The 12 things to do in the Creuse

In the center of France, visiting the Creuse allows to relax in the countryside, while discovering the heritage.

In the heart of France, in the New Aquitaine , you can visit the Creuse for a natural stay, to relax and do many outdoor activities. But not only! It is also an authentic, quiet and pleasant department, exciting to discover. La Creuse has a rich heritage, small picturesque villages, castles, churches, ancestral know-how with tapestries, as well as a delicious local gastronomy.

So, discover our selection of the must-sees in the Creuse!

1. The Regional Natural Park of Millevaches

A Regional Natural Park that is to be discovered, on horseback on the departments of the Creuse, Corrèze and Haute Vienne. If you like outdoors, nature and large spaces, and you're looking for what to do in the Creuse, then Millevaches Park is for you! On a total surface of 314 000 hectares, the landscapes alternate between forests, meadows, peatlands, lakes and sources.

But it is also a local fauna to discover, for example, otters, trout fario, and various species of butterflies. The park is particularly suitable for hiking or mountain biking. In the summer season, various nautical activities are offered at Lake Vassivière. As for the winter season, a stay in the Creuse on the plateau of Millevaches will be an opportunity to make snowshoes or cross-country skiing, on the plateau of Gentioux-Pigerolles.

2. The spa of Évaux-les-Bains

If you need a good fitness, why not make a spa treatment ? It is to be done in the Creuse, in Évaux-les-Bains, the only spa in Limousin. The site is particularly recommended for rheumatology, phlebology and gynaecology. But beyond the thermal aspect, the city is charming with a historical heritage of 2,000 years.

Moreover, the Abbey Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul deserves a look. A masterpiece of the Romanesque era, it is indeed classified as a Historic Monument. Also, during the day, the Evaux woods are suitable for a walk. And in the evening, fans of games of chance will be able to have fun at the casino.

3. Manufacture of Aubusson’s tapestries

Among the heritage sites, Aubusson’s tapestry is to be discovered when visiting the Creuse. Aubusson’s tapestries are part of the regional and national heritage. It is also listed in UNESCO’s Immaterial Cultural Heritage. It is an ancestral know-how, six centuries of traditions, exceptional works, tapestries and carpets of all beauty.

To discover this art, direction the Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie d’Aubusson, in the city of the same name. Aubusson can also visit local craftsmen who perpetuate this know-how.

4. Lake Vassivière

A visit to the Creuse passes through the plateau of Millevaches and especially its famous lake of Vassivière. This one, shared between Creuse and Haute-Vienne is one of the largest lakes in France. Nice walks are therefore to be done in the Creuse around the lake, on the shores, on its calm waters or on Vassivière Island.

Indeed, many activities allow us to appreciate this site. Water activities are to be practiced like paddle, canoe, pedalo or swimming on the monitored beaches. To explore the places on the shore, hiking routes are offered, not to mention horse riding, donkey back, mountain biking or fishing on the waters of the lake.

5. Station Sports Nature – Monts du Guéret

If you love outdoors and sports in the middle of nature, there is something to do in the Creuse! The Station Sports Nature des Monts du Guéret is suitable for physical activities. This unspoiled environment, combining forests, meadows and ponds is perfect for outdoors. For bike and mountain bike enthusiasts, signposted circuits await you with equipment rental. Go with shoes suitable for physical activity, as the Monts du Guéret offer you first choice areas for hiking, as well as beautiful trail trail trails.

Riders are not left behind, because equestrian activities are also proposed. Also nautical activities are to be discovered with canoe rentals on the Creuse River. And for more chills, why not try to climb the Viaduct de Glénic or test the giant zipline of Jouillat!

6. The valley of painters

Here is a cultural getaway in the Creuse, with the valley of the painters. The magnificent landscapes of the Creuse Valley have been a source of inspiration for Impressionist painters. Many artists have come to paint these natural and preserved landscapes. Among them, the famous Claude Monet, Francis Picabia and Armand Guillaumin. Painting enthusiasts will go on their tracks following "the path of painters".

To continue this art-based visit, head to the Espace Monet-Rollinat in Fresselines. As for the Museum of Art & Archaeology of Guéret, he also exhibits impressionist works. The exhibition of Hotel Lépinat in Crozant, a former hostel, is now the Heritage Interpretation Centre.

7. The castles of the Creuse

For history enthusiasts, ancient monuments and French architectural heritage, several castles are to be visited in the Creuse. The Boussac castle is a Historic Monument, whose construction began in the 12th century, then in the early 15th century. It had a moving history and was carefully restored by its current owners. It is a must-see castle in the Creuse, where George Sand stayed there.

Among the other castles of the Creuse, there is the Château de Villemonteix Saint-Pardoux-les-Cards. This magnificent building, dating from the end of the Middle Ages, is equipped with a dungeon, towers, round path and interior is decorated with tapestries. One can also quote Château de la Chezotte Ahun. This one dates from the 15th century, has doves, English garden, chapel and fortified porch.

But the visit can continue with the Château de Sainte-Feyre , Château d’Etangsannes Saint-Chabrais. Without forgetting Crocq Towers or Tour de Bridiers To La Souterraine.

