Historical postcard Historical postcard

Vayres

Vayres is a traditional French village surrounded by lush green pasture land, a variety of swimming lakes and is close to the historic Richard the Lion Heart Route. The village has 2 boulangeries (bread shops), boucherie (butcher), one local bar (with more in nearby Rochechouart and St Mathieu), a post office and local grocer, plus a local fish man who visits every Thursday. Both boulangeries are only two minutes walk from the cottage - perfect for a leisurely breakfast!

Enjoy the excellent cuisine that this area has to offer with a visit to one of the many local restaurants.

Vayres village Vayres village

The area is renowned for its excellent cuisine provided by its world famous limousine cattle, fois-gras and fresh produce. The quiet village, although close to several tourist attractions and only 25 mins drive from the world famous porcelain city of Limoges, still retains its rural French charm and character, much of which can be enjoyed at local fetes, festivals, repas (feasts) and local markets throughout the year.

To cool off during the long hot summers there are several picturesque lakes for fishing, swimming and water sports (kayaking, wind surfing and sailing). Closest to the house are St Mathieu 6kms (picture) and Videix (7kms). Both are patrolled by lifeguards and are great safe family beaches. Each has fantastic lakeside dining for lunches or dinner and are suitable for families and couples.

St Mathieu St Mathieu

In the chestnut forests surrounding the village there is a network of quiet lanes for cycling or walking, providing excellent opportunities to bird watch or catch a glimpse of wild boar and deer.

Vayres nearest neighbour is the pretty town of Rochechouart which is only 5 kms away. Rochechouart is renowned for its fairytale chateau, winding narrow medieval streets, farmers markets, fantastic restaurants and its church is one of only two in France to have a spiral spire!

Chateau at Rochechouart Chateau at Rochechouart

Close to Rochechouart are the stunning Gallo-Roman baths (10mins) (tours available - open daily). Surrounding Vayres are a range of well preserved medieval towns, a fine example is the pretty village of Messingac home to the source of the Charente. Its beautiful medieval bath/wash house in the heart of the village is well worth a visit!

Twenty minutes drive away is the haunting 'village martyr' of Oradour-sur-Glane where on the 10th June 1944 the SS-Panzer division of the German army surrounded the village and massacred 642 women men and children. Today it is a sombre reminder of the atrocities of WW2 (museum and tours available daily).

Oradour-sur-Glane Oradour-sur-Glane

Close to Oradour-sur-Glane is the heritage village of Mortemart - voted as one of the most beautiful villages in France. A impressive setting for fairs, markets (in particular a country market every Sunday morning in July and August) and outdoor classical concerts.

local markets Local markets

The area around Vayres is also geologically interesting for example; the Rochechouart meteorite impact crater, was created around 214 million years ago, during the late Triassic Period, by a large extraterrestrial body striking the Earth. In this now gentle landscape of woods and fields, evidence of the impact may be seen in disused and working quarries, and also in the distinctive stone used in many mediaeval buildings.

The castle at Rochechouart, important in the wars between England and France in Richard the Lionheart's time, is built of impact breccia. Churches in nearby villages are built of glassy melt rocks produced by the impact. There is an excellent museum, Espace Metéorite Paul Pellas, at 16, rue Jean Parvy, Rochechouart, which is worthy of a visit.

As well as an abundance of historical places to visit there are numerous farmers markets to sample the regions' mouth watering produce and appreciate local craftsmanship.
  • St Junien - (15mins) bread, olives, olive oils, hams and cured meats, fruit and vegetables and local cheeses (covered and open)
  • Piegut - (20 mins) antique French linen, cheeses, bread, pastries, turned wooden bowls, lavender and honey
  • Chabanais - (15 mins) chillies, goats cheese, fresh fish, plants, clothes and some brocante
  • Rochechouart - (8 mins) cheeses and cured meats, pineau, patisserie, crepes and rotisserie (night markets during the summer months)
  • Perigueux - (45 mins) a vast markets specialising in fois gras with lots of free tasting! Pate du canard, handmade baskets, flowers and chocolates - a must see experience!!
Throughout the year most villages hold brocantes (antique markets) and vide grenier vides (attic sales) a great place to pick up interesting furniture, old linen and antiques.

Surrounding Vayres are many interesting day trips including:
  • Confolons (20 mins north) which hosts a legendary International Festival of Folk music and dance over the 2nd & 3rd weeks of August providing a focal point for artists from around the world. From Confolens a 'Velo-rail' runs to Roumazieres - a 33 km self propelled rail line offering a unique way to see the stunning countryside.
  • Angouleme (45 mins) is a beautiful town which has attractive squares, excellent restaurants, boat trips and numerous festivals throughout the year.
  • Limoges (25 mins) which is famous for its porcelain industry and if you are so inclined there are factory outlets in the city where you can buy both perfect and seconds from all the famous makes. The French National Porcelain Museum (Musée Andrien-Dubouchée) is located within the city just off the N141, with good car parking facilities.
  • Futurescope, near Poitiers, (1hr 20 mins north) is a vast science and technology park, which has an impressive variety of audio-visual, interactive and virtual reality experiences.

Contact us to make a booking or to find out more:

Australian clients contact: Tel: (+61)(02) 9818 8331 (Mark Love)
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