Grue Demoiselle - A relaxing retreat in Limousin France with workshops and bed and breakfast

Lake Saint Pardoux

The Limousin is famed for the variety and sheer number of it's lakes and is known as the 'Land of a Thousand Lakes' ('Pays des Mille Etangs') St. Pardoux is the largest lake in the area and is equal in size to Lake Windemere and has many similar activities with sailing, windsurfing, water skiing and fishing.

For those who like to keep their sporting activities on dry land there is tennis, volleyball, cycling and walking. The big attraction of Saint Pardoux are the three beaches with imported sand . The water is warm and clean and quite safe and is tested regularly for contaminates. These beaches are heaven for small children with lots for them to do.

There are picnic areas as well as ample parking. Fishing is also available on the lake and also in nearby rivers and private fisheries.

There is a tourist office and the surrounding area has many pretty villages. Link Lac St Pardoux

Horse Riding

If meandering through the French countryside on the back of a good horse sounds appealing then there is an excellent local horse riding academy. They will take great pleasure in showing you the network of tracks and paths which criss-cross through the countryside of this area of central France.

The countryside is unspoiled and beautiful with many rights-of-way kept open which makes riding through it on horseback a real pleasure. Riding trails in France usually avoid paved roads. Spectacular castles, walled towns and ancient monasteries are everywhere. Allow yourselves to explore the rivers and hills, enjoy meeting and eating with the locals and discover a region of the world which feels untouched and unchanged.

Megaliths

Like the neighbouring region of Périgord, the Limousin has many prehistoric remains like standing stones and megalithic chamber tombs, some fine examples of which can be found near Grue Demoiselle.

We recommend a trip around the ancient standing stone sites in the Monts de Blond to experience the energy and ancient feel of these interesting sites, a great day to explore and take a picnic

Velo Rail

For a fun family day out you can go on the Velo rail located in the picturesque town of Confolens. This runs on an ancient railway line in the Charente-Limousine and each 'carriage' takes up to five people comfortably. Whilst two of you power the carriage by cycling the rest of you can sit back and enjoy the beautiful countryside. All five of you can take turn cycling and after a welcome refreshment break your carriage gets turned round and you cycle back to the start point. Velo rail link

Fishing

Grue Demoiselle is proud to link with Etang de Briguel at High Mill Lake, Set in the beautiful Charentais countryside, this stunning 25 acre lake is the perfect setting for sending a partner on a fishing holiday whilst you enjoy a holistic break with us. Dating back to the 1750’s, the stream fed lake is surrounded by green fields and tree lined banks.

Since Tracey and Andy took over in November 2004, much work and money has gone in to turning this lake into a first class carp fishing venue. 11 constructed swims, including some doubles, have been created to enable fishermen to access all the main areas around the lake and all the swims are spacious and well maintained. The fish stocks that were introduced at the beginning are growing rapidly and they now have a good head of 30’s and 40’s (see catch reports) and the lake is now in tip top condition.

Bicycles

We have a selection of bicycles available at no charge at Grue Demoiselle. If you would like to reserve in advance the use of one while you are here then please let us know. These bicycles are for local use only, there are hire shops in the area if you wish to go further afield.

(unfortunately the Penny Farthing is no longer available!)

Oradour Sur Glane

The small town of Oradour Sur Glane is perhaps the most painful symbol to the French of the German atrocities of the Second World war. On the 10 June 1944, just a few days after D-Day almost all of the occupants were slaughtered by the Germans. The ruined village and memorial museum offer a fascinating insight into the terrors of that day. link Oradour