Rochechouart is a town in the Haute-Vienne department of Limousin, not far from Limoges.
The town labels itself as 'the countryside of the meteorite', because 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 - although little evidence now remains of this catastrophic event.
Explore Rochechouart
Assuming that you are not concerned about 'lightning striking the same place twice' and you visit Rochechouart today you will find a pretty walled town, and an attractive castle.
The Chateau de Rochechouart dates its origins to the 13th century, but was much modified in later centuries to create a more comfortable living environment.
Subsequently taken over by the local council, the Chateau is now home to the interesting Museum of Modern Art, both indoors and in the surrounding gardens. An unexpected highlight of the town, the museum has a large collection of modern art and installations and also has frequent temporary exhibitions.
One other interesting edifice in Rochechouart is the Church Saint-Sauveur. This roman style church dates from the 11th century although the clocktower was not added until the 15th century.
Of particular interest is the spire, added later still (in the 18th century) and with a twisting octagonal design that is very unusual (if you are an enthusiast of twisting spires, you can also see a similar design at St Come d'Olt in the Aveyron department).
Note that the name of the town is not due to the meteorite (roche is French for rock), but after the rock on which it is built.
Attractions nearby
If you are an enthusiast of roman style architecture you might like to visit the small church at nearby Biennac. The Roman Baths at nearby Chassenon are also worth a look if you are in this part of Limousin.
Rochechouart is also a gateway town to the Regional Natural Parc of the Perigord-Limousin, which is a protected natural region to the south-east of the town.
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 Rochechouart and places nearby
Visit near Rochechouart with France This Way reviews
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
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
Brigueuil
Here in Brigueuil it is the roman style church that is the most interesting highlight for visitors
Brigueuil 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
Confolens
Confolens has several sites of interest including an ancient bridge and fountain and some medieval houses
Confolens guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Haute-Vienne
Address: Rochechouart, Limousin, 87600, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 45.823, longitude 0.8217
Plan your visit to Rochechouart, Haute-Vienne
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Abbaye de Saint-Amand (Saint-Junien): religious monument (9 km)
- Site Corot: site of natural beauty (10 km)
- Jardin de Liliane: remarkable garden (12 km)
- Réserve naturelle régionale Étang de la Monnerie: site of natural beauty (13 km)
- Abbatiale de Saint Pierre (Lesterps): religious monument (21 km)
- Perigord-Limousin: regional natural parc (24 km)
- Confolens: town of art and history (24 km)
- Grotte de Montgaudier: site of natural beauty (32 km)
- Saint-Hilaire-les-Places: ville fleurie 4* (33 km)
- Aquarium du Limousin: aquarium (34 km)
- Limoges: town of art and history (34 km)
- La Rochefoucauld: village d'etape (35 km)
The French version of this page is at Rochechouart (Francais)