5-Day House Hunting Itinerary: Vienne, Haute-Vienne & Creuse
- A New Life
- May 7
- 3 min read
Updated: May 14
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.