5-Day House Hunting Itinerary: Vienne, Haute-Vienne & Creuse

With a focus on: Town life, countryside retreats, character homes, and renovation projects

DAY 1:

Arrival in Poitiers (Vienne)

Morning:

Arrive at Poitiers by train (TGV from Paris) or drive in from a nearby airport (Poitiers has a small airport with some UK flights).

Afternoon:

Explore Poitiers’ old town: Romanesque churches, medieval streets, lively squares.

 Meet with a local estate agent to discuss properties in Poitiers and surrounding villages.

 Focus on small city houses, historic townhouses, and modern suburban homes.

Evening:

Overnight in Poitiers, enjoy dinner in one of the old town's traditional brasseries.

DAY 2:

Explore Vienne's Countryside (Chauvigny & Montmorillon)

Morning:

Short drive (30 minutes) to Chauvigny.

Visit the medieval quarter and see properties: rustic stone houses, village homes, and potential B&B conversions.

Midday:

Lunch in Chauvigny’s charming town square.

Afternoon:

Head to Montmorillon, the “City of Books” with pretty streets and literary charm.

View countryside properties nearby — ideal for those seeking larger gardens, barns, or renovation opportunities.

Evening:

Head south into Haute Vienne and stay overnight in /or around Bellac for a rural experience.

DAY 3:

Into Haute-Vienne – Limoges and Surroundings

Morning:

Explore houses around Bellac

Then drive south (about 40 minutes) to Limoges, the historic city known for its porcelain, gardens, and vibrant markets.

Explore central Limoges: urban living options, apartments, and historic homes.

Afternoon:

Head into the countryside around Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat or Ambazac.

Visit village properties, farmhouses, and small country estates — many with renovation or land opportunities.

Evening:

Stay overnight in Limoges, enjoy local cuisine (try a traditional Limousin beef dish).

Day 4:

Discover the Heart of Creuse (La Souterraine & Dun-le-Palestel)

Morning:

Head east into Creuse (about 1 hour drive from Limoges) — one of France’s quietest, greenest, and most affordable areas.

Arrive in La Souterraine, a charming medieval town with a relaxed atmosphere.

View stone cottages, character homes, and larger plots of land.

Afternoon:

Continue toward Dun-le-Palestel and smaller hamlets nearby.

Focus on traditional rural properties: old stone houses, barns to convert, and smallholdings.

Evening:

Overnight stay in La Souterraine or a countryside B&B.

Day 5:

Relaxed Viewing in Central Creuse (Guéret & Around)

Morning:

Visit Guéret, Creuse’s administrative centre.

Explore the town for practicalities (schools, shops, healthcare) and view any final properties.

Afternoon:

Spend the afternoon viewing properties just outside Guéret — countryside retreats surrounded by lakes, woods, and rolling hills.

Optional:

Leisurely drive through the Creuse countryside to get a feel for rural life before heading back to Poitiers, Limoges, or another departure point.

Bonus Tips for This Region:

✔ Pace yourself: Properties are spread out — factor in driving time between viewings.

✔ Ask about heating: Winters can be colder here; inquire about heating systems and insulation.

✔ Look for hidden gems: Many properties in these departments are not widely advertised online — local agents often have "off-market" listings.

✔ Check local amenities: Some villages are very small — ensure access to essentials like supermarkets, doctors, and good internet.

Why This Itinerary Works:

🏡 Covers three different "flavours" — vibrant town life (Poitiers/Limoges), country villages (Chauvigny/Montmorillon), and deep rural charm (Creuse).

🚗 Manageable driving distances — no single day exceeds 2 hours of driving.

🌳 Balances property hunting with time to absorb the local lifestyle and atmosphere.

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