Haute-Vienne

Rochechouart

This historic town is dominated by a castle perched on a rocky outcrop. The castle now houses a contemporary art museum, while the town itself has plenty of charming shops, cafes, and galleries.

Châteauponsac

Known for its beautiful gardens, Châteauponsac also has a fascinating museum dedicated to the history of straw hats, which were once a major industry in the region. The town is also home to a lively farmers' market.

Lac de Vassivière

This stunning lake is surrounded by forests and hills, making it a popular spot for hiking, swimming, and water sports. Visitors can also enjoy art installations and events at the Centre International d'Art et du Paysage, located on an island in the lake.

WELCOME TO Haute-Vienne

Entry Into Department

largest city

Limoges

AREA

5,520 km²

POPULATION

375,000

official language

French

Popular

Geography and Tourist Attractions

Information about the canton's tourist attractions, including popular destinations, events, and activities.

The Monts de Blond

The Monts de Blond is a beautiful mountain range in the northwest of Haute-Vienne. The area is known for its rolling hills, dense forests, and picturesque villages. It is a great place for hiking, with many well-marked trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The area is also rich in prehistoric remains, including standing stones and dolmens.

The Château de Rochechouart

The Château de Rochechouart is a 13th-century castle located in the town of Rochechouart. The castle has been beautifully restored and now houses a contemporary art museum. Visitors can explore the castle's towers, ramparts, and galleries, as well as enjoy the stunning views over the town and surrounding countryside.

The Limousin Regional Nature Park

The Limousin Regional Nature Park is a large area of Haute-Vienne that covers diverse landscapes, including forests, lakes, and rivers. It is a great place for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and fishing, as well as for wildlife watching. Visitors can also explore traditional villages and sample local cuisine, including the famous Limousin beef.

Political

Economy and Government

Haute-Vienne has a mixed economy, with a strong focus on agriculture, industry, and services. The agricultural sector is characterized by livestock farming, with the region being one of the top producers of Limousin beef. The industrial sector is focused on the production of porcelain, with the city of Limoges being a major center for the industry. In addition, the region has a growing tourism industry, with visitors drawn to the natural beauty of the area as well as its rich cultural and historical heritage.

Haute-Vienne is a department of France, with its own prefecture and departmental council. The prefecture is responsible for the implementation of national policies and the management of local administration, while the departmental council is responsible for the development and management of local services and infrastructure, including education, social services, and public transportation. The departmental council is made up of elected representatives from across the department and is headed by a president. The current president of the departmental council of Haute-Vienne is Jean-Claude Leblois.

History

History and Culture

Haute-Vienne has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times, with many notable archaeological sites in the area. In the Middle Ages, the region was ruled by various noble families and was an important center for the production of porcelain. During the French Revolution, the region was a hotbed of revolutionary activity, and many of its residents played important roles in the revolutionary government. In the 20th century, Haute-Vienne was heavily impacted by World War II, with the city of Limoges being heavily bombed by the Germans.

Haute-Vienne has a rich cultural heritage, with many museums, galleries, and cultural centers located throughout the region. The area is particularly well-known for its porcelain production, with Limoges being a major center for the industry. In addition, the region is known for its traditional crafts, including weaving, woodcarving, and pottery. Haute-Vienne is also home to many festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and dance to food and wine. The area has a rich culinary tradition, with local specialties including Limousin beef, chestnuts, and goat's cheese.

HOTELS

Hotel de France

This elegant hotel is located in the heart of the city of Limoges and offers luxurious accommodations, including spacious suites with private balconies. Guests can enjoy the hotel's gourmet restaurant and bar, as well as its fitness center and sauna.

Chateau de la Cazine

This historic chateau has been beautifully restored and transformed into a luxurious hotel, offering spacious rooms and suites with stunning views over the surrounding countryside. Guests can enjoy the hotel's outdoor pool, spa, and restaurant, as well as its beautiful gardens and grounds.

Le Moulin du Got

This charming hotel is located in a renovated 16th-century mill and offers cozy guest rooms with rustic decor. Guests can enjoy the hotel's restaurant, which serves traditional French cuisine, as well as its outdoor pool and beautiful gardens. The hotel also offers art workshops and classes, making it a great choice for creative travelers.

RESTAURANTS

Le Pont Saint-Etienne

Located in the heart of Limoges, this restaurant offers contemporary French cuisine with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant has a chic and modern interior with a warm and inviting atmosphere.

La Table de Mary

This restaurant is known for its creative and refined cuisine, featuring fresh and seasonal ingredients. The menu changes regularly to showcase the best of the region's produce, and the restaurant has a cozy and intimate ambiance.

L'Essentiel

This restaurant is located in the charming town of Saint-Junien and offers traditional French cuisine with a modern twist. The menu features classic dishes made with local ingredients, and the restaurant has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.