Guerét
Guerét, although a quiet town, is the capital of the Creuse and grew up around a monastary founded in the 7th Century, and there are many cultural delights and activities to be found here. Gueret is the nearest main town to La Coterie Lodges and has numerous shops for food, wine, clothes and specialities. Additionally there are a number of restaurants and café’s for relaxing. Look for the pedestrianised shopping area just off the top end of Place Bonnyaud in the centre of town. Take the little lane between the Bar Tabac and the Chemist. On Saturday and Thursday mornings the market is held in Place Bonnyaud.
Close to Guerét there is a huge maze where you can test your sense of direction with or without the clues provided. There is also a farmyard, water slide and picnic areas within the park. This has been a great day out for previous guests.
Not far from Gueret is Chabrières forest which is home to “Les Loup des Chabrières”, a sanctuary to wolves where they can live in a near natural habitat protected from the outside world.
Aubusson
Aubusson stands on the river Creuse, about 30 minutes drive from La Coterie. It is notable for its appearance as many buildings are in grey stone and feature many architectural features from the Middle Ages such as carved windows and doorways, and strange turrets.
The town is renowned for its history in making tapestries which have been woven here since the 15th century. The pure mountain water of the River Creuse was essential in the towns development, playing a key role in making the coloured dyes for the booming textile industry. Large exhibitions of the world famous ancient and modern tapestries take place every Summer. The “Maison du Tapissier” (closed on a Tuesday) houses permanent and temporary exhibitions in its spacious, well-lit halls, which trace the history of tapestry from the 15th Century to the present day. Also the ‘Vieux Tapissier’, a 15th Century house, has weavers workshops and tapestry making demonstrations.
The other famous feature of Aubusson is the ruined hilltop castle which dates from the 11th century, and which was ordered destroyed by Richelieu in 1632. Other local sights are the 13th Century church of Sainte Croix, the clock tower, and the old bridge, Le Pont de la Terrade, originally a wooden bridge but which was rebuilt using stones from the ruined castle.
Boussac
Boussac is an old fortified town perched on a ridge above the valley of the Petite Creuse river, approximately 20 minutes from La Coterie.
The town grew around the fortified castle which was built in the 12th Century and was declared independent in 1427.
The castle was partly destroyed by the English in the 100 years war. It was rebuilt as the current château around 1420-30 by Jean I of Brosse – a compatriot of Joan d’Arc, and is classified as a Historic Monument. A protective town wall was built as well and parts of this still survive today along with the gateway, towers and ramparts.
The château was abandoned for a long time until its restoration started in 1965 which continued for many years, resulting in a magnificently furnished and inhabited chateau. In particular, the ground floor rooms have been restored to much as they were originally in the 15th century. The Guard Room features a beautiful flagstone floor and massive fireplaces. There are regular guided tours which last for around 45 minutes.
The famous medieval tapestries ‘La Dame et la Licorne’ were discovered at the château. Exhibitions are regularly held during the Summer of contemporary tapestries. The Town Hall in Boussac itself is home to three very important Aubusson tapestries.
Modern day Boussac has around 1600 inhabitants and has all the amenities a visitor needs such as supermarkets, banks, bakers, restaurants and cafes.
There is a marked walking trail from Boussac taking in many of the local sights such as the Commanderie de Lavaufranche and the Toulx Ste Croix.
Jaumâtres
If you have an interest in natural geology, or fancy a walk in a rather mysterious setting, then visit ‘Les Pierres des Jaumâtres (The rocks of Jaumâtres). Here you will find a natural phenomenon of granite rocks that have weathered slower than the surrounding area and some are precariously balanced on others. All these rocks are in a beautiful woodland surrounding, and as you reach the top, on a clear day there are some lovely views. It is an excellent picnic area, or take a walk round then back to the café, for a coffee and crêpe.
At the entrance behind the café you will find, in addition to the rocks , two activities. The first is tree walking up high in the trees. There are 3 levels for different ages, heights and bravery! The second is mini-golf for those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground. This has been a great hit with previous guests, some going back twice in one week.
