Here in the heart of Central France, where autumn is painting our world with its pretty warm, rustic colours, it’s the perfect time for families to come together and make beautiful memories. We’ve got a little something for everyone- serene nature walks, farm delights, and of course, a sprinkle of Halloween fun! Read on for some of our top recommendations for exploring this magical season and the wonders that make our part of the world so special this time of year.
Sedelle Arboretum
This botanical garden is home to over 400 species of trees from all over the world and is recognised by the Ministry of Culture as one of France’s “Remarkable Gardens.” It offers a delightful stroll alongside the Sedelle River where you’ll spot all kinds of trees, plants, and flowers, and even a unique eco-friendly house. One of its stand-out features is the abundance of maple trees that turn a beautiful fiery red this time of year.
The Monts de Gueret
Considered a paradise for outdoor adventurers, this site is a playground with a huge range of activities, including mountain biking, climbing, and orienteering. As you explore, you’ll come across colossal monoliths shaping the landscape, tranquil lakes, dense woods, and breathtaking panoramic views. The best part? You can rent mountain bikes and have an instructor guide you through all the activities that cater to everyone’s fitness levels.
The Ruins of Chateau de Châlucet
Atop the heights of Briance, the Chateau de Châlucet has been a fascinating piece of history for nearly nine centuries. Although this medieval fortress now rests in ruins, its ancient stones echo the tales of a rich past, all brought vividly to life today through immersive visits and fantastic digital tools. Using the smartphone app “Haute-Vienne Explor Games®” you can take your pick from 5 activities, that range from leisurely guided walks to fun interactive games.
Ferme des Claustres
A visit to the Ferme des Claustres is always a lovely family experience that strikes the perfect balance of an educational farm and animal park. The (approx) 2 km course, which takes around 2 hours to complete offers a shaded path that’s accessible even with a pushchair, complete with benches along the way if you need a quick stop. As you wander through spacious enclosures, you’ll find a wide variety of animals moving freely and peacefully and children, in particular, will cherish the opportunity to interact with camels, goats, alpacas, and more.
Verges de L’Aumaillerie
For a quarter of a century, Marie Claire and Laurent Jaudinot have lovingly tended to their orchard cultivating an array of fruits; strawberries, raspberries, cherries, pears, and more. In the autumn, you can revel in the joy of handpicking your own apples, each tree bearing a different variety for you to explore. There’s a charming creperie on site, where they serve mouth-watering crepes crafted with all the local, homegrown ingredients. The combination of orchard-fresh fruits and yummy crepes is sure to be a hit with the entire family on a crisp autumn day.
Halloween Thrills
Our list of autumn magic wouldn’t be complete without a list of spooktastic Halloween activities! Here are a few of our favorites:
- Musee National Adrien Dubouche: The witch Barbotine in the kitchen Themed event with games and surprises (November 5, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m)
- Colette Gardens in Varetz: Decorated Gardens, treasure hunts, pumpkin decoration, face painting and more
- Limoges City Centre: Fun workshops in the underground caves, arts and crafts workshops run by the Town Hall
- Chateau Rochecouart: Fun and games
- Haunted Labyrinth of Gueret: All the usual fun of the maze but with a spooky twist!
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