Bellac travel guide

Visit Bellac (Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France)

Bellac is situated to the north-west of the Haute-Vienne department of Limousin, near the border with the Poitou-Charentes region.

It is a small market town with a long history based around the leather tanning industry that was important here during the Middle Ages - each historical period has left its mark on Bellac in the form of places of interest for visitors.

Exploring Bellac

The 13th century stone arched bridge across the tranquil River Vincou is a good place to start you visit, and to have a view across the town.

Heading into Bellac itself you will see, among other things, numerous ancient houses. Most of these date from the 15th to 17th centuries. You will also see the remains of part of the original defensive walls of the town, and an impressive 17th century town hall with small towers on two of the corners of the building.

The most important religious monument in Bellac is the Church of Notre-Dame, which stands at the highest point in Bellac and dominates the town skyline. Because of the extended period between work starting on construction of the church in the 12th century and its completion in the 15th century you can see elements of both roman and gothic style architecture.

There are also two chapels to see in Bellac: the Chapel of the Penitents, and the Chapel of Notre-Dame-Lorette.

After exploring the town centre you can head back to the bridge and take a stroll along the river banks. We recommend you also bring along provisions for a picnic on the riverside.

Market days in Bellac are Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Things to do near Bellac

Close to Bellac you can enjoy the water based facilities of the Lac de Saint Pardoux. This leisure lake is popular with visitors and locals alike who enjoy the activities and watersports available on the water during the summer months, or around the lake during the rest of the year.

There are several small interesting villages near Bellac that you will want to explore, including Mortemart and Le Dorat.

Note: the photo shows the old stone bridge below the village

Explore elsewhere in the Massif Central. You can find more travel ideas in the Haute-Vienne guide and the Limousin guide.

Photos of Bellac

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Map of Bellac and places nearby

Visit near Bellac with France This Way reviews

Le-Dorat

In the small town of Le Dorat you will enjoy exploring the old town and visiting the Collegiale Church of Saint-Pierre

Le-Dorat guide

Mortemart

Now listed among the 'most beautiful villages in France', Mortemart is a very pleasant village to pass an hour or two exploring

Mortemart guide

Montrol-Senard

Montrol-Senard is a traditional Limousin village which has been turned into an ecomuseum.

Montrol-Senard guide

Lac de Saint-Pardoux

The Lac de Saint-Pardoux s a large leisure lake in the Haute-Vienne department

Lac de Saint-Pardoux 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