Out and About

The campsite is situated in the Creuse, 1 Mile north of the border with Haute Vienne. Turning left from the campsite, you will pass through the village of St Junien La Bregere towards the local town of Bourganeuf  (about 15 minutes)where you will find a wide range of shops and a large "Champion" supermarket. Turning right takes you towards the village of Peyrat le Chateau with a number of hotel/bars and a picturesque lake with numerous sandy beaches for swimming, some of which have lifeguard patrols, and very good fishing. There are also a small number of shops together with a post office and ATM. Both Petyrat and Bourganeuf  have internet cafes where you can get on line for a very reasonable cost.In view of the enormous variety of the flora and fauna, the region is protected by the government.
The "plateau de Millevaches" (thousand sources) is well-known by anglers, the many lakes and streams having a plentiful supply of carp, trout and other fish

 From Peyrat is signposted Lac Vassiviere, one of the largest lakes in France with a number of patrolled bathing beaches, sailing, waterskiing and fishing there is also a treetops assault course for all ages "Arbre en Arbre". There are also a number of walking and cycling routes around the  edge of the lake.

About 20K west from both Bourganeuf and Peyrat is the delightful medieval town of St Leonard de Noblat with a huge gothic church perched in the town above the river valley.

To the east is the town of Aubusson, world famous for its tapestries. Further east still one comes to Clermont Ferrand and 'Volcania' a national park of extinct volcanoes, close to the skiing slopes of the Massif Central.

Further west is Limoges, where there are a wide range of  top quality shops and numerous bars and cafes as well as an ancient cathedral and probably one of Europe's most impressive railway stations. Limoges also boasts an international airport (Bellegarde) with regular flights to and from London, Liverpool, Nottingham and Southampton. Not far from the airport is the memorial village of  Oradour sur Glane where more than 400 women and children were killed by the Waffen SS on their way north to fight the allies after the Normandy landings.

A more detailed view of the area!

This part of the Creuse has maintained its rural character making driving a pleasure, with trips to historic towns, local markets and other places of interest an enjoyable experience. It is a haven for ramblers, cyclists and country lovers with miles of green lanes, river walks, lakes and woods. Visit the local markets and purchase some of the fresh produce on offer, have a coffee, a glass of wine or a meal at a bar or restaurant or maybe even take a trip to one of the many antique fairs or Brocante shops, you may even find a bargain!

Just a few of the local attractions are listed here:-

Aubusson is a beautiful medieval town, steeped in history and famous for its tapestries and carpets. From the richness of the Middle Ages to the hanging tapestry created for the Olympics in 2000, the wonderful know-how of the Aubusson  Tapissiers (tapestry weavers) has surveved from the 6th century. Aubusson is situated in the valley of the Creuse River. The town is charming with many architectural features from the Middle Ages including strange turrets, carved windows and doorways. The "Maison du Tapissier" (closed on a Tuesday) houses permanent and temporary exhibitions in its spacious, halls, which trace the history of tapestry. Also worth a visit are the 'Vieux Tapissier', a 15th Century house with weavers workshops and tapestry making demonstrations, the ruined fortified château, the 13th Century church of Sainte Croix, the clock tower, and the old bridge, Le Pont de la Terrade.
Modern day Aubusson has restaurants, museums, theatre, sport, cinema and shops. It is also famous for the markets held every Saturday morning. Dining out is always a great pleasure and the area is justifiably renowned for its specialities of Limousin beef, Foie Gras, Chestnuts, Champignons and Clafoutis ( cherry or blueberry muffins)

The City of Limoges, the capital of the Limousin, is 1 hour away and famed for its fine china and porcelain. The city boasts a long history from Gallo-Roman times and contains many museums, sites of cultural interest, markets, shops and cafes. Explore the old city, the cathedral, museums, aquarium and botanical gardens, or shop for those special porcelain gifts. You can also find bargains at Troc de L'Ile (ZI nord) or at Emmaus at St Priest Taurion.

Lake Vassiviere

Lake Vassiviere is situated just 12 km to the south of Les Chenauds and is one of the largest lakes in France, covering nearly 2,500 acres with 45km of lakeside to explore. Cafes, bars, restaurants and picnic areas line the lakeside.

On this fresh water lake you can windsurf, canoe, water ski, sail, go on a boat excursion or fish. There are beaches for bathing, a number of which are patrolled, and paths for rambling, riding or cycling. Horses and cycles can be hired locally.

Near the shores of Lac Vassivière is the Centre Équestre de Vassivière. Just let them know what standard you are and they will find a horse to suit. Tel: 00 33 (0)5 55 64 72 12 - booking essential.

There is a sculpture park for cultural strolls through woods and the island in the middle of the lake is home to an ambitious Contemporary Art museum designed by the late Aldo Rossi.

Vassiviere Island

The island was created following construction of a hydro-electric dam in 1949 which flooded the upper reaches of the Maulde River valley to form the lake as it is today.

The island itself covers 170 acres of land, formerly part of vast estates once owned by the Vassiviere family whose stately home still stands on the original site.

Vassiviere Contemporary Art Centre

The art centre was designed by the architects Aldo Rossi and Xavier Fabre in 1986 - 1987. The project is part of both a national and local desire to develop a cultural centre in the area.

The centre is composed of several exhibition rooms where temporary exhibitions are held throughout the year, an artists studio, a bookshop, a library, a café open from April to October and other spaces where the education programme is held.
Aldo Rossi see's the centre's lighthouse tower as a comtemplative observation point, extended horizontally by the Art Centre's building which provides a place for study, creative activities and exhibitions.

