The Route of King Richard the Lion Heart

Limousin is a land of lakes and legends, of enchantement and mystery, of the wild and the free. Known as 'Hidden France' because, though beautiful and steeped in history, it is undiscovered and so, unspoilt. Here you can enjoy all the ambiance of France, the wine, the food and sunshine, but you can do it on empty country roads bordered with cowslips and the early purple orchids.

We have lived in Limousin, creating Les Trois Chenes Bed and Breakfast, for seven years now and have only begun to discover a fraction of the treasures of this region! I have only just realised that the nineteen Castles and ancient monuments on the Route of King Richard the Lionheart are all within an hour and a half drive from us, and 18 are within an hour.

The nearest castle to us is Rochechouart. Nor does this include the castles of the nearby Charente and Dordogne regions or several other amazing historical sites!

Richard was born in Oxford, England on the 8th September 1157. He was the son of King Henry 11, Plantagenet, King of England and Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, France. He was invested as the Duke of Aquitaine in April 1169 in Poitiers, and this was confirmed in Saint Etienne Cathedral, Limoges.

Together with his brothers he went to war against his father. When his father died in 1189, Richard became Duke of Normandy and then King of England.

After crusades and turbulent skirmishes with the King of France, he was wounded on 26 March 1199 and died 6 April. His heart was buried at Rouen and his entrails at Châlus, Limousin. What was left of him was buried at Fontevraud Abbey.

This is a route created in 1984 to link together the amazing castles, churches and historical sites of the Region of Limousin and bordering departements. This link was Richard. All the sites existed at the end of the 12th century and some of these formed a fortified barrier to the south of the region.

A coat of arms was created - a crowned lion with an arrow through the heart - and this logo is used on a series of sign posts that clearly mark the route.

1. The Castle of Rochebrune An 11th century fortified house and residence of the Princes of Chabanais.
2. Rochechouart Castle Now a major centre for Contemporary Art.
3. The church of Les Salles -Lavauguyon Impressive 12 & 13th century frescoes.
4. Chateau de Brie An imposing house at Champagnac la Rivière.
5. Château de Montbrun A castle reflected in the water of its moat. If you dream of living in a castle like this - the dream could become a reality. This castle is for sale. It was viewed by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. Think you might like to buy? Click here.
6. Château de Chalus-Maulmont Magnificent ruins and beautiful views
7. Chalus-Chabrol Ruined castle. It was here where Richard was killed in 1199. The chateau is the 'symbol of the Limoges Viscounts' resistance against the Plantagenets. Richard the Lionheart's entrails lie in the chapel.’
8. Le Cars The ruins of time!
9. Lastours Moats and ruins and a Romanesque keep.
10. Nexon Elegant 17th century Chateau and garden.
11. Le Chalard Jewel of Romanesque art, 11^th century church is Saint Geoffroy’s hermitage where in 1088 he had a monastery and basilica built. There are Gold mining near by!
12. Jumilhac This is the fairytale castle of picture books!
13. Saint Yrieix Porcelain museum, gold mines,mediaeval enclosure, 13the century onwards church, 11^th century library.
14. Cussac Bonneval Four massive round towers and a moat.
15. Seguire-Le-Chateau Listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France.
16. Pompadour Fortress started 1026. Famous horse breeding centre and the National Stud farm of France.
17. Chalucet This mediaeval fortress is a major feature of the Limousin’s heritage. The oldest part dates from the 12^th century – with famous Jeannette tower.
18. Solignac One of oldest and most remarkable churches in Limousin. The Monastery was founded by Saint Eloi in 7^th century.
19. Limoges Granite cathedral. 1^st religious building dates from the 3^rd century by Saint Martial. It was in the 11^th century Romanesque cathedral that Richard the Lionheart was invested as Duke of Aquitaine in 1169.

There are lots of other important near-by places to visit:

• Excellent botanical garden behind Limoges Cathedral
• Museum of Métiers also near the cathedra. A fascinating museum devoted to the crafts.
• Chateau de Cromieres at Cussac.
• Cassinomagus An important Gallo - Roman site at Chassenon. They organise fantastic days when people dress up as ancient Gauls or Romans and show crafts, costumes, housing, warefare etc. Not well publicised but not to be missed!
• The town of Pierre-Buffier is about 1 hour away from Les Trois Chenes and has (or had) monestary of 11th century and has 11th century church - Sainte-Croix. It is well worth a visit

The Chateau of La Rochefoucauld in the Charente is only thirty minutes drive away from Videix. Not only can you visit this castle, but you can dress up in costumes and swan around as if you owned the place! A definite winner for children. The town is a pretty and virbrant centre with lots of wonderful cafés, restaurants and shops. The castle has been owned by the same family for its entire history, since 980, and if you are lucky, you may well be shown around by the proprietors themselves