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The area

Located in the Haute-Vienne department of the Limousin, a particular attraction of this area is the variety of its landscapes. Rural, green countryside with rolling hills and chestnut forests punctuated with picturesque villages. The perfect place to get away from it all.

You can enjoy the scenery at your own pace - driving, on foot, on horseback or by bicycle.

You could follow in the footsteps of Richard The Lionheart who, on his crusades, passed through the area. A line of chateaux and fortifications mark his route. Beginning at Etagnac you can visit the Chateau de Rochebrune, then on to Rochechouart where the original castle was rebuilt in Renaissance style in the 15th Century. The castle was sacked during the French Revolution but was restored and now houses the Museum of Contemporary Art.

A short drive away is the marvelously preserved 12th century castle of Montbrun, which is surrounded by a moat and situated in a lush green valley. Richard, after being shot with an arrow at Chalus, heard that there was treasure here. From his death bed he ordered an attack on the Chateau.

Next on the route is Chalus, it is here that the Lord of Montbrun put up a fierce resistance to Richard's mighty army. During the siege of the castle Richard was shot by an arrow and died in 1199 in his mother's arms. Parts of the original castle still stand next to the ruins of the 11th Century Romanesque church where Richard The Lion Heart's remains are said to be buried.

The Chateau de Montrun (pictured) is about five kilometers from the mobile home. The tavern next to it is of a bygone age. Like many of the region's family owned inns, you can be sure of a warm welcome.

For those who love architecture there are also many beautiful abbeys and monastery churches and countless romanesque chapels, fortified churches and châteaux to visit.

Limoges is the capital of the Limousin region and is about 45 minutes drive away. Famous for its pottery, there are many factory shops where a bargain can be picked up. Each summer, an exhibition in the Pavillon du Verdurier demonstrates the amazing variety of pottery in production.

The magnificent Cathedral of St Etienne is also worth a visit.

Locally there are many traditional markets including the famous chestnut fayre at the end of October in Dournazac about 10km away. The town comes to a standstill with stalls throughout the town centre.

Other fetes such as a show of rare breed poultry and fancy fowl at Cussac or art exhibition at Chalus are well worth visiting to experience and learn a little more of local life. Every week there is something new to see.

The village of Oradour Sur Vienne is to the north of Limoges. This village is like no other, kept as a memorial to the horrific massacre carried out by a German SS Panzer division. In all 642 men, women and children were killed on 10th June 1944. The men were rounded up and shot, whilst the women and children were imprisoned in the church which was then set alight.

A museum and visitor centre has been opened relatively recently, displaying photographs of the aftermath, and school pictures prior to the massacre.

For those wanting to visit Paris it can be reached in under three hours by train from Limoges.