As we have mentioned before, the Creuse is a
mirror of unspoilt nature : a variety of landscapes, flora and fauna, special
light, beautiful views, murmuring water and silence.
But there is a lot of sightseeing to do as
well. Romanesque churches, feudal castles, Gallo-Roman bridges, unusual
villages, arts and crafts workshops and galleries. Vestiges of the local
heritage (fountains, wash houses, crosses), all kinds of museums, arboretums,
gardens and remarkable natural scenes.
On this page we only give you a summary. More
information is available with us or you can read about it on the French pages
of this site.
Lakes
The Creuse is also the land of
lakes, like “Le Pays des 3 Lacs” (the Country of the three lakes), begun in
1982 with the construction of 3 dams in the Creuse river. The river and the
lakes offer all kinds of water leisure activities and are bordered by small
villages where famous painters found their inspiration. The Lakes of Vassivière
and Chambon are larger and a bit further away.
Gardens
In the neighbourhood several gardens and
arboretums are open to visitors, amongst which the Jardin de Sauveterre (wild
flowers) in our own village. Also to be mentioned are Les Jardins Artistiques de Drulon, Les Jardins
Au Prieuré Notre-Dame d'Orsan, Le Parc naturel des Parelles, Les Jardins de la
Sédelle and Les Jardins Clos de la Forge.
|
 |
 |
Churches
and abbeys
Almost
every village, including our own, has its ancient little church. The Prébenoît
abbey tells its own story on church history.
Castles
There are many castles to be
visited. We often mention the castles of Sarzay, Culan and Boussac, because all
three of them were restored privately and remain in private hands. But other
impressive ones in their own right are the Château d'Ars, Villemonteix, and the
ruins of Ste. Sévère, but also for their scenic view on the surrounding
landscape.
Scenic
views
And talking about views, what
about Toulx-Sainte-Croix? At a height of 655 m., you can see 7 departments and
the Puy de Dôme in clear weather, the highest volcano peak in the Auvergne. Not far from there are “les Pierres Jaumatres” (Jaumatres stones), a
very peculiar natural phenomenon, maybe even comparable to Stonehenge?
Museums
Large and small museums : George Sand, the
famous French writer, modern and ancient art and tapestry, archaeology,
agricultural history, etc. The restored vestiges of a significant local artisan
activity: the manufacture of tiles and bricks, les Tuileries de Pouligny at
Cheniers and the sculptured village
of Masgot all belong in the same class.
A very special place is Oradour. On 10th of June 1944 the whole population of
this village was massacred by the Germans. The men were shot in the street;
women and children burned in the church. In vain the occupying forces tried to
destroy the village. As a testimonial to this awful tragedy the village was
left as it was found. A memorial centre was built on the spot. Qu'il n'y
aura jamais plus une guerre ! Let
there never be another war!
|
