Discover Bellac

Bellac brings together cultural attractions, historic buildings and paths along the Vincou. There are several themes to focus on when planning your trip: Jean Giraudoux, theatre, architectural history or a circular walk in the Vincou Valley. If you are looking for a hotel in Bellac, these themes can help you plan your stay around your interests.

Culture: Jean Giraudoux, art and the performing arts

La Digitale is an interactive, immersive museum in Jean Giraudoux’s birthplace. It explores his work and life. La Digitale also offers the escape game “Secrets d'Etat(s)” about Giraudoux’s final moments. The two experiences have different focuses: the museum explores his work and life, while the game focuses on his final moments.

Another cultural highlight is the Châsse de Bellac. This unique reliquary dates from around 1130, is attributed to the workshops of Limoges and is decorated with twelve enamelled copper medallions. Bellac thus offers a literary focus and a specific work of art dating from the Middle Ages, appealing to different cultural interests.

From September to June, the Théâtre du Cloître presents a multidisciplinary programme of live performances in theatre, music, dance and circus. It also hosts the Festival National de Bellac every year, featuring theatre, dance, circus, street art and music. If you would like to plan your stay around a performance or the festival, check the dates for your chosen travel period.

Architectural history and notable places

Bellac’s stone fortification walls consisted of 19 towers or bastions. The 13th-century Pont de la Pierre is connected with the development of the former castle and links the Chapterie district. Another clue to the site’s former use is le séchoir à peaux: the former drying shed of a tannery lies at the foot of Bellac’s fortified rock.

The Notre Dame de Lorette Chapel stands on the Saint-Sauveur promontory. Its architectural features include a Neo-Gothic façade and a 25-metre-high granite spire. Le chemin des diligences starts on the scenic banks of the Vincou, follows the route of the former royal road from Bellac to Limoges, and passes through Saint-Sauveur on its way to the chapel.

The Vincou and valley trails

A landscaped park lies along the Vincou at the foot of the medieval town. The Rives du Vincou picnic area is on a riverbank near a motorhome parking area and a children’s playground; a medieval bridge is also nearby. This makes the riverside area a distinct focus to include in your travel plans.

Le sentier des moulins offers another way to experience the valley. This short circular walk takes about two hours and follows the hillside along the Vincou Valley. On the way, it passes the old road to Mortemart and the slopes of Chapterie and Saint-Sauveur. The approximate duration gives you a useful guide for planning the walk.

For an introduction to fishing, AAPPMA de Bellac has offered one-to-one lessons by appointment since 2017. The meeting point is Parc Aimé Vallat, on the banks of the Vincou in Vieux Bellac. The exact meeting point and the need to book in advance are useful to know if you would like to include this activity in your stay.

The Haut Limousin Tourist Office is located on Bellac’s main thoroughfare, which connects Limoges, Poitiers and Guéret.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Sylvestre, Arnac-La-Poste, Roussac, Saint-Martial-sur-Isop, Lavignac, Thiat, Balledent, Champsac.

For the main travel overview: Haute-Vienne.