Vayres, Limousin, Franciaország
Vayres is a charming village located in the heart of the Limousin/Perigord national park, bordering the regions of the Charente and the Dordogne. Situated 2 hours drive north east of Bordeaux, 45mins from Limoges; and less than 2 hours from Perigueux, Poitiers and Angoulême, the village of Vayres is easily accessible. By road, it is a pleasant four hour drive from Paris, using the A20 to Limoges. Vayres is situated on the D675, about 5 kms south of Rochechouart.
The area is often referred to as La France profonde – "deep France" – reflecting a slower, gentler way of life and an escape from the stresses of the city. Your holiday at L'Hirondelle will allow you to experience the unspoiled traditional lifestyle and culture of French provincial towns, and of French village life. You will feel far from anywhere, but have the convenience of boulangerie, shops, post office and small bar a few minutes walk away. The region is rich with lush chestnut forests, rolling hills, quaint villages and thriving market towns, as well as numerous stunning lakes and rivers, many of which are suitable for sunbathing and swimming, water-sports, and fishing. You are also within only a few kilometres of other larger towns with more cafes, restaurants, supermarkets and farmers' markets. You will find it hard to tear yourself away at the end of your holiday. It is a perfect place to relax or base for exploring the many nearby places of interest
Restaurants and cafes are plentiful in the surrounding towns and villages, providing everything from pizzas and kebabs to Michelin star quality. In summer, spend a pleasant evening at the lake-side cafes at Videix or St Mathieu, or enjoy typical Limousin fare in La Rochefoucauld. In summer don't miss the Tuesday night markets at St Mathieu for great music and a communal barbecue with the locals.
Should you wish to cook at home, the nearby supermarkets at St Junien, Rochechouart, and St Mathieu, as well as daily markets in one or other of the local villages will provide all you will need at very reasonable prices. We recommend also Vayres' own boulangerie for excellent breads, cakes and pastries. Your morning baguette and croissants are a two minute walk away! The Limousin/Dordogne area is known for its natural beauty and well preserved medieval villages. There are several marked walking trails around Vayres suitable for beginners as well as for the more experienced. Cycling is also popular with locals and visitors alike. We offer two bicycles for your use along with two large and two small helmets. There are lovely swimming lakes at Rochechouart, St Mathieu, Lavaud and Videix. They each have life-guards, cafes, and sandy swimming beaches, all within a short distance from the cottage. Within an hour's radius there are also several large cities, many chateaux and historical places of interest including the famous Lascaux caves, with its remarkable prehistoric paintings. Fishing, canoeing and windsurfing are also available at many of the lakes and rivers, as well as an international golf course and horse riding facilities nearby.
For history enthusiasts, Vayres is close to former Roman settlements at Chassenon and Perigueux (museums in both locations), historic meteor crater (visit the charming local museum at l'espace meteorite in Rochechouart), or the route of Richard the Lionheart which is dotted with numerous chateaux open to visit. The area is rich in medieval history, with many walled towns and fortified villages to explore, such as the incomparable Sarlat en Canada and pilgrimage town of Rocamadour. You may also find the ruined village of Oradour sur Glane, or the Resistance memorial at Chasseneuil-sur-Bonnieure, of interest.
The closest large city is Limoges (45 mins) which is the capital of the Haute Vienne. The ceramics museum in Limoges is also well worth a visit. The former butcher's quarter of Limoges has stunning half-timbered medieval buildings. Be sure to visit the covered market for high quality local produce, and the flea market (marche de puces) near the Cathedral on Sundays. Poitiers, Angoulême and Perigueux are all within an hour's drive, and offer many points of interest, shopping and leisure activities. The pretty towns of Confolens and Brantôme are easily accessible and a perfect venue for a pleasant lunch and stroll through the narrow winding streets of the shopping precincts.
The location gives you the best of both worlds - complete tranquility and beautiful countryside, but all the convenience of the local towns, shops and activities. With plenty to see and do, there is something for everyone here. You won’t run out of ideas. In fact, you may not want to leave!
