Local Delights
Discover the Limousin Region and the delights on your doorstep
Top Things To See and Do
Here are some of our local recommendations for places to visit (but there are so many more!)
Oradour sur Glane
Less than 10 minutes from Cieux.
On June 10th 1944, 643 habitants of the village were massacred by German soldiers, and the village set on fire. The remains are left exactly as they were, in memoriam.
Village visit is free. Museum and guided tour on headphones are payable.
Monts de Blond
A protected natural area surrounding Cieux (and other villages including Blond, Mortemart and Montrol Senard) this mystical and mysterious area has multiple megaliths and dolmen, and many lakes to discover. Hiking, cycling and horseriding are all on offer here.
Etang de Cieux
Literally a stones throw from the gite is the local fishing lake. You can purchase permits (daily or weekly) from the local butcher and spend your holiday fishing in a peaceful and tranquil spot.
Lac de St Pardoux
Within 30 minutes drive is the beautiful lake at St Pardoux. With it's 3 beaches (lifeguards in July & August), wakeboarding, canoeing, inflatable aqua course, cycle tracks, walking routes, fishing, swimming pool and restaurant. There is something for everyone. Parking and beach are free, activities are payable.
Montmorillon
A little further afield, in the Vienne Dept. but well worth a visit. Montmorillion is a gem of a town, the Vienne's version of Hay on Wye, a Cité de l'écrit. Crossing the Gartempe river, there are museums dedicated to books and the typewriter and fantastic medieval streets to wander.
Rochechouart
Within 30 minutes drive is Rochechouart, a walled town overlooked by the beautiful chateau. Situated in an impact structure caused by an asteroid crash about 200 million years ago. You can discover more about the asteroid in the grounds around the chateau and on a walking trail from here.
Montrol Senard
A living history village, less than 10 minutes from Cieux in the Monts de Blond. Walk around the village to discover the rural French way of life until the 1930s. There are maps and exhibitions to make the most of the visit. Village visit is free, and there are 2 great restaurants.
Limoges
The capital of the Haute-Vienne region, Limoges is a lively city to spend a day in. There are numerous places to visit including the Museum of the Resistance, Gare de Bénédictins, Cathedral St Etienne and the medieval quarter, the porcelain factory, aquarium de Limoges, and the historic area around the Vienne river.
Bellac
20 minutes away is the medieval town of Bellac, birthplace of writer Jean Giraudoux. Steeped in history, you can take a walk along the Vincou where the old tanneries provided leather to Louis Vuitton, and then wander around the old quarter by the church, with many ancient alleys and buildings.