Voyage Spatio-Temporel

In the foothills of the Massif Central, Millevaches Regional Nature Park is a land of waterfalls, protected peat bog and dramatic gorges. Follow the three-hour On the Granite Trail to explore the Millevaches Plateau (50 minutes’ drive), go swimming, fishing or boating on Lake Vassivière (55 minutes), or find out about the geology of the park in the House of Granite at Bugeat (50 minutes). For a change of pace, lovely old towns warranting a visit include Aubusson (25 minutes), with half-timbered houses edging the River Creuse. Learn about the tapestry-making heritage that put Aubusson on the map at the Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie, where you can see colourful classic or contemporary examples of the craft and join weaving workshops. Medieval Égletons (an hour) is a walled town overlooked by the ruins of the hilltop Castle Ventadour, and with displays of armour and weaponry in the Centre de Découverte du Moyen Age. Another historic masterpiece is the 13th-century Église de Saint-Georges Nigremont (15 minutes) and its Romanesque bell tower, worth a detour for its views alone over the Creuse department alone.