Aixe-sur-Vienne is a small town situated a few kilometres west of Limoges in the Haute-Vienne department of Limousin.
Not surprisingly given its name, the town stands on the upper reaches of the Vienne River, and Aixe-sur-Vienne is also on one of the (less used) pilgrimage paths that lead through France.
Exploring Aixe-sur-Vienne
France This Way review: despite lacking major monuments and being rather outside the more popular tourist areas of southern France Aixe-sur-Vienne is one of those towns that grows on you as you explore in a quiet and unassuming way that is hard to describe, and worth visiting when you are in the region.
The most important historic part of the town centre in Aixe-sur-Vienne is along Rue Rochefroide and in Place Saint Georges where several medieval houses can be seen. Another notable house is the Maison Rougerie in the Place des Horteils.
The remains of a castle in Rue Jeanne d'Albret and a couple of churches and chapels will also catch your attention.
Most important among these is the Church of Sainte-Croix, a 13th century church that combines elements from both the gothic and roman architectural styles (as well as significant modifications to the structure that were made during the 19th century), with its gothic style entrance and containing various relics and a shrine.
It is said that the Church of Sainte-Croix was built in this location after a pilgrim carrying a thorn from the true cross chose the site as a resting place.
While here in Aixe-sur-Vienne you can also see the small 14th century Mallassert bridge, often called the Pont Romain, The bridge is unusual in that it doesn't quite reach to the other side! Apparently the original bridge would have had two of these small arches, and planks of wood resting on top to walk on.
You can also take a walk along the banks of the Vienne river.
Market day in Aixe-sur-Vienne is Friday, and this is the best day to visit the town.
Attractions nearby
The quiet countryside of the region around Aixe-sur-Vienne attracts visitors largely because of the villages and sights along the Vienne river. One popular activity is to take a boat trip along the river, and you can also see some of the mills in the vicinity of Aixe-sur-Vienne along the rivers Aurence and Aixette.
A little way downstream from Aixe-sur-Vienne you can see the Chateau de Losmonerie, a 16th century manor house open to visits during August only, while at Bosmie l'Aiguille you can see the chateau and surrounding parkland of the Chateau du Boucheron, now used as the village mairie and built in a distinctive style of red brick with two tall spires.
Travel further west and you can explore the attractive scenery of the Regional Natural Park of Perigord-Limousin, and a short distance to the east you can explore the historic centre of Limoges.
Note: Photo is copyright
Explore elsewhere in the Massif Central. You can find more travel ideas in the Haute-Vienne guide and the Limousin guide.
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Map of Aixe-sur-Vienne and places nearby
Visit near Aixe-sur-Vienne with France This Way reviews
Limoges
Limoges is not usually featured on a list of 'must be visited places' but actually has an interesting centre, well worth exploring.
Limoges guide
Le Jardin de Liliane
Le Jardin de Liliane is one of our favourite gardens open to the public in the Limoges area
Le Jardin de Liliane guide
Oradour-sur-Glane
The village of Oradour-sur-Glane is a memorial town, now maintained in the condition it was left in by the retreating Nazis in 1944. Very moving experience.
Oradour-sur-Glane guide
Chalus
Châlus is a small market town with two ruined castles in the Monts du Chalus region of Limousin
Chalus guide
Pierre-Buffiere
The small village of Pierre-Buffiere is listed as a village d'etape - a village to visit during your journey - and we found it ideal for a picnic!
Pierre-Buffiere guide
Saint-Junien
After exploring Saint-Junien and the Collegiale Church of Saint-Junien be sure to also visit the valley of the Glane river
Saint-Junien guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Haute-Vienne
Address: Aixe-sur-Vienne, Limoges, Limousin, 87700, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 45.7972, longitude 1.13667
Plan your visit to Aixe-sur-Vienne, Haute-Vienne
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Aquarium du Limousin: aquarium (10 km)
- Limoges: town of art and history (11 km)
- Abbatial church de Saint Pierre (Solignac): religious monument (12 km)
- Jardin de Liliane: remarkable garden (14 km)
- Saint-Hilaire-les-Places: ville fleurie 4* (17 km)
- Abbaye de Saint-Amand (Saint-Junien): religious monument (21 km)
- Pierre-Buffiere: village d'etape (21 km)
- Site Corot: site of natural beauty (22 km)
- Réserve naturelle régionale Étang de la Monnerie: site of natural beauty (23 km)
- Saint-Leonard de Noblat église (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (28 km)
- Saint-Leonard-de-Noblat: recommended detour (28 km)
- Lac de Saint-Pardoux: site of natural beauty (29 km)
The French version of this page is at Aixe-sur-Vienne (Francais)