Attractions and Places To See around Saint-Hilaire-Les-Places - Top 9

The region is rich in history. You can visit the 12th-Century Romanesque Church (Église Saint-Hilaire) in the historic heart of Old Saint-Hilaire, known for its 14th and 17th-century frescoes. Another significant religious site is the 17th-century Chapel of Our Lady (Chapelle Notre-Dame). For a deeper dive into local heritage, the Workshop Museum of the Earth (Atelier-Musée de la Terre) showcases the skills of traditional tile makers. Further afield, consider the impressive Collegiate Church of Moustier of Saint-Yrieix, a historical monument dating back to the 6th century.

Absolutely. The central attraction is Lake Plaisance (Lac Plaisance), offering a beach, pedal boats, and a waterslide. The area is also part of the Périgord-Limousin Natural Regional Park, providing preserved nature for exploration. You can also find the tranquil Old Watermill by the Pond, which offers peaceful views over a lake and surrounding woods, or discover the Sources of the Dronne River.

Families will find plenty to do. Lake Plaisance is ideal for a day out with its beach, pedal boats, and waterslide. A short drive away, Espace Hermeline in Bussière-Galant is a 20-hectare leisure complex featuring vélo-rail, paintball, accrobranche (tree-top adventure), zip-lining, and a small railway. For animal lovers, Parc Zoo Reynou in Le Vigen houses over 550 animals from 130 species, while the Aquarium du Limousin in Limoges offers an immersive experience with over 3000 aquatic animals.

The Périgord-Limousin Natural Regional Park provides excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. You can explore numerous trails for trekking, cycling, and horseback riding. For specific hiking routes, consider options like the 'Hike of the Tuileries of Puycheny' or the 'Around the Lake loop from Saint-Hilaire-les-Places'. You can find more details on hiking routes around Saint-Hilaire-Les-Places. Cyclists can also find various road cycling routes and MTB trails in the vicinity.

Yes, the region has several medieval sites. You can visit the restored remains of Château de Lastours, which hosts medieval events. In Les Cars, only two ruined towers remain of the former Château des Cars. The Tour de Châlus-Maulmont, originally a late 13th-century castle, still has a visitable tower. Additionally, the medieval fortress of Forteresse médiévale de Châlucet, classified as a historical monument, is worth exploring.

Saint-Hilaire-Les-Places is particularly known for its floral displays, having received a '4 flowers' label. The village hosts various events and exhibitions, such as the annual RockMetalCamp Fest in May and exhibitions in the Romanesque church during July and August. A picnic market at Lake Plaisance is also held in July and August. These events suggest that late spring and summer (May to August) offer a vibrant experience, especially for enjoying the natural beauty and local festivities.

Beyond the historical churches, the Workshop Museum of the Earth (Atelier-Musée de la Terre) offers a unique insight into the ancestral heritage of tile makers. The village itself, particularly Old Saint-Hilaire, with its flower-filled wash-houses, provides a charming glimpse into local life and traditions. The area's recognition for its floral displays also adds a unique aesthetic to its cultural identity.

Yes, Lake Plaisance is suitable for fishing, with carp and predator fish present. It's a popular spot for both relaxation and recreational activities, including fishing.

Yes, the Périgord-Limousin Natural Regional Park offers opportunities for horseback riding. Specifically, the 'Sentier des carrières' is a 21-kilometer equestrian trail marked with orange markers, ideal for exploring the natural surroundings on horseback.

Visitors particularly appreciate the historical religious buildings and natural features. The Collegiate Church of Moustier of Saint-Yrieix is highly regarded for its historical significance and reliquaries. The Église de l'Assomption and Moines du Chalard cemetery, with its 12th-century Romanesque architecture and ancient tombstones, is also a must-see. Many also enjoy the peaceful setting of the Old Watermill by the Pond for its views over the lake and woods.

Yes, the Cité des insectes in Nedde is an insect museum with 400m² of permanent exhibitions. It features a cabinet of curiosities, butterfly and insect displays, a microscope room, exploratorium, vivarium, and a theater, offering an engaging experience for all ages.