Ahun-Moutier d’Ahun
Romanesque and very picturesque village with its Abbey, which contains amazing wooden sculptures, and its roman bridge over the Creuse river. Visit the Abbey, wlak by the river (which also has a play area), then drive through Moutier d’Ahun and Ahun to the viaduct (a more modern bridge).
Situated on the banks of the Creuse, Moutier d’Ahun village has retained its character by keeping its low houses and medieval bridge. The Romanesque church is the legacy of a Benedictine monastery founded in 997. Today it is famous for its 17th-century panelling.
Bourganeuf
Bourganeuf was founded in the 12th century by the Knights Hospitaller of Saint John of Jerusalem.
With chapels, bridges, mills and archaeological sites the Bourganeuf region has plenty of heritage to explore.
Bourganeuf was also one of the first towns in Europe to have electricity. The Electrification Museum tells the story of this and how it changed the lives of the inhabitants of Bourganeuf and the Creuse.
Limoges
http://www.limoges-tourisme.com/en
Limoges is the capital of the Limousin region of France and is famous for Limoges porcelain and enamel. It is about 1hr 30 minutes drive from La Coterie, and requires a full day visit to take in the town and the sites.
Limoges was the Capital of the ‘Maquis’ underground movement during the war and part of the Le Musée Municipal de L’Evêché has a section dedicated to the resistance. Additionally, if you wish to take a drive and are interested in the Second World War, it is worth going to Oradour Sur Glane, near Limoges Airport. The ruins of this village now stand to commemorate the 642 victims of a cruel and brutal attack by a detachment of SS troops at the end of Second World War.
For those interested in the enamel and porcelain history of Limoges, the museum (Le Musée Municipal de L’Evêché) mentioned above holds one of the largest collections of world enamels. The gardens of the museum spread over two hectares on various terrace levels and are worth a visit.
Montlucon
The town of Montlucon has retained many traces of its medieval period. Its historical centre , as picturesque as you could wish for, with its side streets dotted with old timber framed houses, is dominated by the imposing form of the main building of the Castle of the Dukes of Bourbon.
The castle is itself flanked by a square keep, a clock tower, and Italian style gallery. It houses the Museum of Popular Music.
The medieval squares and side streets of Montlucon are dotted with remarkable monuments, such as the house of the Twelve Apostles, the Deanery Passage, and the Churches of our Lady and St. Peter
Montluçon is the nearest large town for modern shopping with plenty of high street shops at good prices. It is 40 minutes from La Coterie.
More Towns & Villages
St.Leonard de Noblat – A charming little medieval market town perched on a hill with picturesque old house and narrow streets. It was a staging post in medieval times for pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostella and has a beautiful Romanesque church. It’s most famous resident is Raymond Poulidor, a famous bike racer and considered to be one of the most popular France ever had (he never came first, he always came second).
Peyrat le Chateau – This is a very charming, beautiful and quite lively town situated on a small lake, with a very good Pizza restaurant. The Museum of the Resistance is also worth a visit.
Evaux les Bains – A spa town since Gallo-Roman times, is still visited for the curative powers of its hot water springs. The water can be found bubbling out of the ground at 60 degrees Celsius nine kilometers away -for the energetic, the walk there and back takes about three hours. The walk take in the former gold mine at Chatelet where fortune hunters still span the river for the precious metal.
Felletin – Known for its market, is also famous for its weaving but with an emphasis on modern tapestry. The tapestry designed by Sutherland which hangs in Coventry Cathedral was woven here.
La Souterraine – Is well worth a visit for its many architectural features. It has lots of flower displays, sculptures and water features leading up to the main street which winds up and around old fortified walls and through an archway. There is a weekly market for local food producers.
Oradour sur Glane – Centre De la Memoire – This martyred village was destroyed during the Second World War and has been left in its original state as a memorial to the 642 men, women and children massacred there by a German ‘SS Panzer’ division. The new Centre De Memoir museum was opened in 1999 and is a must for all historians. Walking around the original village and the memorial is a unique and sobering experience. Open throughout the year. Visit: http://www.oradour-sur-glane.fr/
