France > France regions > Limousin > Haute-Vienne > Rochechouart
Rochechouart
Rochechouart is found in the Haute-Vienne department of Limousin, not far from Limoges.
The town of Rochechouart labels itself as 'the countryside of the meteorite', because a mere 214 million years ago an enormous six billion tonne meteorite smashed into this spot - probably one of the largest meteorites ever to hit the earth. Little remains as evidence.
Assuming that you are not concerned that 'lightning striking the same place twice' and you visit Rochechouart, you will find a pretty walled town, and an attractive 13th century chateau.
At the Chateau you can also visit the interesting Museum of Modern Art, both indoors and in the surrounding gardens.
One other interesting edifice in Rochechouart is the Church Saint Sauveur. Of particular interest is the spire, a twisting octagonal spire that is very unusual in design (if you are an enthusiast of twisting spires, I also saw and reported on a similar design at St Come d'Olt in the Aveyron department).
The Roman Baths at nearby Chassenon are worth a look if you are in this part of Limousin.
Note that the name of the town is not due to the meteorite (roche is french for rock), but the rock on which it is built. And as far as I can tell there is no connection with cabbages (chou=cabbage).
Rochechouart: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
Plan a visit to Rochechouart, France
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Map of Rochechouart, France |
Places to visit - Rochechouart
Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Rochechouart.
Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Rochechouart are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)
- Confolens Charente town and bridge at 27 km
- Oradour-sur-Glane WW2 memorial village at 26 km
Information and photos
This travel guide has information, holidays and photos of Rochechouart when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.
