HAUTE VIENNE
Southwest-central France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region
POPULATION OF: 371,691
Haute-Vienne, located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in central-southwestern France, is known for its lush landscapes, rich history, and vibrant communities. With Limoges as its capital, Haute-Vienne is celebrated for its historic porcelain industry, dating back to the 18th century when kaolin deposits were discovered nearby, leading to the city's global reputation for fine ceramics.
The department is also dotted with medieval towns, ancient castles, and charming villages, with a landscape of rolling hills, dense forests, and sparkling rivers ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and fishing. Popular spots include Oradour-sur-Glane, a preserved WWII martyr village that serves as a solemn reminder of history, and Lac de Saint-Pardoux, a large lake offering water sports and relaxation. The area has a growing expat community, particularly in towns like Bellac, Saint-Junien, and Rochechouart, where people are drawn to the peaceful lifestyle, relatively affordable housing, and welcoming locals.
Something to bear in mind about the Haute-Vienne is its slower pace of life and limited public transport, which can make it challenging for those seeking an urban lifestyle or convenient connections. However, its appeal lies in its natural beauty, tranquility, and community spirit, making Haute-Vienne a delightful place to call home.
Haute-Vienne attracts expats for several reasons, primarily its affordable, relaxed lifestyle, natural beauty, and welcoming communities. Housing costs in Haute-Vienne are significantly lower than in many other parts of France, allowing expats to enjoy spacious properties and rural settings at a fraction of the price found in major cities or coastal areas. While it may not have the hustle and bustle of urban centers, Haute-Vienne offers a peaceful, authentic French lifestyle, a strong expat network, and enough amenities to maintain a comfortable, enjoyable life.
Discovering Haute-Vienne: A blend of heritage and serenity in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
We recently explored the Haute-Vienne over on our YouTube channel. Get a better insight into the department from the channel host, Phil Coley.
Charming Towns of Haute-Vienne: Top Picks for Expats
Haute-Vienne is a diverse and picturesque region made up of many charming towns and villages, each offering its own unique character and appeal. While the department as a whole is known for its rolling countryside, historic landmarks, and tranquil lifestyle, a few key towns have become particularly popular with expats looking to settle in the area. Limoges, the capital, attracts those who value a mix of city amenities and cultural heritage, with its renowned porcelain industry and vibrant markets. Saint-Junien, known for its leather craftsmanship and proximity to beautiful nature reserves, offers a blend of convenience and rural charm. Meanwhile, Bellac and Le Dorat, smaller yet equally inviting, draw expats for their welcoming communities, affordable housing, and stunning historical architecture.
Moving to France often comes with the challenge of navigating the language barrier, especially in rural regions like Haute-Vienne, where fewer locals may speak fluent English compared to major cities. For expats, learning French can be crucial for integrating into the community.
Fortunately, Haute-Vienne offers various opportunities to learn the language. Local Language schools including The Little Language School in St Junien offer affordable classes and conversation groups in town. Libraries often host informal language exchanges, where expats can practice French with locals in a friendly setting so be sure to do some research once you’ve chosen your new hometown! Additionally, online learning platforms and private tutors in the area cater to those seeking more flexible options.
If you’re looking to ease into learning French, we’ve got you covered with our weekly French lessons over on our YouTube channel—perfect for getting started from the comfort of home. Be sure to check it out!
Breaking the language barrier: Learning French in Haute-Vienne
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Limoges Airport
81 Av. de l'Aéroport, 87100 Limoges
Caen Port
Av. du Grand Large, 14150 Ouistreham
Eurostar
18 Rue de Dunkerque, 75010 Paris
Finding your dream home in Haute-Vienne
Haute-Vienne offers a diverse range of property options, making it an attractive destination for those looking to settle in a serene, rural setting. From charming stone cottages and farmhouses in the countryside to modern apartments and townhouses in places like Limoges or Saint-Junien, there’s something to suit every taste and budget.
Property prices in Haute-Vienne are notably affordable compared to other regions in France, with rural homes often starting at around €50,000 for renovation projects and move-in-ready properties typically priced between €100,000 and €250,000, depending on size and location. For those seeking larger estates or historic homes, prices remain competitive, offering excellent value for money.
Whether you’re dreaming of a cosy village retreat or a spacious home with land, Haute-Vienne’s property market has plenty of opportunities to make your dream French lifestyle a reality.
