Surrounded by nature
The romantic holiday destination of Château D’Arnac provides access to a part of France with very diverse scenery. This ranges from the mysterious moors of the Plateau de Millevaches to the gentle pace of life in the Brive region, from the sometimes wild untamed wilderness of the Dordogne to the green valleys of the Vézère and Auvézère rivers and the forests of the Tulle. All these areas and sites can be explored by car, bike, on foot or even on horseback! If you are looking for a luxury rural retreat either for a romantic luxury break or a honeymoon in France then Château D’Arnac is ideal.
It is the perfect romantic getaway from which to explore everything that the region has to offer - within 10 km are many châteaux, fortresses, churches and villages that typify the rich past of this part of the Dordogne valley. A particular feature of this is the proximity of no less than 6 well-known Les Plus Beaux Villages de France within easy reach of the chateau, these not only include Curemonte (where Les Noyers is located) but also Turenne, Collognes-la-Rouge, Autoire, Loubressac and Carennac.
For a honeymoon or a romantic luxury break, the location is superb - there are historic sites, museums and exhibitions which offer year-round visits and events, including unusual introductions to the Corrèze’s heritage and historic expertise by traditional and contemporary Limousin troubadours. The département also abounds in natural sites, from ancient trees and beautiful gardens to impressive caves. In fact, there are a bewildering number of activities that make a stay in this part of France an enchanting and romantic experience.
For history-lovers and walkers, the Santiago de Compostela pilgrim route crosses the Limousin and the Corrèze has two trails that link up with it, both of which are lined by some of the region’s artistic and architectural heritage. Other routes retrace the footsteps of famous medieval noble dynasties like the Ventadours and Turennes, and even the legendary King Richard the Lionheart.
The countryside around the château apart from offering a perfect honeymoon location also offers a wide range of sporting activities, including canoeing or fishing either on the major rivers such as the Dordogne itself or on small fast flowing rivers in the mountainous hinterland which also has lakes and reservoirs for coarse or game fishermen. These mountains provide ample opportunity for rock climbers of varying levels of expertise and hill-walkers.
Traditional crafts have survived in this region of France and they play an important role in the Corrèze and the emphasis here is on excellence. Accordions, traditionally-made local liqueurs and aperitifs, barrels, copperware, lace, cabinet-making, wood- and slate working are some of the products and skills that shape the region’s historic, artistic and economic heritage. In recognition of their expertise, Denoix distillery, Maugein Accordion factory and Art et Tradition du Chaume roof thatchers have been awarded the “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” label for their commitment to keeping heritage alive.
No holiday visit to this romantic destination of France would be complete without the opportunity to sample and understand its remarkable gastronomy. Hearty and refined, and based on traditions handed down from generation to generation, the cuisine of the region conveys the full flavour of the land. Red and rosé vin de pays, vin paillé (literally "straw wine"), millassous de pommes de terre (a potato pie), stuffed ceps, farcidures (a type of potato and meat dumpling), tourtous (buckwheat pancakes) morel and chanterelle mushrooms, and truffles provide the perfect accompaniment to the delicious meats (Limousin beef red Label, milk-fed veal, Limousin lamb...) and freshwater fish, including trout, pike and pikeperch. Tasty fruit tarts such as flaugnard and clafoutis, and liqueurs made from walnuts, blueberries and raspberries provide the perfect climax to what can only be described as a perpetual gastronomic feast.
The gastronomy of the region is the very symbol of well-being as demonstrated by the numerous festivals centred around renowned local produce such as strawberries, apples, walnuts, blueberries and chestnuts (not forgetting the duck and goose winter fairs held in Brive-la-Gaillarde or the truffle market in Chartrier-Ferrière).
Throughout the summer and on specific dates at other times of year the local farmers' markets showcase the wealth and diversity of the Corrèze's farm products and arts and crafts, providing a wonderful opportunity for producers to meet their customers and vice-versa. The atmosphere at these markets, many of which take place during local festivals and at festive times of year, is always friendly and relaxed, providing ample opportunities to eat your purchases while soaking up the local ambience.