 L’Ouche is situated on top of a hill, which gives spectacular views, sunsets and clear starlight for those night-time gazers. A multitude of meandering lanes lead from the house, offering unlimited country walks and cycle rides. This is typical French country-living. There are many larger villages a short distance away, with shops, restaurants and supermarkets. There is also a local bakery van calling every second day. Listen for the horn at 10.30am for your fresh croissants and baguette! L’Ouche is tucked into a pretty enclave in Limousin. There are many local attractions just a short distance away.  GARGILESSE is voted the prettiest town in France and is situated north of Lac de Eguzon. The town is in a mountainous spot, with spectacular scenery. This is also the home of George Sand, the famous French author and mistress of Chopin. There are art galleries, restaurants and café’s in this pretty town.  LAC DE EGUZON is a large man-made reservoir set in a deep gorge. There are 3 beaches, each with a different personality. The beach at CHAMBON (western shore) is busy, and is the hub for all the water sports for hire. The banana-boat trip is popular with children (ages 6 and up). There is a child-friendly beach, a resident lifeguard, and a waterslide which is popular with the older children. There is also a restaurant on the beach. There are further restaurants a short distance away in the village of Chambon.  On the eastern shore there are two beaches, one at BONNU which is small and quiet, and a larger beach at Fougeres. FOUGERES has a demarcated swimming area with diving board, childrens’ play park and also a jetty for local boat owners. There is a ‘crazy golf’ pitch and also two restaurants which are open all day and evening, with one located on the beach. In the summer, a circus also visits Fougeres and is popular with families.  There are many markets which are held in each village and are well advertised. CROZANT also hosts a historic ruin, with a restaurant which is famous for its’ breakfasts. It also hosts a popular medieval festival in early August which is open all day and ends with a medieval feast at night.  ORSENNES holds a spectacular (and free) fireworks display and float parade which is popular with younger children, in the summer. There is also a fair on in the town at the same time.  Fishing is very popular in this part of France and a permit is easily obtained. There are many picturesque river spots for the fisherman, or for a picnic. One such a spot was painted by Monet. This event is marked by a lookout point, on the road into FRESSELINES. Fresselines is an artists hamlet, with some interesting art galleries. This small area is within easy reach of L’Ouche and hosts many attractions and opportunities for relaxation or exercise. There are walks aplenty, and one organised walk at the end of August from LOURDOUEIX-ST-MICHEL with different routes for different ages, and plenty of chocolate along the way for the children. Cycle routes (VTT) are popular, and cycling events are held regularly. There are supermarkets in AIGURANDE and EGUZON for your grocery shopping. The local newspaper gives a comprehensive listing of all local events, and there is an well-stocked Tourist Information office in Eguzon, where the staff speak English and are very helpful. If you want to venture further afield, the town of ARGENTON-SUR-CREUSE offers a more varied shopping experience.  If you are interested in historic sights, then ORADOUR-SUR-GLEN, north-west of Limoges, is a must. It is a town which has been left to stand still in time, after the massacre which took place at the end of the Second World War. LIMOGES is a small city with a busy railway station. It is here that you can take a scenic steam train journey to the foothills of the Alps, whilst being entertained by local musicians. LIMOGES is also famous for its porcelain, and there are specialist shops catering for the fine porcelain lover. |
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