Our guide to...

Limousin

One of France’s landlocked regions, Limousin’s got more than enough to compensate for its lack of coastal beaches. Take its rivers and lakes, for example. You might not find anywhere to sit and build sandcastles, but if fishing’s more your thing then you’ll be in your element. Gites in Limousin give you access to riding trails, golf courses, parks and gardens and some of the most picturesque villages in France.

If you can’t tempt the kids with parks and gardens, then why not tell them about the region’s zoos and animal parks? Even fussy teenagers won’t be able to resist the adorable creatures that they’ll find at some of Limousin’s best family attractions.

In Corrèze, you can have a horse-riding holiday like no other. At the Ferme Equestre de Mialaret, the whole family can enjoy horse-riding lessons or trail riding through the beautiful French countryside. Alternatively, take to the skies for a tour by plane or helicopter, or a gentle trip in a hot air balloon. Balloon flights are particularly popular in this department, and you’ll find no better way to view the fields and parks.

The Wizz’ Titi treetop adventure course offers a surprisingly cheap day out, with a high rope course and a barefoot walking trail that provides a completely unique experience. One of Wizz’ Titi’s trails has even been designed with wheelchair users in mind. Once you’ve had enough of the trees, head down to the ground for a day at Parc Les Z’Animoos – an interactive farm park for toddlers and children.

Creuse is named after the Creuse River, which runs through the department. It’s a place of hills and valleys, and in contrast to other rural parts of France its farms are generally for the rearing of animals rather than the growing of vines. In fact, parts of the Creuse countryside look a lot like rural parts of England. Culture and art are important here, and you’ll see some traditional French castles as you tour the area. The French architecture is often the only clue that you’re not in one of the most picturesque parts of the UK. If you’re looking for the key attractions, then be sure to fit Les Loups de Chabrières into your itinerary. This fascinating wolf park is home to multiple packs of wolves and is a great place to spend a day on your holiday in France.

The department of Haute-Vienne is an ideal place for families, with attractions that include the Parc du Reynou zoo and gardens. Though there are cages, different species of animals are kept together to live as they would in the wild, whenever it’s safe to do so. Some of Haute-Vienne’s most impressive attractions are the historic buildings found all over the area, with the Quartier de la Boucherie being a particularly idyllic spot with beamed houses and cobbled streets. As well as exploring the castles and museums, take time to stop and visit the Limousin Aquarium. Whatever your age, you’ll love the colourful tanks and hands-on activities.

Base your self at one of GiteSearch’s cottages and gites to enjoy all that this region has to offer. Use the linl below to find your perfect self catering property.

Areas of Limousin

Correze
In Corrèze, you can have a horse-riding holiday like no other. At the Ferme Equestre de Mialaret, the whole family can enjoy horse-riding lessons or trail riding through the beautiful French countryside. Alternatively, take to the skies for a tour by plane or helicopter, or a gentle trip in a hot air balloon

Creuse
Creuse is named after the Creuse River, which runs through the department. It's a place of hills and valleys, and in contrast to other rural parts of France its farms are generally for the rearing of animals rather than the growing of vines. In fact, parts of the Creuse countryside look a lot like rural parts of England.

Haute Vienne
The department of Haute-Vienne is an ideal place for families, with attractions that include the Parc du Reynou zoo and gardens. Though there are cages, different species of animals are kept together to live as they would in the wild, whenever it's safe to do so. Some of Haute-Vienne's most impressive attractions are the historic buildings found all over the area, with the Quartier de la Boucherie being a particularly idyllic spot with beamed houses and cobbled streets.