Creuse - truly rural France

Creuse is still, as a French gentleman said to me the other day, "rural France as it used to be". Medieval towns, pretty villages and sleepy hamlets nestle in the lovely unspoilt countryside - a neverending sea of the greens of the rolling hills and majestic forests, and the blues of the lakes, rivers and streams that appear round nearly every corner.

Whenever I'm asked "Whats so special about Creuse?", there are two things that spring immediately to mind. Of course one is the stunning scenery. It is still an absolute pleasure to me to drive on the traffic free roads surrounded by such beautiful and ever changing landscapes. The other is the feeling of having stepped back in time.

There is a timelessness, an impression of being in a bygone age. The pace of life is unhurried, calm. As Creuse is still very much an agricultural area, life is lived according to the seasons. There are no large towns and most of the 'Creusois' people live in villages or the countryside with life revolving around family, friends and the local community.

And the ! They are friendly, welcoming and helpful. And always willing to stop for a chat! It always seems to me that the ever popular weekly markets are for meeting up with friends, enjoying a drink at the local bar and catching up with the local gossip as much as for stocking up on the fresh, local produce.

Until fairly recently, Creuse was a secret - even to the French! Hidden away in central France, Limousin was somewhere they drove through on their way to the Mediterranean. As more people try to "get away from it all", either for a holiday or as a change of life, the attractions of Creuse as a nature lovers paradise and a magnet for watersports enthusiasts are becoming much better known.

For now though, Creuse France remains something of a hidden gem - tranquil, relaxing and stress free. It is a haven for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, cyclists, walkers, horseriders and anybody who likes to spend time "messing about on the river" whether you're swimmimg, fishing or sailing.

And when you're not out and about in the countryside, there are plenty of things going on. Village fetes are very popular and you can easily find at least two events every weekend from spring through to autumn. There are apple fetes, donkey fetes, chestnut fetes, fetes for Saints, to name just a few. Many fetes continue into the evening with a meal and dancing. And in winter its the turn of the Christmas fairs. Look out for the posters in shop windows or on boards at the side of the road for local events.

Other regular annual events include: -

- medieval weekends

- music festivals

- cycling events

- fireworks displays

- antiques fairs

- special exhibitions

- activity weekends

Creuse has a rich heritage and centuries old buildings testify to the history of this often fought over region of France. Vast churches, abbeys, chateaux or the ruins of a medieval fortress can be found in many villages. Wander around any of the towns and into the narrow back streets where people still live in homes built hundreds of years ago. Museums, exhibitions and information centres celebrate Creuse's past, often in fun and entertaining ways.

Between the Creuse river and the Valley of the Painters in the north to Millevaches, a Regional Natural Park, and Vassiviere, a 1,000 hectare artificial lake in the south, there are some 5,500 square kilometres for you to discover and enjoy. And fortunately, the department divides quite neatly into four distinctive areas - Pays Ouest Creuse, Pays de Gueret, Pays Combraille en Marche and Pays Sud Creusois.

- Pays Ouest Creuse -

La Souterraine is a pretty medieval town and the largest in this area. Lakes Cazine and Chaume are nearby, as well as a smaller lake with a beach in the town itself.

Dun le Palestel is a popular market town and the gateway to the stunning Valley of the Painters, with the artist's village of Fresselines at one end and the medieval ruins of Crozant towering above the river at the other end. A slow drive along the twisting and plunging country roads is highly recommended.

Benevent L'Abbaye - named after and famous for its abbey.

- Pays de Gueret -

The Three Lakes - La Celle Dunoise, Bourg d'Hem, Anzeme, Champsanglard.

- Pays Combraille en Marche -

- Pays Sud Creusois -

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