The town of Aubusson is located to the north of Meymac and the west of Clermont-Ferrand, in the quiet countryside of the Creuse department of Limousin.
The town is best known for its long history as a producer of fine tapestries and rugs, dating from the 15th century, and this is the main reason that people visit Aubusson. The tapestries produced in the town have traditionally represented landscapes, hunting scenes and idealised portraits of characters, although the 20th century also saw some modern designs emerging.
Explore Aubusson
France This Way review: it is true that the region between Clermont-Ferrand and Limoges is not the most visited region in France, but if you do find yourself nearby a visit to Aubusson to see the tapestry museum and the old town is definitely recommended
The main attraction in the town is the Museum of Tapestry (the Cité International de la Tapisserie), which contains a collection of tapestries from the last 400 years. This new museum is very interesting to visit with a quite remarkable range of tapestries to admire. The main exhibition is in chronological order, and you will also learn all about the history and manufacture of tapestries.
There is more to see in Aubusson than just tapestries, however, and the town itself merits an exploration - the centre is small, and quick and easy to explore, and very charming.
The 'old town' in Aubusson is centred around the 17th century stone bridge over the river Creuse, the Pont de la Terrade, which connects the region where the workers traditionally lived and the workshops where the rugs were produced. The medieval house at the end of the bridge is called the Chatelet de la Terrade, while the rest of the old town contains many ancient houses and is the highlight of a visit.
It is the unusual chemical composition of the river Creuse that naturally fixed the pigments to the tapestries, that was the reason why tapestry production first developed here.
The building with a tower next to the Aubusson tourist office on Rue Vieille in the centre of the town dates from the 16th century and is now open to the public, with the history of tapestry work explained through a good number of exhibits and examples of tapestry work. There are also various other workshops and galleries in the town.
A little way south of here you can see a church that dates in part from the 13th century (you can also see some tapestries inside the church). Much of the appeal of Aubusson architecture lies in the attention to detail such as ancient doorways and pretty balconies so allow time to explore.
Elsewhere in Aubusson you will see some other interesting buildings, such as the clock tower (originally a watchtower within Aubusson fortifications), the renaissance style Maison des Vallenet and Maison du Tapissier and the ruins of an 11th century castle. The Town Hall is an unusual example of Art Deco architecture in France.
Attractions nearby
The countryside around Aubusson, including the 'Regional Natural Park of Millevaches' is an attractive mix of forests, mountains separated by cascading rivers, and small scale farming.
Explore elsewhere in the Massif Central. You can find more travel ideas in the Limousin guide.
Arrange a visit to Aubusson
Hotels in Aubusson
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Map of Aubusson and places nearby
Visit near Aubusson with France This Way reviews
Lake Vassiviere
The largest lake in Limousin, Lake Vassiviere is a popular leisure lake with numerous activities available
Lake Vassiviere guide
Meymac
Meymac should be beter known to tourists - the stone buildings in the town centre are both attractive and interesting
Meymac guide
Montlucon
Periods of prosperity in the 12th, 15th and 19th centuries have each contributed monuments and buildings to the centre of Montlucon
Montlucon guide
Treignac
The medieval quarter around the 11th century church is the highlight in the village of Treignac
Treignac guide
La Bourboule
La Bourboule is one of the most impressive of the belle-epoque spa towns in France
La Bourboule guide
Mont-Dore
Mont-Dore is well placed to explore the scenic splendours of the area such as the Vallee de Chaudefour, and is also a small ski resort
Mont-Dore guideTourist classifications for Aubusson
Aubusson is classified as a recommended detour town (plus beau detour)
Address: Aubusson, Limousin, 23200, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 45.9569, longitude 2.16833
Plan your visit to Aubusson, Creuse
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Gouzon: village d'etape (27 km)
- Lac de Vassivière: site of natural beauty (29 km)
- Millevaches en Limousin: regional natural parc (34 km)
- Pierres Jaumetres: site of natural beauty (37 km)
- Jardin de la Ganille: remarkable garden (47 km)
- Meymac: recommended detour (47 km)
- Jardins du château d'Ainay-le-Vieil: remarkable garden (51 km)
- Neris-les-Bains: recommended detour (53 km)
- Montlucon: town of art and history (54 km)
- Treignac: most beautiful village (55 km)
- Banne d'Ordanche: site of natural beauty (61 km)
- Jardin-arboretum de La Sédelle: remarkable garden (64 km)
Market days in Aubusson, France
Regular market(s) are held in Aubusson each Saturday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Aubusson (Francais)