The Limousin landscape consists largely of forests, rivers, lakes, peatlands and marshes. The name “Limousin” is also known for the world-famous breed of cows that originates from this region. And that the limousine model owes its name to this region? In the past, there was a similarity between the “limo” and the way the inhabitants of the Limousin dressed. The area of the tour is located in the Haut Limousin north of Limoges and includes Oradour-sur-Glane, where in 1944 almost the entire population was exterminated by an SS division, the mountain massif Monts de Blond, Bellac, Châteauponsac and the Lac de Saint-Pardoux.

The walk starts in the village of Les Salles-Lavauguyon right next to the church. The Sainte-Eutrope church was built in the 11th century; it is a good example of Romanesque architecture in the Limousin. The church contains beautiful 12th century frescoes and are the most important Romanesque paintings in France.

Every time you enter this city, the chateau de Rocheuouart is the eye-catcher. The drawbridge is the perfect start for a walk around the chateau, giving you an excellent view of the surroundings and the city of Rochechouart. The beautifully renovated fifteenth-century castle now serves as a museum of modern art.
But first it is time to fill up at the pump on the ring road. Then a bit back to go into town. The local church is almost always worth it and that also applies to the Eglise Saint-Sauveur de Rochechouart with its twisted tower. There are several of these twisted church towers in France and there are different stories about the reason for the twist in the towers. I would say just walk along and have a look at the tower.
Nearby, about 214 million years ago, a huge meteorite fell from the sky. The enormous impact of the landing was so great that the rock in the ground melted and formed new rock. The impact reshaped the region in a diameter of many kilometers and Rochechoaurt lies on the edge of this impact zone. The Espace Meteorite museum, located in the main street, tells the story of the impact.

The town of Saint-Junien, known for its tannery of sheep and goat skins, has a beautiful Romanesque collegiate church in granite stone. Here you will find the finely sculpted tomb of Saint-Junien, old wall frescoes and also a 16th century Entombment. Also interesting is the Salle des fêtes next door. Other sights in Saint-Junien are the chapel in the old cemetery and the Abbey of St. Amand, with which the history of the village actually began. Relax here with a coffee.

Before you enter the village of Oradour-sur-Glane, you can visit the Château de Laplaud. The village became gruesomely famous due to the massacre of 10 June 1944. It is a ghost town that was completely destroyed during the war. The inhabitants were murdered. In memory of this terrible event, nothing has changed in the village. Today, Oradour-sur-Glane is an open-air museum and above all a place of remembrance. You can visit the village via a remembrance centre. A new village has been built next to it.

You now enter the hills of Monts de Blond, where many prehistoric and Gallo-Roman secrets lie near Mortemart. For example, there are numerous menhirs. And there are Celtic ruins to discover. Everywhere, menhirs (prehistoric, high and long stones as burial columns; circa 4000 BC) and dolmens (Celtic burial monuments) rise up from the landscape. Narrow roads and sandy paths lead to the numerous ruins from the Celtic era.

Mortemart is a picturesque village, classified as Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The village originated in the 10th century, when a beautiful castle was built. Over the centuries, Mortemart has grown and you can find all kinds of traces of its rich history. When visiting Mortemart, you can enjoy a lovely walk through the charming streets and along the pleasant squares. It is full of half-timbered houses, cafés and shops, where you can buy nice local products. You should also definitely take a look at the two monasteries, the church and the beautiful market halls.

Bellac's long history is reflected in the old town with its 15th century houses. Another building worth seeing is the Hôtel des Barthon de Montbas from the 16th century. Today, this building serves as the town hall (Hôtel de Ville). Even older is the Notre-Dame church with its square bell tower that was built in the 12th century; in the 14th century, the place of worship was renovated. At the entrance, you can find a 12th century reliquary with semi-precious stones and oval enamel jewellery. In the 13th century, the two banks of the Vincou were connected by a bridge. This Pont de la Pierre is not far from the church. A good place for lunch.

The collegiate church of Saint-Pierre in Le Dorat is a Romanesque church that is striking for its dimensions: it is 77 metres long and its transept is 39 metres high. An octagonal bell tower rises elegantly above the church. On the central radiating chapel rests a semicircular tower that is part of the defensive works carried out in the 15th century. The church is entered via a stately staircase that descends. A large Carolingian granite baptismal font decorated with lions immediately catches the eye.
In the town itself, you can visit the Bergère Gate (15th century), the old ramparts with remains of the castle, the old alleys with mansions in the Grand-Rue and the Place Saint-Jean. The noble residences from the 16th to the 18th century with their mansard roofs are true wonders of architecture and ornamentation.

Near Rancon is the Buddhist study and retreat center Tung Lam Linh-Son. The grounds consist of a main temple, a mortuary temple, a library and a monastery. Large outdoor areas, punctuated by ponds where lotus grows every summer, are conducive to meditation. In addition to training monks and nuns in Buddhism, Tung Lam Linh Son works to develop Buddhist culture.
In Rancon itself, the church, the Chapel of St. Sebastian, the Chapel of St. Sulpice, the lantern of the dead, and the old bridge are worth a visit.

The town of Châteauponsac is situated on the banks of the Gartempe river. From the viewpoint at the Sainte-Thyrse church you have a good view of the valley of this river. Beautiful are the Gothic bridge that spans the river and the old quarter.
The main attraction of the town is the René Bauberot Museum or the Musée des Arts et Traditions Populaires.

Your tour ends at the large Lac de Saint-Pardoux, which has become a major holiday destination where you can swim, windsurf, canoe, pedalo, sail and fish for carp and pike to your heart's content. In the gently rolling hills of the surrounding nature reserve you can take long walks or go out on your bike. But first, relax from this day with a drink.