Summer
25°C - 28°C
Autumn
14°C - 20°C
Winter
3°C - 9°C
Spring
10°C - 18°C
Property Insights
Chris Summers, selling homes across the Haute Vienne
With over 30 years' experience in the estate agent space, Chris has so much guidance when it come to purchasing a property and with his own personal experience of purchasing in the Haute Vienne, Chris is a great asset to have on your side in your house hunting journey!
Chris's Top Properties
Explore these further, and also check out the full fleet of properties available...
€579,000
Dompierre-les-Églises
Exceptional large main house plus guest house boasting panoramic views of the Haute-Vienne countryside.
€262,500
Saint-Bonnet-de-Bellac
Ancien Presbytere, a slice of history, 4 bedrooms all with en suites, potentially offering an excellent B&B opportunity (with the right permissions).
Living and exploring the activities, events, and lifestyle of Haute-Vienne
Exploring Haute-Vienne reveals a region rich in natural beauty, history, and vibrant local culture. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like hiking and cycling through the stunning Monts de Blond or relaxing by the picturesque Lac de Saint-Pardoux, which also offers water sports and family-friendly facilities.
History buffs will appreciate the preserved medieval villages, castles, and the poignant memorial village of Oradour-sur-Glane.
Haute-Vienne is also home to a lively calendar of events, from local farmers' markets showcasing regional specialties like Limousin beef and chestnuts to traditional festivals celebrating art, music, and heritage. Living in Haute-Vienne means embracing a peaceful lifestyle surrounded by friendly communities, while still having access to modern amenities in towns like Limoges.
Whether it’s exploring charming towns, attending cultural events, or simply enjoying the slower pace of life, Haute-Vienne offers a perfect balance for both adventure and relaxation.
Our top choices for exploring:
Oradour-sur-Glane
This preserved WWII martyr village offers a poignant and moving experience, allowing visitors to reflect on its tragic history while walking through its untouched ruins.
Porcelain Heritage of Limoges
Dive into the world-famous porcelain industry with a visit to the Musée National Adrien Dubouché or take a guided tour of a porcelain factory to see craftsmanship in action.
Lac de Saint-Pardoux
Perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts, this large lake offers swimming, boating, fishing, and scenic walking trails surrounded by lush greenery.
Meteorite Crater
This picturesque town of Rochechouart is home to a castle housing a contemporary art museum and sits on the remnants of a 200-million-year-old meteorite crater.
Foire de Saint-Loup
This annual fair in Limoges combines tradition and modernity, with livestock shows, food stalls, and entertainment, offering a true taste of Haute-Vienne culture.
Monts de Blond
A hiking spot known for their mystical legends and prehistoric sites, these rolling hills are ideal for hiking, with stunning views and peaceful surroundings.
Saint-Leonard-de-Noblat
This medieval town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features beautiful timber framed houses, a stunning Romanesque church, and charming cobbled streets, and is well worth a visit.
See some of our favourite local services in the Haute Vienne
Moving to France: The logistics
Moving to France is an exciting adventure, but it can also come with many questions and challenges. In this section, we’ve compiled a collection of articles that provide valuable insights and practical advice for making the move smoother and more enjoyable. From navigating visa requirements and understanding the French healthcare system to tips on learning the language and settling into local communities, these resources are designed to guide you every step of the way. If you want some more hand on help, drop us an email and we will be in touch.
The Haute-Vienne property expert
Chris Summers, Beaux Villages Immobilier
chris.summers@beauxvillages.com | +33 6 34 05 02 83
Meet Chris Summers, your experienced guide in the world of French real estate! With over 30 years of expertise in estate agency and personal experience in the French property market, Chris is dedicated to making your house hunting journey smooth and stress-free. He has first-hand knowledge of relocating from the UK to France, Chris brings invaluable insights to every client journey.
This page is sponsored by Chris Summers, Le Hibou Chic and Sanglier Marketing:
Chris Summers
Specialises in property sales across diverse budgets. Offering tailored advice, virtual tours, and expert guidance, Chris Summers ensures a seamless buying or selling journey, blending professionalism with local knowledge and expat expertise.
Le Hibou Chic
Spread over four floors you will find a selection of uniquely upcycled furniture, an extensive range of Nordic Chic paint, home furnishings, a dedicated fabric room, a specific room for hosting workshops, onsite upholstery and much more.
Sanglier Marketing
At Sanglier Marketing we provide a comprehensive range of services to help your business get seen regardless of your size of business. We work with many small business owners who are looking to get more clients and be seen by more people.