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about Le Moulin de Sansonneche, a brief overview of its location
and the area. |
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on the region of Limousin and local towns, Felletin and Aubusson. |
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Sansonneche |
| The
Region |
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The Moulin de Sansonneche is situated in the Creuse department
of the Limousin region, on the Plateau de Millevaches which literally
translated means 'the plateau of a thousand springs'. This area
has recently been officially declared an area of outstanding natural
beauty (Parc Natural Regional). The valley of the river Gioune
is one of the sites of special interest.
As you would
expect, there are ample opportunities for some excellent angling
and if required, and given prior notice, we can arrange this for
you at one of a couple of local lakes. There are many countryside
activities, such as walking, cycling, horse riding, sailing, canoeing
and fishing. The local Tourist Office organises walks of interest
every Wednesday afternoon and sometimes on a Saturday. During
the winter, when there is snow on the ground, the very energetic
can find cross country skiing at a couple of local pistes.
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The nearest
small town, Felletin, is 8 km away -less than 10 minutes by car.
Felletin has a pretty, tree-lined square surrounded by cafés,
bars and shops.Market
day is on Friday mornings in the main square and the surrounding
cobbled streets. Farm produce, cheeses, plants, baskets and jewellery
are available at the many stalls found there during the summer.
It is a very popular market with the local French population and
English residents and visitors alike - an unmissable morning.
Aubusson,
a beautiful medieval town, is approximately 18km north of the
Moulin, and it takes approximately 20 minutes to drive there.
The town is steeped in history and is famous for its tapestries
and carpets - from the Middle Ages up to as recently as the hanging
tapestry created for the 2000 Olympics. The Maison
du Tapissier (closed on Tuesdays) houses permanent and temporary
exhibitions. Nowadays Aubusson has a good selection of restaurants
for all tastes and pockets, shops including speciality shops,
a theatre and a cinema. Market morning here is on a Saturday.
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Lake Vassivière
(Lac du Vassivière)
is situated approximately 25km west of the Moulin. It is one of
the largest lakes in France, covering 2,470 acres and with 45km
of lakeside to explore. The beautiful sandy beaches at this fresh
water lake are perfect for sunbathing or, for the more active, windsurfing,
canoeing, waterskiing and sailing. There really is something for
everyone at the lake - families and couples alike. There are designated
swimming areas and lifeguards on duty during the high season. Additionally,
children's play areas, volleyball courts and boat hire are all available.
Have a picnic or go to one of the many cafés, bars or restaurants
that line the lakeside. The choice is yours.
Boat excursions
are available to Vassivière Island, where one can stroll
through the scupture park or visit the Comtemporary Art museum designed
by the late Aldo Rossi.
Near Vassivière is the fabulous Parc
d'Arbre en Arbre, which is an aerial rope course suitable for
all ages, although children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
along the junior/adult routes. The course is made up of 7 daring
circuits including giant swings, Tyrolean zip wires and suspension
bridges. A thrilling day out for all the family.
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Only one hour's
drive away, and at the heart of the central massif, lies the spa
and mountain ski resort of Mont Dore. The highest point of the
range is Puy de
Sancy at nearly 1900 metres.
During the
ski season,
there are approximately 30 piste runs available for all abilities,
including 6 red and 2 black runs. Cable
cars, chair and button lifts will take you to the pistes. Play
in the snow - there are also plenty of sledging runs.The
cable car to the station a couple of hundred metres below the
summit of Puy de Sancy is open all year allowing access to some
stunning high level walks.
In the beautiful
town of Mont Dore there are plenty of restaurants, pavement cafés,
bars and shops. Nearby is the very pretty spa town of La Bourboule
- well worth a visit, and here there is also a casino.
To the north of Mont Dore - or as you approach the Auvergne region
and the city of Clermont Ferrand from the west - lies the Puy
de Dome and the volcanoes of the Auvergne. This is France's most
famous volcano (now extinct!). It is soft sided and conical -
exactly what a volcano should look like. Close to the Puy de Dome
is Vulcania,
the world's only volcano theme park. Vulcania has 5000 m2
of activities and sights to discover on 3 interior levels.
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To the south,
in the Corrèze department, are the gorges of the Dordogne. These
spectacular gorges - formed by the River Dordogne - often remain
wild, and are sanctuaries for the local flora and fauna. It is not
uncommon to see peregrine falcons and red kites hunting here.
The river has
cut deep valleys and forms astonishing cascades through the Limousin
plateau. Roads and tracks are cut into the sides of the rocks, and
the numerous view-points offer spectacular and breathtaking scenery.
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