Treignac

Visit Treignac, Limousin

Treignac is one of the 'most beautiful villages of France' situated 30 kilometres north of Tulle, in the Limousin department of central southern France. It is a very pretty village on the River Vezere.

Explore Treignac

Within the narrow streets surrounding the 11th century church in the historic centre of Treignac there are several interesting medieval houses and features to be discovered.

While you are wandering around, look out especially for the highly decorated doors and windows, many of which include the shell, which is the motif (mark) of the pilgrims who passed through here on their way to Santiago de Compostela. An example is above the ornate doorway of the Maison Lachaud Sangnier, a refuge where the pilgrims could spend the night.

There is an interesting market hall in the town. Originally built in the 12th century, it was rebuilt in the 15th century after being destroyed by someone who was owed some money by a nobleman of the town.

Take a look at the quaint little Chapel Notre-Dame in Treignac and its unusual spire that includes a twisted design. Also don't miss the Chapel of the Penitents, built by the 'brotherhood of White penitents' as a refuge from the Protestants in the 17th century.

You can also see a medieval tower to the east and one of the original gateways through the fortified walls that once allowed access to Treignac centre to the west, then walk down to the bottom of the town to see the  lovely old stone bridge across the Vezere.

Believed to have been built in the 14th century or before, the bridge has three arches. From here there is also a nice view back up towards the village. The Church of Notre Dame de la Basse Cour can be seen near the bridge.

Local highlights and attractions

The Lac due Bariousses, a 99 hectare lake close to Treignac, allows for a wide range of water based activities.

There are numerous walks available in the Monédieres region (the tourist office can give you details of these).

Canoeing is practiced on the Vezere river, but unless you are particularly expert you will probably prefer just to watch - the river is not at all calm in this region, and only experienced and expert canoeists should try. Indeed in 2000 the world championships for canoe-descents were held here at Treignac.

Tourist classifications for Treignac: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Suggested places to visit near Treignac, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Saint-Angel 34km; Segur-le-Chateau 40km; Donzenac 40km; Saint-Leonard-de-Noblat 41km; Argentat 51km; Limoges 53km; Collonges-la-Rouge 54km; Aubusson 55km; Mauriac 55km; Turenne 56km; Chateau de Jumilhac 57km; Aixe-sur-Vienne 59km; Chateau de Hautefort 59km; Terrasson 59km;

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

Treignac tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Millevaches en Limousin - regional natural parc (23km) : Jardin de la Ganille - remarkable garden (40km) : Parc-arboretum de Neuvic d'Ussel - remarkable garden (41km) : Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche - recommended detour (46km) : Abbatial church de Saint Pierre (Solignac) - religious monument (47km) : Saint-Hilaire-les-Places - ville fleurie 4* (51km) : Gouffre de la Fage - site of natural beauty (53km) : Jardins du château de Hautefort - remarkable garden (59km) :

French version: see Treignac (Francais)