Aixe-sur-Vienne

Visit Aixe-sur-Vienne, Limousin

Aixe-sur-Vienne is a small town on one of the (less used) pilgrimage paths that lead through France, situated a few kilometres west of Limoges in the Haute-Vienne department of Limousin. Not surprisingly given its name, Aixe-sur-Vienne stands on the upper reaches of the Vienne River.

Exploring Aixe-sur-Vienne

It is one of those towns that grows on you as you explore - in a quiet and unassuming way that is hard to describe. The most important part of the town centre is found along Rue Rochefroide and Place Saint Georges where several medieval houses can be seen. Note in particular the maison Rougerie in the Place des Horteils.

The remains of a castle in Rue Jeanne d'Albret and a couple of churches and chapels will also catch your attention - especially the Church of Sainte-Croix, a 13th century church combining elements from both gothic and roman architectural styles (and significant 19th century modifications), with a gothic style entrance and containing various relics and a shrine - the church is said to have been built here after a pilgrim carrying a thorn from the true cross chose the site as a resting place.

While here see the small 14th century Mallassert bridge (called the Pont Romain)...that doesn't reach to the other side. Apparently the original bridge would have had two of these small arches, and planks of wood resting on top to walk on.

You can also walk along the banks of the Vienne river.

Market day in Aixe-sur-Vienne is Friday, and is the best day to visit.

Attractions nearby

The quiet countryside of the region around Aixe-sur-Vienne attracts visitors principally because of the villages and sights along the Vienne river and one popular activity is to take a boat trip along the river. You can also some of the mills found in the vicinity of Aixe-sur-Vienne along the rivers Aurence and Aixette.

A little way downstream from Aixe-sur-Vienne you can see the Chateau de Losmonerie (a 16th century manor house currently being renovated and open to visits during August only), while at Bosmie l'Aiguille you can see the chateau and surrounding parkland of the Chateau du Boucheron (now used as the village mairie), in red brick and with two tall spires.

Note: Photo is copyright

Suggested places to visit near Aixe-sur-Vienne, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Saint-Leonard-de-Noblat 28km; Chateau de Jumilhac 34km; Bellac 37km; Segur-le-Chateau 43km; Confolens 43km; Saint-Germain-de-Confolens 45km; Thiviers 45km; Le-Dorat 47km; Nontron 47km; Saint-Jean-de-Cole 48km; Chateau de Puyguilhem 52km; Excideuil 52km; Uzerche 54km; La Souterraine 56km; Marthon 57km; La Rochefoucauld 58km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Aixe-sur-Vienne

Aixe-sur-Vienne tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Abbatial church de Saint Pierre (Solignac) - religious monument (12km) : Jardin de Liliane - remarkable garden (14km) : Saint-Hilaire-les-Places - ville fleurie 4* (17km) : Abbaye de Saint-Amand (Saint-Junien) - religious monument (21km) : Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche - recommended detour (32km) : Perigord-Limousin - regional natural parc (34km) : Abbatiale de Saint Pierre (Lesterps) - religious monument (36km) : Eglise Notre Dame de l'Assomption (Thiviers) - religious monument (46km) :

French version: see Aixe-sur-Vienne (Francais)