The countryside is one of the main attractions, literally from the front door of the house, the landscape is one third woods and gentle hills, criss crossed with single track lanes. Perfect for walking or biking. You can have bikes delivered to La Maison Nid from: https://www.bikehiredirect.com/.
For all water sports, head to the one of the largest man made lakes in France. Lac de Vassivière. It covers an area of 2500 acres with 45km of shoreline. It has six beaches, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, pedal boats, mountain bikes, walking routes, a tree climbing park and many restaurants, cafés. Even a taxi boat to travel between them. A road train or a foot bridge takes you to the central island which has an arts centre and sculpture park.
120 minutes away
lelacdevassiviere.com
Closer to La Maison Nid and offering many of the same activities. Plus a ‘mega zip line’ that runs across the lake is Espace Hermeline.
21 minutes away
espace-hermeline.com
Château Rochechouart. This stunning 13th century château was added to in the 17th and 18th centuries. An interior courtyard filled with twisted columned arcades. Inside are frescoes from the 16th century. Since 1985 the Château has been a dynamic Contemporary Art Museum for the region.
14 minutes away
rochechouart.com
Oradour-sur-Glane is a village that was completely destroyed and its 642 inhabitants were massacred during World War Two. The destroyed buildings have been preserved as a memorial and museum.
39 minutes away
oradour.org
Brantôme is referred to as the little Venice of the area. Steeped in history with an abbey dating back to the 8th century and a mixture of medieval and renaissance buildings. Cafés, restaurants and a one star Michelin hotel restaurant, Le Moulin de L’abbaye.
52 minutes away
www.perigord.com/listings/villes-et-villages/brantome/
Château de Jumilhac. A fairy tale chateau and still owned by the same family since the 16th century, the Marquis of Jumilhac. The interior and gardens are open every Saturday and Sunday between 2pm and 6pm. Dramatic nocturne visits at 9.30pm on Tuesdays in June and September and Tuesdays and Thursdays in July and August.
41 minutes away
chateaudejumilhac.com
Antique and flea markets are numerous and varied in size across the region. For the latest listings visit the website.
vide-greniers.org/87-Haute-Vienne
Saint Jean de Cole is classified as one of the most beautiful villages of France. Pretty cafés and restaurants dotted around the 12th century Chateau de la Marathonie, privately owned. At the beginning of May is the famous ‘floralies’ flower and plant fair. Also visit in the area Bellac, Mortemart and Ségur-le-Château, also classified amongst the 180 most beautiful villages of France.
45 minutes away
guide-du-perigord.com/fr/experiences/culturelle/article-saint-jean-de-cole-143.html
Grotte de Villars is a spectacular Jurassic cave. Stalactites, stalagmites and prehistoric paintings. All original and many less tourists than the famous Lascaux.
44 minutes away
grotte-villars.com
Limoges is the largest city in the area, dating back to the Middle Ages. Famous for the porcelain industry with a museum dedicated to it, the Adrien Debouche Museum. There are many opportunities to buy porcelain too. The narrow streets are full of cafés, restaurants and interesting independent boutiques. Many attractions can be found on their website, which also lists events and festivals throughout the summer.
40 minutes away
destination-limoges.com
Château Montbrun There are guided tours every afternoon of the interior of this castle and outside a restaurant /bar with a view at the old haunted castle of Montbrun from the terrace.
15 minutes away.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g4232151-d4596895-Reviews-Chateau_de_Montbrun-Dournazac_Haute_Vienne_Nouvelle_Aquitaine.html
10th July to 14th July
Festival ‘Bandafolie’s’ at Bessines sur Gartempe. Around 38,00 people attended in 2024. The objective is to bring together established and new musicians.
50 minutes away
www.visitlimousin.com/sejourner/lagenda/tout-lagenda-manifestation-haute-vienne-limousin/festival-bandafolies-bessines-sur-gartempe-fr-4184490/
25th July to 14th July
An enormous fun fair, taking over the entire town. The ‘Foire de Trône’ takes place every year in Oradour sur Vayres.
5 minutes away
en.visitlimousin.com/stay/events-calendar-for-haute-vienne/haute-vienne-events-calendar-in-limousin/foire-du-trone-en-limousin-oradour-sur-vayres-en-4191866/
10th August, 9am to 6pm
‘Artizanature’ is an annual craft fair held in the streets of Saint Bazile.
5 minutes away
www.visitlimousin.com/sejourner/lagenda/tout-lagenda-manifestation-haute-vienne-limousin/artizanature-fete-de-lartisanat-saint-bazile-fr-5090601/
21st August to 23rd August
Held in the church square of Le Buis is the annual ‘Festival Le Buis Blues Festival’ the summer blues event of the Limousin region, with groups from all over the world performing.
50 minutes away
www.lebuisbluesfestival.com/festival/
12th September to 13th September
‘Festival Festi’zac’. Since its first event in 2018 it has become one of the biggest outdoor music festivals in the area. Festi’zac 2025 bands to be announced.
50 minutes away
festizac.fr
19th September to 21st September
Every two years in Limoges the city is transformed into a gourmet village. Offering tastes of excellent products, gastronomy, table ware and design, chefs and porcelain.
40 minutes away
destination-limoges.com/temps-fort/toques-et-porcelaine/