|
BOUSSAC
Market Day: Thursday
The town of Boussac, situated in the
north-east of the Creuse close to the borses of Allier, Cher and Indre,
grew around the fortified castle and was declared independent in 1427.
For protection the inhabitants built a protective town wall - you can
still see parts of this today along with the gateway, towers and
ramparts.
There are many interesting old buildings
worth visiting including the chateau of course (with guided tours) and
the Church of St. Anne.
The Town Hall is home to three very
important Aubusson tapestries.
Guided town tours all year round -
enquire at the Tourist Office in the market square.
THE CHATEAU
Built in the 12th Century for defence
purposes. It was partly destroyed during the Hundred Years War by the
Engllsi, and was rebuilt around 1420-30 by Jean I of Brosse - a
compatriot of Joan d'Arc
It is classified as an Historic Monument.
On the ground floor rooms are much as
they were originally in the 15th century. Particularly the Guard Room
with an amazing flagstone floor and massive fireplaces.
The chateau was abandoned for a long time
until in 1965 restoration began to take place. This restoration
continued for many years and has resulted in a magnificently furnished
and inhabited chateau. Temporary exhibitions are held during each summer
of contemporary tapestries.
FAMOUS PEOPLE ASSOCIATED
WITH BOUSSAC
Pierre Leroux
- The founder of socialism. He was a humanist and philosopher. In 1845
he set up a printing works in the town with the help of the writer
George Sand, who was a close friend. There is a road and square
named after him and in the square is his statue.
More information coming soon.
George Sand, the famous French
novelist stayed at the chateau. Her book "Jeanne" was based around the
chateau and the close-by places of Les Pierres Jaumatres and Toulx-Sainte-Croix.
She also took refuge here at the chateau during the 1870 war. |
BOUSSAC SURROUNDING AREAS
Les Pierres Jaumatres
Between Toulx-Sainte-Croix and Saint-Silvain-Bas-le-Roc.
Just the most amazing natural geology found by walking up through
beautiful woodland to the clearing at the top of the small hill. Massive
rounded weather-worn lumps of granite, some perched
in others, defying gravity. A truly remarkable place, and one for an
afternoon stroll or a picnic. It has an air of mystery and magic about
it.
There is a cafe at the bottom of the hill
(recently sold - so unsure about what it will be offering this summer).
There is ample parking also at the bottom of the hill, near the cafe,
which has some picnic tables. It is free to go up to the top during
off-season times and the really expensive amount of 1€
during the summer. For guided tours ask at the tourist office in Boussac.
Toulx-Sainte-Croix
This is ancient
village of "Tullum" and may have started either as a Gallic or Roman
settlement. One of the oldest churches in the region can be found here -
the 11th century building is classified as an Historic Monument. Outside
you will see something even older though - three 3rd century stone lions
at the entrance to the church and its bell-tower.
There was once a
medieval chateau at the other end of the village - now in its place is a
psuedo-gothic tower, which from the top the views are incredible looking
across 7 departments - visit on a clear day!
There are visible
Roman remains of a chapel dedicated to Saint Martial who, in the 3rd
century, converted the inhabitants of the village to Christianity. The
chapel, unfortunately, was destroyed during the Hundred Years War.
Soumans
Here tin mines were worked by the Romans
and the Celts. Today the Montebras opencast mines produces feldspar for
the ceramic industries.
Treignat (Herculat)
SWIMMING LAKE
About 12km out of Boussac (via Boussac-Bourg)
is a really nice lake, open to the public. There is a small swimming
beach with children's slides and swings. A Cafe/bar, a campsite and it
is also available for fishing.
The main
facilities are open from Easter to the end of September, although you
can visit any time of the year.
|
