Things to do...
The Village
Les Salles Lavauguyon is a commune in the Haute-Vienne department in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region in West-central France.
Situated on the Route of Richard the Lionheart, the village is well-known for its church. It was founded in the 11th century by the Viscount of Rochechouart. In 1986 a collection of 12th century fresco's were found and has made this church a site not to be missed.
The village has a bar/café, Chabatz d'Entrar, found next to the church and is run by French and British volunteers. In the evenings, during the summer months, there is entertainment 2 or 3 times a week to include local bands. Whilst you are enjoying the music there is normally either a pizza or fish & chip van, so no need to cook.
The village boulangerie, Le Lys & Le Thistle is owned by Julia and Bruno. A selection of breads, patisserie, cakes and pies are prepared and served with a smile. They also cater for the theme nights at the Chabatz d'Entrar.
The Lakes
Near to Les Salles Lavauguyon there are numerous lakes whereby you can swim, kayak, hire pedlows and paddle boards.
Here are a few that you can visit:
Base Nautique de Verneuil, 16310 (7.4 kms from Marona Gite)
Here you will find activities as above, but to include sailing and horse-riding. Also there is a lovely pub/restaurant sitting on the side of the lake called the Soleil Couchant where you can sit in the sun, or whilst watching the sun go down, enjoy a cool beer and pub meal. Here they regularly have entertainment in the evenings...you can find them on Facebook page – Le Soleil Couchant – Plan d’eau Verneuil 16310.
Le Lac, St Mathieu (11 kms from Marona Gite)
This lake has a fine sandy beach for relaxing in the sun or you can find a nice shady spot under the mature trees. The lake is open for fishing, but you will require a license, which you can obtain from the local Mairie. There is a path all around the lake and you will find picnic benches dotted about under shady areas. In the summer months of July/August there are several water activities such as pedlows, kayaks and paddle boarding. For snacks, ice-creams and even lunchtime/evening meals there is a cabin on the side of the lake or just above the lake is the restaurant Le Grange du Lac.
Plage de la Chassagne (10 kms from Marona Gite)
The lake is split between the departments of the Haute-Vienne and the Charante and is very popular due to its facilities, which include childrens’ play area, picnic area, bar/restaurant, but also has water facilities, including pedlows and kayaking. On the Charente side of the lake there is a water assault course, which the kids will love.
Grand Etang de St Estephe – (23 kms from Marona Gite)
This lake has been labeled “Tourism and Disability”. It is very wheelchair friendly and even has the availability of wheels chairs that can go into the water. It has a fine sandy beach and safe shallow waters for the very young. There are plenty of places to eat including snack bars and a restaurant Le Moulin du Grand Etang.
Limoges
Capital of porcelain and of the Limousin region, the city of Limoges has preserved beauty of its over 2,000-year-old history.
Key monument of the city, the Saint-Etienne cathedral is a remarkable example of Gothic art. Of particular interest for visitors are the north portal of Flamboyant Gothic style, the Renaissance rood screen and the three tombs of the chancel.
Next to the cathedral, the gardens of the Bishop's palace spread out as magnificent terraces overlooking the River Vienne. A great place for a stroll and to admire the numerous plants of the botanical garden.
Adjoining the gardens, the Diocese municipal museum, located in the former Bishop's palace, is home to collections of Limousin enamels and Impressionist paintings.
Next stop are the streets of Limoges old town, in particular the Boucherie street, which offers a really picturesque setting with its charming Saint-Aurélien chapel dating from the 15th century and its old timber-framed houses. In the old days, numerous meat stalls used to fill this street. Today, the Butcher traditional house is open to visitors from July to September, and evokes the butchers' corporation of the Middle Ages. The third Friday of October, the Boucherie street is home to an important gastronomic festival, the “Frairie des Petits Ventres”, during which the specialties of Limousin are presented. A culinary meeting not to be missed!
Close by, the Motte square is overlooked by the typically Limousin bell tower of the church Saint-Michel-des-Lions, and is particularly pleasant and lively with its café terraces. On this square, you can also admire beautiful covered market hall of the 19th century, decorated with a porcelain frieze, which are home to a market of local products.
To enjoy a magnificent view of the cathedral and the picturesque Saint-Etienne bridge spanning the Vienne River, walkers should go to the bank opposite to the old town.
Cycling
The Haute-Vienne has great cycling routes to suit all abilities, particularly the more casual cyclist and families.
The roads are a pleasure to cruise along with the sun on your back as you go through the beautiful countryside.
Velo-rail at L’Espace Hermeline, Bussiere Galant:
This is where you can enjoy a round trip of
12kms of disused railtrack. It takes around 2 hours of minimum effort on a 4 wheel bike (4 people, 2 peddling) travelling through the trees. A lovely experience for a very hot day.
Chateaux
There are plentiful chateaux to visit and naming just a few:
- Chateau de Montbron
- Chateau de Coussac-Bonneval
- Chateau de Brie
- Chateau de Rochefoucauld
Oradour sur Glane
The original village was destroyed on the 10th June 1944 when 643 of its nhabitants, including women and children, were massacred by Nazi Germany.
A new village was built on a nearby
site after the war, but, on the orders of the French President, Charles de Gaulle, the original village has been maintained as a permanent memorial.
There is a museum located beside the
historic site.
Fishing
There are numerous fishing lakes to enjoy on sunny days. It is necessary to purchase a fishing license.
Parc Reynou Zoo
100 hectares devoted to animal and plant biodiversity. You will come across more than 250 animal and plant species in a peaceful wooded setting.