8. The Wolves of Chabrières

If you’re going to visit the Creuse, it’s perhaps the opportunity to see wolves. It is possible at Chabrières – Monts de Guéret. The zoo is located on the commune of Sainte-Feyre, south of Guéret. There are various wild animals in the forest, such as deer, deer, wild boars, badgers, foxes, galliforms and farm animals.

But the animal that attracts the most visitors is the wolf. There are several species of wolves in Chabrières: the European grey wolf, the Arctic white wolf, the white wolf and the Mackenzie black wolf. You can access a mirador to better watch the pack. It is also possible to make guided tours with the caregivers of the park. It is then an opportunity to listen to their explanations, anecdotes, ask questions and thus know all about these canids. And why not at 4:00 p.m. enjoy it to attend the meat distribution!

9. The picturesque villages

Visiting the Creuse also allows you to cross and discover small villages typical of the region. This is the case for example of Boussac , with its famous castle, overlooking the Petite Creuse valley. But also Bourganeuf , medieval city of the 12th century, founded by the Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem . She is known for her Zizim Tower, where Prince Zizim was imprisoned.

Moutier d’Ahun is one of the favorite French villages, for its authentic and picturesque side, as well as its medieval bridge. As for Aubusson , labeled “More Beaux Détours de France” is the capital of the tapestry, pleasant to visit with its Historical Monuments and old alleys. On the theme of the tapestry, the village of Felletin , cradle of the tapestry, also deserves the detour.

The charming villages of Crozant and La-Celle-Dunoise inspired many painters. Masgot , village of the stone tailors, is part of the picturesque villages. Also, Sermur is worth a visit to its old stone buildings and the magnificent view of the Monts d’Auvergne. I mean, La Souterraine and Bénévent l’Abbaye are villages of character, on the Santiago de Compostela .

10. The gardens of the Creuse

The Creuse is a perfect place to create beautiful gardens. If you don't know what to do in the Creuse, then you're interested in parks and gardens. You will discover the typical flora of the region, as well as other rarer species. Among the parks and gardens you could visit the garden of Sauveterre in Moutier-Mulcard or the gardens Clos du Préfons in Crozant.

Also in Crozant, the Arboretum of the Sedelle is labeled "Remarkable Garden". This hilly park allows you to discover more than 400 species. For a walk in the middle of the trees and especially the sequoias, take the direction of Tancognaguet Park in Saint-Etienne de Fursac. Also, if you pass through Ahun, take a break in the French garden Jacques Lagrange.

11. Churches, chapels and basilicas

There are many churches, chapels and basilicas in the department of Creuse. When visiting the Creuse and its small villages, it is therefore interesting to discover religious monuments, which are part of the heritage. The church Sous-Parçat is very original in the interior decoration. By pushing its doors, you can discover beautiful colorful frescoes. This is the work of a local artist, Gabriel Chabrat. A rather unusual decoration in an ancient church, but which gives it a surprising dynamic and feeric side.

The interior of the church of Saint Jean Baptiste de Bourganeuf is also of all beauty. Others are interesting to visit like the abbey of the Moutier-d’Ahun or the church of Ahun. In Chambon-sur-Voueize, the Abbey Sainte Valérie des XIe, XIIe, and XIIIe siècle is registered at the Caisse Nationale des Monuments Historiques et Sites. The church of Linard, also dedicated to Sainte Valérie, is listed in the Historical Monuments. Finally, the Romanesque abbey Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul d’Evaux-les-Bains is interesting to see for its architecture.

12. Creuse culinary specialties

For the epicureans, visiting the Creuse also goes through the discovery of local products, its flavours and culinary specialties. It is usually a traditional, simple but tasty cuisine. The potato paste, a kind of large peat with paste lid is essential.

In winter, a good bacon or cabbage soup will be perfect. To taste also the crust paste as well as the Creusois fondu. Not to mention local cheeses: Gouzon or Boursault. And to finish the meal, nothing like a clafoutis with cherries or a Creusois, famous local hazelnut cake.

How do I go to the Creuse?

The Creuse is a natural destination ideally located at almost equal distance from Paris , Lyon and Bordeaux (about 350 kilometres). It is possible to go there:

• By plane: There is a line Paris-Limoges, to see availability and prices you can use the Skyscanner site that will show you the best offers of the moment, while adapting to avos criteria.
• By train: via the Paris/Limoges line. The descent is at La Souterraine Station.
• And by car: Paris/Limoges highway A20, exit La Souterraine. We can also take the highway A89 Bordeaux/Lyon or A71 Paris/Clermont-Ferrand.

Where to stay in the Creuse?

For your stay in the Creuse, you can choose to stay in town to be closest to shops and amenities, or in the countryside for more rest. Major cities Guéret , La Souterraine , Aubusson and Evaux-les-Bains have more choices. But we can find interesting housing in remote villages. For hotels, our Compare hotels will help you find the best offers in the region. You can also book accommodation Airbnb or a pitch in a campsite.

And for those who prefer originality, there are also unusual accommodations such as yurts, trailers or perched cabins. In short, you have the embarrassment of choice!