Local History

Les Tourettes (little towers) is a small rural hamlet consisting of about 12 houses. 30 kms north of Limoges and 10 minutes from the A20 auto-route. The area is unspoilt and undeveloped with few touristy centres. This is pure rural peasant France. Limousin cattle is the mainstay of the economy and the local people are extremely welcoming and courteous, and friendships are easily made.

Les Tourettes is of registered historical importance in France with its roots going back to the Gallo-Roman period. A large tumulus is within a stone's throw of the house dating back 5000 years. Cremation urns dating back from that period have been found extensively in the area, two of which are on this property. Roman fortifications can be found nearby and the mediaeval period is also well catered for in the area. A large regional museum at Chateauponsac is well worth a visit for its exhibitions of 18th century life in rural Limousin.

Natural history is abundant; the sanglier (wild boar) can be glimpsed in the nearby forest as well as the fallow deer and foxes. A large variety of birds can also be seen including the cuckoo, the white and barn owl, woodpeckers of all description, both red and black kites, martins, swallows and buzzards. The very rare green lizard (adults reaching up to 500 mm in length) are frequent visitors on the nearby walls. The woodlands and hedges are full of fruit and produce in season and country walks picking cherries, blackberries, walnuts and sweet chestnuts are very productive!

The peace and quiet will only be interrupted by the cockerel and his hens, or by the local farmer (Bernard) as he waters and feeds his Limousin cattle grazing in the nearby fields. At night the clear skies give wondrous displays of the stars to the accompaniment of crickets and owls.

The location will not suit those who want a wild social life, hustle and bustle and busy roads on their doorstep. It suits those yearning for tranquillity in this unspoilt area of rural France.