CREUSE

GENERAL INFORMATION

Creuse is a département in central France named after the Creuse River .  Creuse is part of the current region of Limousin and is surrounded by the départements of Corrèze, Haute-Vienne, Allier, Puy-de-Dôme, Cher, and Indre.

Creuse means hollow in French, and is one of the least populated departments in France . It is renowned for its peaceful, un-spoilt countryside, dramatic landscapes, breathtaking views and lots of water.  It has rivers full of Trout, Trench, Roach, Carp, and Pike, just pick up a fishing license from your local bar tabac and get casting.

It was the clear waters of the Creuse that enabled Aubusson to become a centre for making coloured dyes, used for tapestries & rugs. Tapestry production was at its height in the 16th & 17th centuries.

The area was also known for its skilled builders who learned their trade working the local granite. These skilled men were largely responsible for the urbanisation of Paris .

HISTORY

Creuse was one of the original 83 départements created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790. It was created from the former province of la Marche .

THINGS TO DO AND SEE

Le Pays de Trois Lacs, which are held back by three Dams, provide fantastic conditions for angling and water sports as well as providing man-made sandy beaches. Water lovers can also choose to be spoilt by Lac de Vassiviere, a favourite holiday destination of the French where you can enjoy windsurfing, canoeing, water-skiing, sailing, boat trips, rambling, riding, cycling, and to relax, a beach.

The département is well-known for its tapestry and carpets, which have been famous throughout the world since the 14th Century.  The tapestry museum in Aubusson has permanent and temporary exhibitions tracing their history from the fifteenth century to the present day.

There are several gardens and arboretums open to visitors, amongst which the Jardin de Sauveterre (wild flowers), Les Jardins Artistiques de Drulon, Les Jardins Au Prieuré Notre-Dame d'Orsan, Le Parc naturel des Parelles, Les Jardins de la Sédelle and Les Jardins Clos de la Forge.

There are many castles to be visited, the castles of Sarzay, Culan and Boussac have all been restored privately and remain in private hands, but other impressive ones are the Château d'Ars, Villemonteix, and the ruins of Ste. Sévère.

You can observe real-life wolves living outside in the ParcAnimalier des Monts de Gueret, learn about their long relationship with man in the Espace Museographique, and take a trip through the Universe in the Astronomical Observatory.

There are over 150 red deer living on the property of the Domaine du Cros. You can take a two-hour tour in a four-wheel drive, which reveals all about their private lives.