Oradour-Sur-Vayres

Oradour-sur-Vayres is a commune in the Haute-Vienne department in the Limousin region in west-central France.

Oradour Sur Vayres allows easy access to the departments of Charente and Dordogne. With beautiful hamlets, villages and small towns nestled beside lush green river valleys and perched on steep hilsides the visitor has plenty of scope to explore.

The town itself is surrounded by the forests and lakes of the Haute Vienne and is about 40km from the historic capital of Limoges; a city famous for its manufacture of porcelaine.

Sometimes referred to as 'Hidden France', this area has in the past lain undiscovered by tourists and yet, its great natural beauty and intersting historic locations have much to offer those searching the peace and tranquility of a region which rises gently from the plains of Charente eastwards towards the foothills of the Central Massif.

Oradour Sur Vayres has all amenities for the visitor. A fantasic Salon du The serving a plat du jour, salads and a great selection of cupcakes and gateau. Hotel and gite accomodation, a well stocked supermarket, a pharmacy and Au P'tite Marche, a wonderful local supplier of fresh fruit and veg with an extensive cheese counter and fantastic wines at great prices.

Outdoor Pursuits

There are Chambre D'Hotes, restaurants, a bar, a tourist office and a variety of independent shops. In le bourg (the centre of the town), stands the oldest house in Oradour which houses La Galerie de Gabriel.

For those searching outdoor pursuits, fishing, cycling, walking, golf and tennis are available locally. The old railway track makes for a wonderful, shaded walk, cycle or jog. With 18 kilometers to the end of the path at Challus, this is a wonderful place to unwind and relax in nature.

Just ten kilometers away along winding roads running through villages is le Lac du St Matieu. St Matieu itself is a lovely town with a good variety of ammenities. Le Lac du St Matieu is beautiful and very relaxing with its own beach and diving platforms and a circular walk with great spots for picnics. Camping is available with well maintained static caravans, tent space and a selection of yurts. After a walk around the lake relax in Le Grange du Lac with a glass of wine and a plat du jour.

For those of you who are interested in history you can follow the exploits of Richard the Lionhart or research the active part played by the local people who were offered up the strongest resistance to the invasion in World War 2. In this part of Free France, the possibilities are endless.