pompadour.  This is the venue for many equestrian events including racing on the elegant racetrack in front of Pompadour Castle.

Cycling

The quiet countryside roads make for enjoyable, safe and stress free cycling.  The region is also home to several competitions including the Tour de Limousin and the Tour de Saint Léonard de Noblat.  The route of the Tour de France regularly traverses the Limousin.

Mountain Biking

There are numerous signposted off road routes (over 400 km) of varying levels of difficulty.  Many feature cycling bases with facilities including restaurant, shower rooms and mountain bike hire.

Flying

For those with an interest in flying, trial flights, flying lessons or airborne excursions are available at Limoges International Airport.  For those interested in more tranquil flying experiences, Le Lac de Saint Pardoux is a venue for regular hot air balloon flights.

Nature

The Limousin region has been described as a gigantic nature park.  A haven for country lovers, its large areas of woodland, non-intensive use of agricultural land and unpolluted air provide a thriving habitat for a diverse and fascinating array of birds and other wildlife.

Parc Naturel Regional Perigord-Limousin (www.pnr-perigord-limousin.fr)Covering 1,800 km² of unspoilt countryside, this is a recently formed conservation project linking South West Limousin and North East Dordogne, and encompassing 58,000 hectares of forestry.  This nature reserve aims to maintain and revive traditional customs and crafts by finding new and logical ways of boosting the local economy.  The variety of unpolluted habitats has meant survival for some unusual flora and fauna.

Water Sports

Lac Vassivière (www.vassiviere.com)Covering an area of 1,000 hectares, Lac Vassivière is the largest area of inland water in France, resembling something of a small land locked sea.  Children and bathers can enjoy its six beaches while water sports enthusiasts may take advantage of wind surfing and water skiing in addition to voyages by sailing boats, motor boats, kayaks, canoes and pedalos.  The waters are well stocked for fishermen.  Around the lake are heatherclad hills ideal for walkers (46 signposted walks), riders and mountain bikers.  There are 300 km of footpaths, bridleways and mountain bike tracks.

Le Lac de Saint-Pardoux (www.lac-saint-pardoux.com)At 353 hectares, this is the second inland water feature within the region which offers very similar facilities to those of Lac Vassivière.  There are refreshment bars on the beaches.

Fishing

With its 11,000 km of Class 1 rivers, 700 km of Class 2 rivers, 39 dammed reservoirs and an abundance of lakes of all sizes, the Limousin is a paradise for anglers at all levels.  Enjoy some of the finest fishing in Europe, with species including trout, carp, pike, salmon, bream, dace, chub, gudgeon, barbel, perch and black bass.  A special holiday permit allows fishing in all categories of lake and river for a 15 day period.

History

The region is steeped in historical heritage.  Of particular local interest is the Richard the Lionheart Route, offering a sightseeing journey dedicated to Richard the Lionheart, linking the castles and sites which formed the backdrop to his life within the region.  Another prominent feature of the region is the St Jacques de Compostelle pilgrim routes.  The Limousin region also boasts a very impressive range of historical churches, abbeys and chateaux, as well as ancient monuments.

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