La Souterraine is a traditional town in the Creuse department of Limousin: with 5000 inhabitants it is the largest town in the west of the Creuse. An undiscovered gem in the middle of France, the town is surrounded by pretty villages on a rolling landscape of lakes and hills.
Exploring La Souterraine
You can’t help but be entranced by the beautiful town square filled in the summer with boxes of trailing geraniums whose colours lights up the granite of the Notre Dame church dating from the 11th Century: this is a popular stopping off point for the pilgrims going to Santiago Di Compestello.
This square is the heart of this medieval town. Entering through the 13th Century Porte Saint-Jean you can feel the history of this ancient square. Pop into the café du Marche and borrow the key for a not to be missed birds eye view of the town and surrounding countryside, it's well worth the climb!
On a Thursday and Saturday morning, as the first heat of the sun is glinting onto the ancient church windows, you will find many locals purchasing their fresh fruit and vegetables for the day in a flurry of coloured baskets, nodding heads and the aroma that fills the air from the flower and plant stall.
For a cup of the best coffee going visit Café Chaud just off the main town square on the high street, popular with visitors and locals alike and where you know the gossip of the day is going to take place and it’s entrancing to just sit and watch the town go about its business.
A high street snakes through the town with its delightful choice of local shopping offering a great choice of every day essentials and gifts to take home for the family.
Close to the station for a really interesting visit pop into La Cirque Valdi where a miniature circus comes to life before your eyes, open every day during July/August and weekends at other times, one for adults and children alike.
Two kilometers out of La Souterraine you will find the Etang Du Cheix, a popular leisure lke with a sandy beach where you can relax with the family. Above the lake you will find La Promenade café/bistro, a perfect spot to pass the morning. You can also fish here if you fancy it but make sure that you obtain a permit first.
Attractions close to La Souterraine
A few kilometres from the town you will find the remains of the recently restored Tour de Bridiers which I believe dates back to the 13th Century. Here you will find a beautiful medieval garden which is well worth a exploring at any time, but even better if you can visit during the annual medieval festival.
Within 25 minutes of La Souterraine you will also find some other wonderful spots including Lac Chambon up by Eguzon, with its tantalizing choice of watersports, a chute for the children into a plunge pool and a safely roped off area with a floating platform that will entertain from young to old.
From the train station in La Souterraine you can jump on a train to the historic city of Limoges or even further afield to Brive La Gaillard.
Explore elsewhere in the Massif Central. You can find more travel ideas in the Limousin guide.
Arrange a visit to La Souterraine
Reserve excursions
Book hotels, car hire and flights
Hotels in La Souterraine
Booking.com: best prices
For great prices on car hire throughout France and Corsica please visit our recommended partner at RentalCars.com
Map of La Souterraine and places nearby
Visit near La Souterraine with France This Way reviews
Saint-Benoit-du-Sault
The unspoiled medieval streets in the 'most beautiful village' of Saint-Benoit-de-Sault quickly take you back several hundred years in time
Saint-Benoit-du-Sault 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
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
Gargilesse-Dampierre
Gargilesse-Dampierre is a very small village, but also very pretty and in a lovely setting. Don't miss the frescoes in the church crypt!
Gargilesse-Dampierre guide
Bellac
The small market town of Bellac has some medieval houses of interest, and a picturesque bridge across the river
Bellac guide
Argenton-sur-Creuse
There are several churches of interest here in Argenton-sur-Creuse, and a very pretty walk along the banks of the Creuse river
Argenton-sur-Creuse guideTourist classifications for La Souterraine
La Souterraine is classified as a recommended place to break a long journey (village d'etape)
Address: Souterraine, Guéret, Limousin, 23300, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 46.2374, longitude 1.4862
Plan your visit to La Souterraine, Creuse
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Bessines-sur-Gartempe: village d'etape (17 km)
- Jardin-arboretum de La Sédelle: remarkable garden (20 km)
- Saint-Benoit-du-Sault: most beautiful village (24 km)
- Eguzon-Chantome: village d'etape (24 km)
- Lac de Saint-Pardoux: site of natural beauty (27 km)
- Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe Abbey: heritage site (30 km)
- Bellac: village d'etape (36 km)
- Saint-Leonard-de-Noblat: recommended detour (44 km)
- Saint-Leonard de Noblat église (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (44 km)
- Neuvy-Saint-Sépulchre collegiale St Etienne (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (47 km)
- Limoges: town of art and history (48 km)
- Aquarium du Limousin: aquarium (49 km)
The French version of this page is at La Souterraine (Francais)