Visit Creuse: 7 Must-See Places
The Chalet des Pierres Jaumâtres is located in the charming Limousin village of Toulx-Sainte-Croix in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region. This Creuse village alone has three must-see tourist spots: the Saint Martial chapel in two parts (a unique curiosity), the Pierres Jaumâtres natural site and the panoramic tower with a breathtaking view. Between unspoiled nature, ancestral culture, thousand-year-old heritage and entertainment for the whole family, visiting the Creuse invites you to slow down and simply enjoy. Overview of 7 essential places to discover in Creuse.
1. The natural site of Pierres Jaumâtres
Suddenly emerging from the Creuse vegetation, around forty gigantic granite blocks weighing several tons each stand in an improbable equilibrium at the top of Mont Barlot, at an altitude of 591 m: these are the Pierres Jaumâtres, a natural site classified in 1927. This astonishing geological formation results from an intensive erosion occurring in the cold Quaternary, that is to say between -100 000 and -10 000 years.
A place of tales and legends and even a fairy paradise (the masters), the Pierres Jaumâtres site has seen illustrious visitors such as Frédéric Chopin and George Sand. Moreover, the author describes these Druidic stones and places there the opening scene of her novel Jeanne, published in 1844.
Take to the hill by hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding to discover the natural site of Pierres Jaumâtres and the panoramic view of Bourbonnais, Berry and the Boussac valley.
The Pierres Jaumâtres natural site is open 7 days a week. Free parking is located at the bottom of the hill and the walking route is clearly indicated.
2. The Toulx-Sainte-Croix panoramic tower
Located at an altitude of 655 m on the highest point known as “Brûdalis”, the Toulx-Sainte-Croix observation tower with its orientation table allows you to gaze at the seven departments of the Nouvelle Aquitaine region. on a clear day thanks to its 360 ° panoramic view! With a little luck, you will even be able to see the Auvergne volcanoes of the Sancy chain.
Built from 1932 to 1957 by Abbot Aguillaume in a neo-Gothic style, with openings reminiscent of medieval loopholes, its architecture is perfectly consistent with the church and the village bell tower. Nicknamed “The Lighthouse”, the tower now houses television antennas and at its foot, a seismic station which is part of the National Earthquake Warning Network.
The Toulx-Sainte-Croix panoramic tower is freely accessible, open 7 days a week. Climbing its 74 steps separated by five levels is suitable for a family visit. Beware of the wind which can blow hard at the top of the tower.
3. Boussac Castle
Perched on its rocky outcrop, the Boussac Castle is a survivor of history. Built in the 12th century, then dismantled by the English during the Hundred Years War, the monument was rebuilt in the 15th century by the Lord and Marshal of France Jean de Brosse, companion of Joan of Arc. Later, the revolutionaries voted for the destruction of the thick medieval walls and the keep, symbols of feudalism. However, the main facade of the fortress has survived and still proudly overlooks the Route de Guéret.
Appreciated by George Sand who went there regularly to the point of having his own room, the Boussac Castle, restored in the 18th century, cultivates its inspiration by releasing the charm of the art of living open to the Creuse countryside. The 19th and 20th centuries did not spare it either, but it is a major castle beautifully restored by its current owners that you can visit.
The Boussac Castle, listed as a historic monument, its original collections and exhibitions are to be discovered during a guided tour.
4. The Clautres organic farm in Bord-Saint-Georges
Travel to the end of the world and exceptional discoveries, this is the program that awaits you at the Clautres organic farm. Discover more than 500 animals of 120 different species, living peacefully on 35 hectares of shady Creuse nature.
Among other things, you can admire Highland cows, Hungarian racka sheep, Poitou donkeys, dromedaries, emus, chickens, ducks, goats … (the list is long!). But also rare birds from the end of the world and threatened with extinction such as Japanese cranes, noble pheasants from Borneo or even resplendent lophophores which reveal their magnificent plumage to young and old alike.
This animal park has recently developed thanks to two bird enthusiasts, Jean-Baptiste, the owner of the family farm and Arnaud, his partner. Together, they have created a true haven of peace, thus sharing their animal passion through an educational journey.
The visit to the farm is also an opportunity to wonder about the environmental impact of man. In particular on the disappearance of animal species and on a solution implemented at the Clautres farm: the breeding of rare species for genetic conservation. Without forgetting the conservation of ancient domestic species.
Feed the animals, participate in activities all day long, attend births … there is no shortage of activities! The park is open from spring to autumn, but also in winter by reserving a guided tour in advance.
Learn more about the Clautres biological farm.
5. The International City of Aubusson Tapestry
Know-how registered in the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009, the Aubusson tapestry has owned its City since 2016. At the same time museum, library, space for training, creation and restoration, residence of artists, nursery of contemporary creators, the Cité internationale de la Tapisserie Aubusson is teeming with life and projects.
At the museum, discover the superb Aubussonnaise production spanning the 15th century to the present day: tapestries of course, but also rugs, models, cardboards, Saracen embroidery, etc. These collections continue to be enriched by acquisitions of old works but also by contemporary productions. Indeed, the City is relaunching contemporary creation through commissions from artists or calls for textile and woven art projects. Among the recent projects, discover in particular the large hangings from the worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien or even Hayao Miyazaki.
Learn more about the la International City of Aubusson Tapestry
6. The Baths of Evaux-les-Bains
Creuse is also a land of thermal treatments, well-being and serenity. This is the mission that the Evaux-les-Bains thermal complex accomplishes every day, a hotel, therapeutic and relaxation center:
- relax and disconnect from the outside world in a spa during a body treatment, facial, massage etc.
- benefit from the benefits of a spa treatment of rheumatology, gynecology and phlebology, the thermal baths being authorized to treat the double handicap Rheumatism and Venous diseases.
- take advantage of on-site accommodation and catering at the Grand Hôtel Thermal **.
Indeed, the hot waters of the Caesar and La source Rocher springs gush out at 60 ° C and are essentially sodium sulphate. The composition of these waters from the depths reveals a great wealth of minerals, trace elements and gases.
See more about the Baths of Evaux-les-Bains
7. La Safranière des Pierres Jaumâtres
Established since 2007, the Safranerie des Pierres Jaumâtres produces without chemical fertilizers or pesticides saffron pistils, fruits such as red fruits and physalis, but also 100% Creusois honey thanks to about thirty beehives.
In addition to the raw products, it is a whole range of delicious by-products and gourmet baskets that Franck Chartier invites you to discover, barely 800 m from the Chalet des Pierres Jaumâtres. Syrups, jams, ice creams, mustards, fruit creams, gingerbread, sauces, vinegars, appetizers made from saffron or fruits grown on site. A delight !
Learn more about the Safranière des Pierres Jaumâtres
Visit Creuse: 1001 other ideas
What to do in Creuse? The green region with charming and peaceful villages has no shortage of activities to discover during your stay. These 7 must-see places and the towns and villages that house them will give you an idea of the past, present and future of our region, which is always welcoming and warm. But our list is not exhaustive, far from it. For more activities, visit the Creuse department website: there is something for everyone!
Between two activities, be sure to visit us at Chalet des Pierres Jaumâtres for a meal, a leisure activity or a well-deserved break on the terrace.
