Cultural outings
Limousin has a rich cultural tourism tradition. We’re delighted to give you a few ideas of things to do in the immediate vicinity of the Écrin Nature campsite!
MUSEUMS AND EXHIBITIONS
Espace Valadon
(Bessines)
This space, dedicated exclusively to Suzanne Valadon, brings together original productions and copies of her works. She was the first woman admitted to the National Society of Fine Arts. Self-guided or guided tour (booking required).
Open during Tourist Office opening hours:
05.55.76.09.28 / www.tourisme-montsdulimousin.fr
Museum of mineralogy and petrography
(Ambazac)
5 avenue de la libération Tel : 05.55.56.59.14 / Open all year.
The museum is located in the center of Ambazac, near the church, the library and the Pays des Monts d’Ambazac Tourist Office. A large parking lot (Place du 19 Mars) is just a few dozen meters away. Access to the museum is adapted for people with reduced mobility (inclined plane and elevator).
The museum has two themes: mineralogy and petrography.
On 4 levels, in an original museology, 3,000 mineralogical samples and 500 petrographic samples take you on a journey to the origins of our planet. This collection brings together fossils and rocks of exceptional size and beauty from 5 continents.
The only one of its kind in France, discover the Limousin’s mining productions on a self-guided or guided tour, alone or with the family, whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a layman.
Espace Izis
This site is dedicated to the memory and work of the great humanist photographer, who took refuge in Ambazac during the Second World War. Designed by scenographer Jean-Michel Ponty around the artist’s personal laboratory, Espace IZIS retraces his time in Ambazac and is intended as a permanent showcase for his artistic production. The film, directed by Marc Wilmart (Hervé White MDD production), invites visitors into the endearing intimacy of this character. The first exhibition features 38 photos selected by his son, Manuel Bidermanas.
It offers visitors a general tour of IZIS’s work, based on a number of themes selected here but which will be regularly renewed.
Library/media library (Ambazac)
Avenue de la Libération
Tel: 05 55 56 85 76
Email : bibliotheque.ambazac@wanadoo.fr
Regular exhibitions.
HISTORICAL HERITAGE
Montméry Farm
(Ambazac)
Located near Montméry castle, this 17th-century farmhouse is the only vestige of the former castle. You can visit the exteriors and attached farm buildings.
For further information:
www.tourisme-montsdulimousin.fr
Le Dolmen de la Lieue
This magnificent dolmen (privately-owned) is located on a public footpath close to the Domaine de Muret. Only partially ruined, it still stands tall in a coppice in the Bois de la Lieue. All around the monument are piles of stones, the remains of the galgal (tumulus). This dolmen is one of the richest in the Haute-Vienne region, with the curiosity of the bones found and the presence of bronze.
Walmath Castle
offers tours by appointment every afternoon.
Contact : Mme DUCHAMBON Françoise – 87240 SAINT LAURENT LES EGLISES (4.8km)
06 83 40 75 01
La Pagode
du Petit Jonas, accessible on foot from the campsite via a green lane, has been completely renovated and offers a breathtaking view of the Monts d’Ambazac.
The medieval church of Jabreilles les Bordes
Its carved wooden architecture evokes the portals of Jesuit colleges.
This handsome 13th and 15th century building features a characteristic porch and a wooden staircase leading up to the bell tower. This typically Limousin octagonal bell tower is covered in chestnut shingles. The walls are adorned with numerous paintings of 15th-century figures.
Lithophanie is the innovative process chosen to artistically restore the stained glass windows in the church at Jabreilles les Bordes. This process, which originated in the 19th century and is no longer used today, is reminiscent of Limoges’ most famous industry, porcelain. The principle of lithophany is based on transparency, and porcelain lends itself perfectly to it.
The Order of Grandmont and its church treasures
The Order of Grandmont is a religious order from the Limousin region that spread its influence over France, Spain and England for almost 700 years in the 11th century, thanks to a large number of priories. He settled at the foot of the Mont d’Ambazac and traces of his treasures can still be found there.
Grandmont’s Relics in the Monts d’Ambazac and Val du Taurion can be seen :
- Ambazac (reliquary shrine and Dalmatic)
- In Les Billanges (a statue of St Etienne de Muret and a reliquary arm of St Félicien)
- St Sylvestre (15th-century reliquary bust of St Etienne de Muret and a gilded silver phylactery donated to the Order of Grandmont by Guy de MONTVALLIER in the 13th century)
- In St Priest Taurion: Processional cross decorated with 13th-century champlevé enamel from the former Grandmont Abbey.
More ideas or information at the campsite reception.