The Limousin is a relatively undiscovered region of France and is therefore comparatively uncrowded. It is both the garden and the 'Lake District' of France and is a delight to visit. Whether exploring the area by car (and it is quite possible to have a very good time without a car!) or on foot there is much to enjoy.

This website provides some useful and interesting information about Bellac.

The area is one of great historic interest spanning many centuries. There are a variety of places to visit in the footsteps of Richard the Lionheart ranging from Coussac Bonneval and the Chateau de Bonneval to Arnac-Pompadour, which boasts a fine chateau. We are also very close to the Blond Mountains, which have marvellous walks, and the ancient village of Montmartre, where an art or antique show is often in progress.

Just down the road is the memorial site of the infamous WWII massacre at Oradour-sur-Glane.

The nearest large city - 25 minutes drive - is Limoges, 'The Red City', famed for its porcelain and enamel work. It is a wonderful mixture of the old and the new.

Poitiers is a one-hour journey away - home of Eleanor of Aquitaine, site of many beautiful Romanesque churches, and, by way of complete contrast, site of Futuroscope.

There is a tennis court and open air swimming pool with slides (men beware - only Speedos allowed!) within a ten-minute walk from the house, a boules pitch at the riverside café a five minute walk away, licensed fishing is available on all the rivers and lakes in the vicinity, and there is a golf course outside the nearby town of Montmartre.

There are many excellent restaurants in the area. The Limousin is famed for its beef, and also has a reputation in France for some of the finest lamb. Although wine is not made locally, the Limousin borders many wine producing regions and therefore offers a wide variety of wines at delightfully low prices.

And finally - the local Theatre du Cloitre has an excellent year-long programme: