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TownsThere are many beautiful and historic towns within just a short drive of La Tronchaise. BrantômeThe town of
Brantôme, lies beside the wide and tranquil waters of the River Dronne.
Romantic, and as rich in history as it is in natural beauty, Brantôme is one
of the Dordogne’s greatest treasures and a must-see destination.. Visit www.ville-brantome.fr for the official website. MortemartListed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Mortemart holds a weekly farmers market under an ancient covered market stall every Sunday morning. During the third weekend in March they hold an annual antique fair in the chateau and there is an annual fete dedicated to the apple. Steeped in history, Mortemart is situated at the foot of the Monts de Blond. This delightful village has grown up around the castle that was built in the 10th Century by Abon Drut, Lord of Mortemart. It was destroyed by order of Cardinal de Richelieu and all that remains of it today is the tower keep and a few rooms that now host exhibitions. While the Carmelite and Augustinian convents bear witness to the village’s religious past, the old covered market and leading citizens’ houses serve as a reminder that Mortemart was also a prosperous commercial centre. LimogesLimoges is the capital of the Limousin region. It is a city with a fascinating history and contains ancient buildings in quaint old streets with museums, gardens and galleries. Limoges was founded in 16BC by the Roman Emperor Augustus. It was first named Augustoritum after him. Still today, archaeologists continue to unearth roman villas and other remains. Limoges is famous for its 'arts du feu', porcelain and enamels. Both these involve kilns and firing. Enamel making started in the twelfth century and spread throughout Europe along the pilgrim ways (the route of Santiago de Compostela crosses the region). The quality of the clay and the prestige of Limoges porcelain prompted an American, David Haviland, to set up a china works there in 1842. You can visit the Haviland museum and the Pavilion de la Porcelaine. The Parc du Château de Montméry, was designed by one of David Haviland's sons, and contains many interesting species of trees and shrubs. Limoges has more parks and green areas per capita than any other French provincial city. The Butchers' Quarter in Limoges contains many fine old half-timbered buildings. The Maison Traditionnelle de la Boucherie (rue de la Boucherie) is a museum dedicated to the prestige of the butchers of Limoges who have held a powerful position here since the 1200s. In 1471, the Guild of butchers, built their own chapel (la Chapelle St Aurélien) which is now open to visitors. The Place de Bancs was used for the slaughter of animals, on benches in full view of everybody, to show that the beasts were sound. A visit to the covered market, Les Halles, takes you into alleyways full of bustling people and the tempting sights and smells of French food at its best. Until 1940 there were no less than 49 breweries in Limoges. Today, real ale is still brewed here in the Brasserie St Martial, Place Denis-Dussoubs. Using Kentish hops, this micro-brewery is also a bar and produces seven varieties of beer on site. The ancient Cathedral Quarter of Limoges rises up above the banks of the River Vienne. The whole area is dominated by the gothic cathedral of St Etienne, in spite of it having lost its spire when it was struck by lightening in the 16th century. It is surrounded by the gardens of the Bishop's palace which contains vast subterranean passages. Inside the Bishop's palace is the Musée de l'Evêché which displays fine enamels dating back to the 12th century. Additionally, on view here are Egyptology, a lapidary collection and paintings by August Renoir, who was born in Limoges in 1841. This museum hosts excellent exhibitions. Nearby is the Musée de la Résistance who commemorates the exploits of the maquis, which was very active in the Limousin. Many of the resistance fighters took part in the liberation of Limoges itself (August 14th, 1944). St JunienSt Junien is the second largest town in the Hate Vienne. It is famous for its manufacture of high class gloves and for the seven-yearly 'Ostentions'. Read more about this interesting town in this article by Margaret Schooling. |
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Cath & Doug Smith thesmiths@latronchaise.fr |