Close to Vassiviere, the XVIIIc Maison des Chevaliers at Gentioux - Pigerolles, takes you back into the middle ages. Built by the masons of the Creuse, the inside, with it's turning stone staircase and carved fireplaces, belies the stern exterior.

Parc d'Arbre en Arbre

Near Vassiviere you can move from tree to tree on a safe and remarkable course suited to all.

An aerial rope course challenge made up of 7 daring circuits including 90 games. Giant swings, tyrolean zip, suspension bridges provides new and thrilling sensations.

All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult along the junior / adult routes. Adult supervision on the ground for the childrens courses. Casual clothes and shoes required.

To visit the Parc d'Arbre en Arbre website, click here.

Wolf Park

Le parc Animalier near Gueret is in the middle of a protected nature reserve and allows you to meet this fantastic animal in it's wild environment.

There are 7 pens and the park accommodates about 30 wolves of different origins. You can discover European wolves in the 'pen of Rocs', black wolves from Alberta and also white wolves from Mackenzie in Canada.

The 'pen of Sources' which covers 20,000m2 of the forest, provides you with a scientific observation of the European wolf. There are also other smaller pens which let you see other species which are being introduced to the park.

• You can also see a unique exhibition which helps you understand the Wolves past, behaviour and it's relation to humans.
• You can compare the  wolf of myths, tales and nightmares withto the real ones!
  
• You can also visit the Observatory in the park which opens an inquiring eye on the depths of the universe so that you can learn and understand our environment.

To visit the Wolf Park website, click here.

Oradour-sur-Glane, Centre de la Memoire

In June 1944 a Waffen SS unit of the 'Das Reich' division encircled the village of Oradour-sur-Glane. 642, men, women and children were murdered by weapons and fire.

To preserve the memory of this drama, the martyr village of Oradour-sur-glane has been preserved in the same state since 1944. To understand why, the centre de la memoire presents exhibitions retracing the events leading up to this barbaric act.

There are five exhibition halls to help you understand the historic reality exemplified by Oradour. There are archived documents, testimonies, anecdotes, slides and films that shed light on the events.

Admission price ranges from 4€ to 6€ and is open seven days per week. Please check prices and opening times prior to visiting.

To visit Centre de la Memoire website, click here.

Vulcania European Volcano Park

Vulcania is a science park dedicated to volcanoes, earth sciences and science of the universe. You are encouraged to tour all the different exhibitions as many times as you would like during your visit.

Beyond the visible terrestrial volcanoes that are now familiar to us all, there are places that are still out of reach, where a multitude of unsuspected fires burn. You are invited to cross the thresholds that lead to the inaccessible worlds. Passing through renovated areas you can travel from the centre of the earth to underwater abysses, before experiencing the privilege of entering the extra-terrestrial volcanoes.

There are several resteraunts and snack bars to eat in.

To visit the Vulcania website, click here.

 Musee National De Porcelaine

The Limoge museum was founded in 1845 and run, from 1865, by Adrian Dubouche. As well as being a business man, Adrian was a cultured philanthropist and devoted part of his fortune to building up this huge collection in such a way that it came to reflect the history of fine arts, from all over the world. Limoges became a national museum in 1881 and houses 11,000 works of art today.

  There are four important families in ceramics, pottery, faience, stoneware and porcelain and Limoges specialises in porcelain

One of the rooms is devoted to the various stages of ceramic making.

Guided visits are available by appointment. Conferences on ceramics are available on a Sunday and Monday afternoon. The museum is closed every Tuesday.

To visit the Musee National De Porceline website, click here.

Wildlife

Being such a rural area means that the Creuse abounds with wildlife, common here are red squirrels, pine marten, a variety of types of deer, buzzards, red and black kites and wild boar. The rivers and lakes  have trout, pike, perch, zander and other coarse fish and some of the rivers also hold salmon.

Sports & Leisure

Fishing

There are a number of lakes within a few minutes of Les Chenauds including the vast expanse of Lac Vassiviere and that at Peyrat le Chateau both of which provide opportunities to catch many varieties of fish. The numerous rivers and streams including the Maulde, the Gartempe, The Creuse, The Vienne and the Vige abound with trout and many other fish. For the specialists, there are a number of venues which provide for night fishing for carp. Fishing permits are available by the day or for longer periods from the bar/tabac in Peyrat and from the tourist office.

Cycling and walking

There are numerous walks and cycling routes through the local forests and beside lakes and rivers. As the roads have so little traffic and the french have special consideration for cyclists, it becomes a real; pleasure.

Golf

There are a number of golf courses in the area and most are picturesque and un-crowded.

Sailing and waterskiing and swimming

Sailing, waterskiing and swimming are available at Lac Vassiviere. There are designated areas for skiing and a number of sandy patrolled bathing beaches as  well as numerous secluded un patrolled sandy coves.

Lunch - after the exercise

After your exercise, you will be able to enjoy good food for very reasonable prices from many bars, hotels and restaurants which are everywhere in the Creuse. Typically, for a 4 course meal with wine you could expect to pay between 10 and 15 Euros. A menu with prices is always on display outside the premises by law.

 Skiing

Mont-Dore.
This is a great ski resort & only a 2½hr car drive from here. At 1,050m in altitude, at the source of the river Dordogne, Le Mont-Dore is a real mountain village  with auvergnat character. It developed at the end of the 19th century round the spa activity.
Frequented in the past by George Sand, Balzac or even Marcel Proust, the resort doesn't only owe its fame to the purity of its air and properties of its spa waters : its ancient spas, allying vestiges of Roman colonies and neo-Byzantine style, are among the most beautiful of Europe !
From 1936, the construction of a cable car made Le Mont-Dore the 3rd winter sports resort of France.