Rochechouart

Visit Rochechouart, Limousin

Rochechouart is a town in the Haute-Vienne department of Limousin, not far from Limoges. The town labels itself as 'the countryside of the meteorite', because a mere 214 million years ago an enormous six billion tonne meteorite smashed into this spot - probably one of the largest meteorites ever to hit the earth (although little evidence now remains of this catastrophic event).

Exploring Rochechouart

Assuming that you are not concerned that 'lightning striking the same place twice' and you visit Rochechouart, you will find a pretty walled town, and an attractive castle.

The Chateau de Rochechoart dates its origins to the 13th century, but was much modified in later centuries to create a more comfortable living environment.

Subsequently taken over by the local council, the Chateau is now home to the interesting Museum of Modern Art, both indoors and in the surrounding gardens. An unexpected highlight of the town, the museum has a large collection of modern art and installations and also has frequent temporary exhibitions.

One other interesting edifice in Rochechouart is the Church Saint-Sauveur. This roman style church dates from the 11th century although the clocktower was not added until the 15th century. Of particular interest is the spire, added still later (in the 18th century) and a twisting octagonal design that is very unusual (if you are an enthusiast of twisting spires, I also saw a similar design at St Come d'Olt in the Aveyron department).

Note that the name of the town is not due to the meteorite (roche is french for rock), but the rock on which it is built.

Attractions nearby

If you are an enthusiast of roman style architecture you might like to also visit the small church at nearby Biennac. The Roman Baths at nearby Chassenon are also worth a look if you are in this part of Limousin.

Note: Photo is copyright)

Tourist classifications for Rochechouart: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 3*;

Suggested places to visit near Rochechouart, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Saint-Germain-de-Confolens 28km; Limoges 34km; La Rochefoucauld 35km; Nontron 35km; Marthon 37km; Bellac 38km; Chateau de Jumilhac 41km; Nanteuil-en-Vallee 43km; Saint-Jean-de-Cole 45km; Chateau de Puyguilhem 45km; Thiviers 46km; Bayers 47km; Le-Dorat 48km; Abbey Saint-Sauveur de Charroux 48km; Verteuil-sur-Charente 49km; Saint-Leonard-de-Noblat 52km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Rochechouart

Rochechouart tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Abbaye de Saint-Amand (Saint-Junien) - religious monument (9km) : Jardin de Liliane - remarkable garden (12km) : Abbatiale de Saint Pierre (Lesterps) - religious monument (21km) : Perigord-Limousin - regional natural parc (24km) : Saint-Hilaire-les-Places - ville fleurie 4* (33km) : Abbatial church de Saint Pierre (Solignac) - religious monument (36km) : Eglise de Saint Pierre (Chatain) - religious monument (41km) : Eglise de Saint Jean-Baptiste (Coulgens) - religious monument (42km) :

French version: see Rochechouart (Francais)