Visit Bellac, Limousin
Bellac is situated to the north-west of the Haute-Vienne department of Limousin, near the border with the Poitou-Charentes region. It is a small market town with a long history based around the leather tanning industry, that was important here during the Middle Ages.
Each historical period has left its mark on Bellac in the form of places of interest for visitors.
Exploring Bellac
The 13th century stone arched bridge across the tranquil River Vincou is a good place to start you visit, and to have a view across the town.
Heading into Bellac itself you will see, among other things, numerous ancient houses. Most of these date from the 15th to 17th centuries.
You will also see the remains of part of the original defensive walls of the town, and an impressive 17th century town hall with small towers on two of the corners of the building.
Among the notable religious monuments in the town is the 12th - 15th century Church of Notre-Dame, which stands at the highest point in Bellac and dominates the town skyline. Because of the extended period between the church's first construction and its completion you can see elements of both roman and gothic style architecture.
There are also two chapels here - the Chapel of the Penitents, and the Chapel of Notre-Dame-Lorette.
After exploring the town head back to the bridge and take a stroll along the river banks (this is also a nice place for a picnic).
Market days in Bellac are Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Things to do near Bellac
Close to the town you can enjoy the water based facilities of the the Lac de Saint Pardoux, popular with visitors and locals alike who enjoy the activities and watersports available.
Note: Photo shows the old stone bridge below the village
France This Way visitor reviews and comments:
Visit Cafe le Pont de la Pierre.
The Café is located in the peaceful landscaped gardens alongside the River Vincou, away from the bustle and traffic of the town centre. Whilst sitting on the terrace on the banks of the river, one can enjoy the superb views of the old town of Bellac and the thirteenth Century bridge, the Pont de la Pierre.
Photos of Bellac (click any picture to start the gallery)
Tourist classifications for Bellac: Recommended place to break a long journey (village d'etape);
Suggested places to visit near Bellac, France
Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.
Le-Dorat 11km
Oradour-sur-Glane 21km
Brigueuil 24km
Verneuil-Moustiers 25km
More suggestions: Saint-Germain-de-Confolens 29km; Confolens 32km; La Souterraine 36km; Limoges 36km; Aixe-sur-Vienne 37km; Rochechouart 38km; Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe 39km; Saint-Benoit-du-Sault 44km; Saint-Leonard-de-Noblat 47km; Abbey Saint-Sauveur de Charroux 50km; Nanteuil-en-Vallee 58km; Chauvigny 58km;
See these places and more on a map at places near Bellac
Bellac tourism: sights and attractions nearby
Abbatiale de Saint Pierre (Lesterps) - religious monument (24km) : Abbaye de Saint-Amand (Saint-Junien) - religious monument (29km) : Montmorillon - town of art and history (36km) : Eglise de Notre-Dame (Montmorillon) - religious monument (37km) : Abbaye de la Réau (Saint-Martin-l'Ars) - religious monument (39km) : Jardin de Liliane - remarkable garden (40km) : Abbatial church de Saint Pierre (Solignac) - religious monument (44km) : Eglise d'Usson de Poitou (Usson-du-Poitou) - religious monument (44km) :
French version: see Bellac (Francais)
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