correze-gites.com - holiday accommodation in quality gites and hotel standard bed and breakfast in Treignac, Correze, Limousin, France. Les Prats is ideal for self catering holidays or house hunting in the Limousin area.
Things to do in the Limousin Region
Limousin
Needless to say, the Limousin, with its wide open spaces and vast forests, its deep river gorges and high plateaux, its abundant wildlife and pure air, caters for the lovers of the "great outdoors".
Eating Out
The Limousin region provides many of the ingredients that make up its wholesome cuisine. Local meat, fruit, nuts, mushrooms, and goats cheese are readily available in the markets, and used in restaurants specialising in local cuisine. Fish is always fresh and of a high quality. Some of the dishes to look out for in the Limousin are; Potato Pie, Rillettes of goose or duck, Tete de veau , Magret & Confit de Canard, Foie Gras and some unusual sausages! For the sweeter tooth, clafoutis, flognarde, chocolate mousse, and of course unusually flavoured crème brûlees. All restaurants must display their menus outside, and generally speaking their "plat du jour" or "Formule" give exceptional value for money. Below are a few local restaurants to Les Prats:
The Brasserie
The Brasserie is a family owned hotel & restaurant providing an excellent meal at a very reasonable prices, especially the set menus. There are plenty of outdoor tables for summer dining. Recommended.
Hotel du Lac
A superb location perched at the side of the local lake. It has recently changed ownership and we are unable to share an opinion with you.
La Flambee
A small restaurant in Treignac with a limited menu, but excellent food.
Auberge du Cantou
A truly exquisite, eating experience at very reasonable prices. This family run restaurant offers a leisurely meal of four or five courses, with little "extras" between courses. Recommended.
Other
Pizzas and crepes are also available in Treignac with a take away service. For those wishing to cater for themselves, Treignac has a well stocked supermarket and several smaller shops with produce of the region. It has banks, a post office, bakers, chemist, hairdressers, garages and cafes. There are weekly markets throughout the summer.
Activities
Limousin Walking
A walkers paradise either to explore on your own or with a guide. There are 38 organised walks "randonnees" in the area. The tourist office in Treignac has detailed maps and you can choose either the length of the walk, or a subject that interests you.
Limousin Horse Riding
Two equestrian centres can arrange treks in the local area for all abilities. The SOS Equi-Passion at Chamberet Tel 0555 981723 and Les Roches de Scoeus also at Chamberet Tel 0555 983009.
Limousin Mountain Biking
La Base VTT de Chamberet LA PETITE MONTAGNE LIMOUSINE offers more than 350km of circuits, 6 Very easy, 5 easy, 6 difficult and 1 very difficult. Tel 0555 983012. We have two bikes available for hire.
Limousin Fishing
An absolute fisherman's paradise with so many streams, rivers and lakes to choose from. In Treignac there are three main areas. About 1.2 km in the river Vezere, communal fishing at the Etang du Portail and on the lake Bariousses. Permits are generally required and can be obtained from the tourist office in Treignac.
The Beaches
For the less energetic, if you can tear yourself away from the loungers at Les Prats, the beach at Treignac is the place to soak up some sun. In addition to a refreshing swim in the clear waters of the lake, there are canoes and pedaloes for hire. Beach games include table tennis, volleyball and badminton. In July and August there are spectacular firework displays over the lake.
Tips for House Hunters
Many of our guests have been house hunters. The most successful seem to follow the same route. Firstly, find an area that you really like. The Limousin is very large and so often precious time is taken up viewing houses miles apart from each other. Once you have found your favoured spot, check out the agents, the notaires and the ever increasing private sales forums on the internet.
If you are planning to live permanently in France, it is often better to sell your house in the UK before attempting to find a new house. The good houses sell quickly. Rents in France are cheaper than in the UK, especially in gites, out of season. Staying in English owned gites is often a good way of getting unbiased and useful information, as they are generally quite happy to share their experiences, we of course, are no exception.
The buying process generally takes 2-4 months and is dealt with by a notaire, employed by the government. The purchaser pays for all notaries and agents fees relating to the sale. It is strongly advised that you open a French bank account before you leave the UK so you are able to provide a utility bill. Credit Agricole has an English speaking bank based in Caen called "Britline" Tel. 0033 (0)231 556789, Fax. 0033 (0)231 556399.
The Correzian people are very friendly and love to help, so make sure you have one for a neighbour!