A third of this region is forest so Haute-Vienne geography is perfect for people seeking peace and quiet as well as nature lovers who want to hike, go for bike rides, or horseback riding. Within this region, there are two regional natural parks, Périgord-Limousin and Millevaches that are ideal for plenty of outdoor activities and several hiking routes. For people who prefer water sports, there are plenty of opportunities on the man made lake, Lac de Vassivière.
Best places to live in Haute-Vienne
- Doubling as the capital and the largest city in Haute-Vienne, Limoges, is well-known for its porcelain and stained glass. In fact, this capital city has UNESCO Creative City status for its centuries of ceramics, glass-making and enamel and continues to be an important industry. Curious about history and want to admire art? Pay a visit to the National Porcelain Museum and for stained glass art, the Musée de l’Eveché. Admire the gothic-style Cathedral of Saint-Ètienne and view the half-timbered houses near the Cour du Temple. There are plenty of remnants of Limoges industrial past but today, you’ll find beautiful botanical gardens and a university that berings a more jovial feel to the city.
Limoges airport makes it convenient to head to other destinations in France and several routes to the UK. Limoges also has reliable public transportation via bus or the SNCF railway with routes to many cities in France, inducing Bordeaux and Paris.
Many British expats enjoy living in Haute-Vienne for the more relaxed lifestyle with many opting to live in Limoges for all the benefits of a city.
- Bellac is a small village that sits near the Vincou River and is known as the birthplace for French writer Jean Giraudoux. During the Middle Ages, this was a commercial hub. Today, this village is frequently visited by tourists and is sought after by British expats as a primary or secondary residence.
Main attractions in Haute-Vienne
Haute-Vienne may still be under the tourist radar but there are plenty of attractions and places to check out. Here are some ideas.
- Chateau de Montbrun is a 12 century-medieval castle located in the charming village of Dournazac. Guided visits are possible in French, Italian, and English and reservations are recommended.
- Oradour-sur-Glane was a village that was bombed and destroyed by the Germans during World War II and has been left intact as a memorial and tribute for those who lost their lives. History buffs will want to visit.
- Rouchechouart is well-known for being a site where a meteorite crashed over 200 million years ago. This village also boasts a castle and a museum of Modern Art housed in the Chateaux de Rochechouart.
- If you love to get out in nature and go for walks, bike rides or hikes, you’ll want to hop in a car and head to the Perigord-Limousin Regional Natural Park. With many trails, you can pick where you want to hike or pack a picnic and sit by one of the streams or lakes.
Cost of living
Because of its expansive countryside and low-key vibes, many British expats find this area charming and like living in Haute-Vienne. The cost of living in Haute-Vienne is less expensive than in other departments in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
Housing prices are considered affordable, and money typically goes further than it does in other areas in France, as well as the United Kingdom and Northern European countries.
The average price for purchasing a property in Haute-Vienne is roughly around €120,000. Properties are often farm-style homes that may have a barn or stable, thanks to the rural countryside and plenty of lands. Unsurprisingly, housing prices are more expensive in urban areas, especially in Limoges. If you want your money to go further, consider living in a rural zone where housing costs are usually lower. Curious about what a mortgage in France entails? Here’s what you need to know about a mortgage for French properties guide
If you’re looking for all the amenities of a city and enjoy city life, living in Limoges may be a good option. But if you prefer a more relaxed and quiet atmosphere, choosing a smaller village may be a better fit. There are a number of areas that are considered the best places to live in Haute-Vienne but determining what is right for you come down to personal preference, goals and whether you prefer living in the countryside or prefer a more urban setting. Read more in our guide, What Region in France is right for me for more insight on what to consider and think about when making your decision.
Plus, make sure to turn in your paperwork as soon as you can since obtaining French residency can take a long while.
Summary of weather
Haute-Vienne is known to have pleasant weather year-round because it’s near the Atlantic Coast, but due to the diverse geography, the weather is cooler than in neighbouring departments. That’s because this region is surrounded by mountains, including the Massif Central, making the weather colder throughout the seasons, especially in winter, due to the high altitude.
There are microclimates in this region, so if you’re closer to the mountains; you can expect colder temperatures and even snow in the winter. Winter months are cold, with most days under 5 C, so be prepared to bundle up. January is the coldest month of the year. The weather and temperatures will vary significantly, depending on where you reside in this region.
This region gets lots of rain, so the countryside is so green and lush. Throughout Autumn, Winter and Spring, rain is typical, with May considered to be the rainiest month. Even in the summer, don’t expect to escape days of precipitation as there are often rainy days.
Summer weather is typically mild from mid-June through mid-September, with average temperatures hitting 18 C in July and August and around 16 C in June and September. Humidity is expected, so the temperature can feel hotter than the thermometer reads. Many British expats find that living in Haute-Vienne reminds them of living in England due to the verdant landscape and rainy weather.
History and culture of Haute-Vienne
Haute-Vienne wasn’t always the name of this department. Before the French Revolution, this area was referred to as Limousin, which was also the name of the region. Now Limousin is part of the region known as Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
Haute-Vienne was created on March 4, 1790, in the midst of the French Revolution, when 83 different French departments were made. Haute-Vienne was formed by redistributing areas, including parts of what was formerly known as Limousin. The name Vienne is to honour the Vienne River that flows through this area, while the word Haute means higher since this area has a higher altitude than some of its neighbours.
As in other areas of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, there are also Roman artefacts, highlighting that the Romans lived throughout these lands. During Roman times, Augustoritum was a Roman city founded in 10 BC, which is now where Limoges stands. This thriving city featured Roman baths, a theatre and a large amphitheatre.
When Saint Martial arrived in this area, many people of Limoges were already converted to Christianity. The city wouldn’t regain its prominence and be a commercial hub again until the Middle Ages.
Mining for gold was prominent here, and even today, tiny nuggets occasionally come up in rivers and streams.
In the 18th century, kaolin, a type of white, soft clay was discovered, which helped make Limoges a well-regarded hub for all things porcelain. In the 1900s, in Limoges, around 35 porcelain factories were making this city on the map for porcelain production. Today, porcelain products, including plates and bowls, are sought after because they are known for their quality and durability. Many restaurants in this city serve food on Limoges porcelain.
Cultural traditions can easily be observed while living in Haute-Vienne while carrying on day-to-day activities. Food and wine are essential aspects of French culture. Drinking wine is accessible to everyone, regardless of economic status. When you dine at restaurants, most menus serve traditional dishes that reflect what grows in the region.