Hello and welcome back to my new series Visit Haute Vienne, if you haven't read my last post on the city of Limoges, feel free to check that out here.
I've been living in Limoges, Haute Vienne for over four years and I've had the privilege to explore this under appreciated department in France. As well as the bustling city of Limoges there's so much natural beauty to explore on our doorsteps and I'm determined to share this with my audience and make sure you add it to your travel bucket list.
One of my absolute favourite places to visit is Mont Gargan, a 50 minute drive away from Limoges city centre, just bordering our neighbouring department Creuse. Classed as a monument and natural site since 1983 with a peak of 731 metres, Mont Gargan is renowned for it's panoramic views which spans Le Plateau de millevaches. Rich in history, Mont Gargan is revered for the Battle of Mont Gargan in July 1944, in which many French resistance fighters lost their lives in battle with German soldiers. Mont Gargan was a central location for resistance fighters and this battle is commemorated by a memorial stone which pays homage not only to resistance leader Colonel Guingouin, which Pont Guingouin is named after, but to the lives lost during this battle. The site is quite poignant and legend has it, if you listen carefully to the wind you can still hear the "Song of the Partisans" which was a rally cry for resistance fighters.
Located at the top of Mont Gargan is a chapel which was built between 1868-1871 by Louis Joyeux. The area appears almost haunted in a way due to it's derelict appearance yet it was partially restored in 1992. Nonetheless, it's very tranquil and there is a hiking trail known as the 'Discovery trail' which spans 2.2km and takes you along the devotional fountain, chapel and the memorial stone. Each year the local department of hosts a selection of group hiking sessions from Mont Gargan, if you're interested in attending you can sign up here.
Mont Gargan is a must see when visiting the Haute Vienne region and if you're more of a nature lover I highly recommend spending an afternoon there soaking up the beautiful views, biking, hiking or picnicking.
*Photo credits @Mathilde Bruzat
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