’Gate town’ to the Millevaches Regional Natural Park in Limousin, Saint Junien is the second most important town in the département. Built around the tombs of the hermits Armand and Junien, this interesting town is internationally renowned for its glove makers’ and tawers’ (a process of tanning leathers not using tannin and used for luxury gloves) ’know-how". This town has specialised in working with hides since the Middle Ages and the gloves made in the Saint Junien workshops were highly sort after by the Royal Courts. Today, three companies perpetuate this tradition in supplying the biggest names in haute couture amongst which can be found Hermès, Chanel or Yves Saint Laurent. But Saint Junien has many more riches to offer and notably architectural: in the streets of this glove makers’ town you can admire the Consuls’ house (14th century) with its mullioned windows and its human-faced modillons (brackets). Along the River Vienne at the end of a charming Roman bridge can be found the Chapel of Notre Dame du Pont (15th century). In flamboyant Gothic style it possesses an exceptionally beautiful entrance. A little further on the side of the hill are the ruins of Saint Amand abbey. Built on the saint’s tomb all that remains is the north transept, two low, vaulted rooms and half of the east wall. For 10 years, the painter Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot found his inspiration from the enchanting landscapes along the banks of the River Glane during his regular stays in Saint Junien. While walking through the site that now bears his name and discovering the enormous granite blocks that decorate the floor of this magic forest one can easily understand how he was seduced. Every 7 years, Saint Junien venerates its two hermits during the ostension (religious celebration) ceremonies. In this town of gloves the ceremonies include a procession of 1500 costumed people. Furthermore, Saint Junien is one of the only ostension (religious celebration) towns where the Swiss guard are present.

Listed as ’One of France’s Beautiful Detours’. Founded in the 6th century by Arédius, descendant of a rich Limoges family, this lovely town built around its church has an extremely rich heritage. At the heart of the town, the 20m Plô tower dates from the 12th century and is the oldest non-religious building there. It was built on the order of the Limoges viscounts in order to reinforce the town’s defences. Saint Yriex also posses a 12th century bible listed as a Historical Object. The superb 376 pages are decorated with magnificent illuminations. This large bible was created for the town’s canon’s chapter and is now exhibited in the Cultural Centre.

Office de Tourisme 87500 Saint Yrieix la Perche Tél : 05 55 08 20 72 Fax : 05 55 08 10 05 [email protected] http://www.saint-yrieix.com

The birthplace of the famous writer Jean Giraudoux, who considered it to be the most beautiful town in the world, Bellac is a town of true character. The history of Bellac is told through its monuments: the church of Notre Dame, its 12th century enamelled relic chest, its medieval houses, its picturesque alleys, etc. Along the stagecoach footpath, you will encounter the memory of Jean de la Fontaine on the very spot where he was inspired to write his fable «The Coach and the Fly». Bellac also offers a multitude of cultural activities, and such leisure and relaxation options as theatre, mediatheque, cinema, water-sports centre, etc.

This authentic village brings the visitor back to the rural life of former times via an architectural heritage that has been remarkably preserved and highlighted by the inhabitants.

The itinerary "Nostalgie Rurale" evokes rural life at the start of 20 th century in an authentic setting.
Guided tour for groups from 10 people.

In this charming medieval village, information boards will lead you to some twelve houses which ages span from the 15th century to the 18th century. At the bottom of various alleys and passageways, you will fall upon several timbered houses with mullioned windows, some bearing the vestiges of fortifications.

.Classified as «Petite Cité de Caractère» since 2016, Le Dorat is the capital of the ancient province of the Basse-Marche. As you explore the streets, you will discover the importance of this religious and intellectual centre, fortified in the C15th. Not to be missed: the collegiate church of St Pierre, the Porte Bergère (sole fortified gate in the Haute-Vienne), gardens, vintage doors, the Robert-Lapeyrière fountain, the English garden, and the fortifications. Le Dorat is also renowned as the principal breeding centre of the Anglo-Arabian horse.


Information 2022:

- The collegiate church is currently undergoing restoration for several years. The interior of the building is still accessible to the public.

Ancient barony and dukedom, Magnac Laval has kept a part of its walls, the base of a
C14th tower (remains of the old castle), the Old College (bulbous spire covered with chestnut shingles), church dating from the era of Charlemangne, and many antique doors in the town's numerous alleyways.