cottages4two

Just a stone's throw....

If you enjoy a stroll in the countryside, watching the wildlife, exploring historical sites, or just soaking up some of that wonderful French life, this is the place for you.

History, culture, outdoor pursuits, adventurous sports, gastronomy, nature - there is something to suit almost every taste.

Le Roc is located between the internationally famous equestrian town of Pompadour, and one of France's 'plus beaux villages' (most beautiful villages), Ségur Le Château. Just minutes from the Dordogne border, Le Roc has the advantage of being situated in the relatively undiscovered apple and chestnut region of the Corrèze. The Corrèze forms part of the department of Limousin, at the top of the south-west corner of France and boasts a total of 6 of France's recognised "most beautiful villages".

The area is rich in medieval villages and castles, lakes and rivers, woodland walks, and country French cuisine.

Local Amenities

The small town of Arnac-Pompadour is just 3 miles away. Here you will find all you could need including supermarkets, butchers, chemists, bakers, restaurants, cafes, tourist information office and a local market. There are additional restaurants, bars, tourist information offices and markets at nearby Ségur Le Château (4 miles) and Lubersac (3.5 miles).

Nature & Country Pursuits

A haven for wildlife lovers, you need not stray further than the garden to observe the red squirrels, red kites, herons, deer, buzzards, black woodpeckers, golden orioles, hoopoes and migrating cranes (to name but a few).

With many nearby footpaths and bridleways, you are free to explore on foot, bicycle or horse, and if the local walks leave you refreshed and wanting more, the region boasts many activities and festivals to satisfy the most adventurous of visitors.

Perhaps a gentle stroll in the forest looking for mushrooms, a train ride along the Gorges de la Vézère, or a day's fishing at one of the local lakes or rivers (nearest is a 5-minute walk) will satisfy the need to get out and about, but don't forget to stop off for a coffee at a local bar.

Pompadour Racing & Equestrian Events

The 'city of horses' is a pretty chocolate-box town with a welcoming, gentle community and is named after Louis XV's favourite mistress, Madame de Pompadour. The splendid XV century fortified chateau, which he bought in 1745 to house his extravagant lover, dominates the centre of Pompadour, and overlooks the magnificent racecourse.

The town hosts a busy schedule of equestrian events from April to October including showjumping, dressage, flat and steeplechase. There is also the annual July 14th 'Donkey Day' - a great fun day out.

The Pompadour Stud farm (Haras) is one of the most prestigious in the country. The 89-hectare-pasture national brood-mare farm, "Jumenterie La Rivière", is believed to be the only one in France and is a spectacular sight in the spring. The site is world famous as the birthplace of the Anglo-Arabian breed.

The racecourse was created in 1836 and was originally devoted to training, with the first races taking place in 1837. Steeplechasing began in 1919. In addition to steeplechase, Pompadour's annual race events also include flat and cross-country. This increasingly popular racecourse is rated as 1st class for steeplechasing, 2nd class A for the flat and is considered to be one of the most beautiful and most undulating in France. It is also one of the few courses in the southwest of France to see a rise in both public attendance and participants.

Sports & Adventure

In addition to walking, cycling, horse-riding and fishing, you will also find local activities include tennis, badminton, swimming, climbing, karting and dancing.

Should you seek a little more excitement, why not try a flight in a hot air balloon - perhaps you'll get a bird's eye view of Le Roc. We may even be able to arrange for you to be picked up by balloon from Le Roc itself.

Water sports add a challenge with canoeing, kayaking and rafting. The choice is endless.

In addition, for rugby enthusiasts, the internationally famous Brive-la-Gaillarde and their team are just 40 minutes away.

Culture & History

Choose from the many art galleries in the 'porcelaine' capital of Limoges, and the popular market town of Brive.

Pompadour itself is on the famous 'Richard the Lionheart' trail and following this journey takes you to some wonderful historical castles and beautiful medieval villages. There are at least four castles within a 10 mile radius.

For those seeking to experience the 'French' way of life, here you savour the gentle pace of local gentle people. Their markets, their food and flower festivals, a game of boules or fishing competition. One of the highlights has to be the summer evening market (with live music) at the medieval village of Ségur Le Château, where locals and tourists alike visit this small quality market on the riverbank, buy freshly baked bread, locally farmed trout, home-grown veg, quality wine and more and then sit at one of the long trestle-tables to wine, dine and dance with new friends and acquaintances. Magical.