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The fantastic Department of the Creuse

Creuse (23) is part of the region of Limousin and is surrounded by the departments of Correze (19), Haute-Vienne (87), Allier (03), Puy-de-Dome (63), Cher (18), and Indre (36).

It is located in the Massif Central and permeated by the Creuse River and its tributaries. As is typical for an inland area of continental Europe, Creuse has relatively cold winters with some snowfall into April, but also hot summers.

The topography is principally rolling hills intersected by often steep valleys. Much of the farming is beef cattle, Charolais and Limousin, and also sheep.

The inhabitants of the department are called Creusois. Gueret is the capital, which has nearby a large animal park named “Loups de Chabrieres” containing some of France’s only wolves, held in semi-captivity. Aubusson is another chief town – which is famous for its tapestry and carpet manufacture which date from the 15th Century. There are the castles of Villemonteix, Boussac, and Banizette. The monastery of Moutier-d’Ahun has exceptional wood carvings from the XVIIth century.

Since the late 1990s, the Creuse has become a tourist destination. The summers are relatively hot, but not as hot as in the southern parts of France. Because of the forested landscape and little pollution, many foreigners (notably British and Dutch) have sought to buy in the Creuse.

The Creuse is Heaven for all lovers of outdoor pursuits, 3400 kilometres of trout rivers and streams, 48 hectares of 1st category man-made lakes and 2600 hectares of municipal and private ponds; the Creuse is angling heaven. Whatever takes your fancy; trout, carp, pike and many other fish are simply waiting to be hooked.

Imagine riding along leafy country lanes, across open fields or through majestic forests. In the Creuse it’s easy to be at one with nature and horse riding is an ideal way of exploring "France's green heart".

On or off-road, the Creuse has it; roads where you’re more likely to meet a cow than a car; hundreds of kilometres of marked trails through forests and open countryside. Take part or watch one of the many mountain bike events organised throughout the year.

Churches, chateaux, ruins, standing stones; the Creuse’s history is traced through its monuments and architecture. Monet’s impressionism, sculpted Masgot; culture and art are in total harmony, part of the Creuse’s riches.

The Limousin is well known amongst French ramblers for its proliferation of country trails (chemins) which provide some of the best walking countryside in France. The Creuse region is, perhaps, the wildest terrain of all with small, picturesque, villages and hamlets thinly scattered throughout the forests which cover the Ambazac hills.

The recipes within the region are characterised by hearty dishes and long-simmered stews. The area is also famous for its charcuterie, its sausages and pates often stuffed with the ever-present chestnut. Limousin beef, always naturally raised, has an international reputation along with the milk-fed veal. Pate de pomme de terre Limousin (Limousin potato pie) takes this unassuming dish into new realms.
Local cheeses, some similar to Roquefort, you will sometimes only find in this region, with many local producers selling only at the local markets or direct from the farm. The region also has a plethora of tradional cakes and puddings such as the apple flaugnarde, cherry clafoutis (both batter-based cakes), Correze’s special gaieties or the Creuse’s almond gateau. Definitely not good for the figure – but who cares!

In all, simply a lovely place to be, surrounded by nature and clean air.

The French Alps

Situated in the South-East of France bordering the French Riviera/Côte d'Azur, Italy and Switzerland sits the region of the Rhone-Alpes. An area of considerable diversity and natural beauty with vast mountain ranges which include the highest peak in Europe, Mont Blanc, and the Massif Central interspersed by seven significant protected national parks.

Here you’ll find the areas of Savoie (73) and Haute-Savoie (74) with their world famous ski areas of the Three Valleys, Chamonix, Espace Killy, Paradiski and Porte du Soleil to name but a few. In addition to these vast ski regions this area encompasses many well-known tourist areas, cities, towns and lakes. The diverse landscape makes it ideal for nature based activities and sports, from mountaineering and a vast range of summer activities to the full range of on-snow activities.

The whole area is also famous for superb local productions of wines such as Gamy, and local cheeses such as Beaufort which is used in traditional mountain dishes such as tartiflette; because of this it also offers a wealth of famous restaurants and chefs.

In the ski resorts which include Courchevel, Les Gets, Meribel, St Martin de Belleville, Val d’Isere, Tignes, Les Arcs, La Plagne, Valmorel and many more, you’ll find everything from luxury ski chalets with heated drives and outdoor hot tubs to tiny studio apartments that are simply designed to get you skiing as cheaply as possible. In the surrounding mountain villages you’ll find tumbling down barns to renovate, charming houses, new builds and everything in between.

Down in the valleys the choice is endless with farms, stables, chateaux, village and town houses as well as lake side properties of all shapes and sizes which include well known locations such as Lake Geneva, Lac de Annecy and Lac de Bourget plus a wealth of river side properties. There are properties near vineyards, golf courses, gorges..... there is something for everyone here and with the different climate from area to area there is also a climate to suit as well.

Click here to see our top 20 properties for sale in the French Alps region.

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