The area around Châtelus le Marcheix can be described as hilly. The commune stands on ground ranging from 290 to 650 meters. Snow sits on some of the higher points for several weeks some winters.

The region because of the terrain is still heavily wooded and there is an abundance of streams, rivers and lakes which result in it being an ideal center for outdoor activities.

Walking and fishing are very popular pursuits and canoeing is excellent on the fast flowing rivers. The lake in the village also has some pedalos for the less intrepid.

The fishing is excellent with good sized Carp and the much sortafter Zander whilst not common, are found in many waters.

Horse riding is also available and trekking is becoming one of the most luxurious ways to explore the countryside with its seemingly endless trails and tracks.

These same routes in  steep wooded hillsides were used to great effect by the resistance during the last world war.

Another village that attracts a sort of pilgrimage is Oradour sur Glane. This perfectly preserved war-time village is just about an hours drive away and was the scene of one of the worst German atrocities.

The village mentioned above is close to Limoges airport.

This airstrip is far from new but has just been rebuilt and offers a sometimes cheap and always convenient way of coming to and from this loverly part of France.

The Auberge de Châtelus is one hours drive from the airport. Car hire is easy and inexpensive.

From london you can be in a different world, driving down the lanes of Creuse, in under two hours.

In France during the holiday month of August it is traditional for each commune to have a series of events and entertainments.

The holiday month in Châtelus  le Marcheix is no exception and whilst there are new and different ideas and events every year the basic programme includes an annual fete in mid August with a substantial brocante that is for the uninitiated a market with stalls selling antiques and general bric-a-brac.

This is augmented with bands, dancing girls, wood carving and stone masonary.

The local artisans use the popularity of the occasion to show their skills and wares.

There is also a truly spectacular firework display on the lake which attracts an audience young and old from many miles around.

Yet other sites to see

Just outside the town of Gueret is the Labyrinth Geant or giant maze leisure park.This is a favorite place to lose the kids for a while.

Alternativly almost next door is  the Foret de Chabrieres.  In the forest is the Loups de Chabrieres an animal park which has grey, black and white wolves in their natural habitat.  You can see them real close at 4pm when they are fed.

The river Creuse forms the 'Valley of the Impressionists' where it meets the neighbouring department, The Indre.  Here the outstanding natural beauty  has inspired many famous artists including Monet. This really is a not to be missed area.

Limoges porcelain is world renound and it is easy to visit the many factories. You can be part of an organised tour or show yourself around.

The medieval history of this area is very closly linked to that of England, and the English influence was considerable.

England ruled OK.

The extent of influence would of not been stable but there is evidence that perhaps the River Taurion formed a northen border of English influence at one stage. The reason for this occupation was Bordeaux wine. English interests ran from the Limosin in the north to Aquitaine in the south.

When in 1189 King Henry of England, husband of the French Duchess Eleanor of Aquitaine, died, his son Richard the lionheart became King and through his mother he inherited the Aquitaine.

Being frequently absent on his crusades from both England and France Richard and his mother had to fight to keep  his lands falling into the hands of rebellious French Noblemen.

You can now follow The Richard the Lion heart Trail through this area, it takes in many fine chateaux, churches and castles.  Most of them national treasures and many open to the public and taking in some of the most beautiful villages in France.

Richard died at the Chateau de Chalus in Chabrol on April 5th 1199 in his mothers arms after being struck by a bolt from a crossbow.

Also on the trail (get more details from the Tourist Office) is the town of Le Chalard, famous for its medieval monk tombs, the Chateau de Jumilhac-le-Grand, a beautiful chateau with fairytale turrets where gold coins were minted and another stop on the tour is Arnac--Pompadour the home of the national Haras horse stud created by a mistress of Louis XV, Madame Pompadour.

But this is another story........