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Glove capital
If you decide to slip your hand into a glove while in France then the chances are it came from the beautiful town of Saint-Junien, set amongst stunning rolling countryside in the Limousin. Seven workshops are responsible for keeping almost half a million French hands warm every year. The town is named after a devoutly religious hermit who would use the waters of a sacred spring to cure those who sought him out.
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Spiritual growth
The hermit's popularity was so immense that when he died his funeral was conducted by the Bishop of Limoges and an impressive tomb was constructed around his body. The religious significance of the site grew until eventually a monastery, and then the town we know today, was created around it. Despite it’s spiritual atmosphere, the town became a hotbed of resistance during the Second World War. Troops heading towards the Normandy coast to take on the D-Day invasion found themselves held up here after a railway bridge was destroyed giving the Allies crucial time.
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Don’t forget your paintbrush
If you enjoy painting then a short walk will take you to the perfect spot for setting up your canvass. Through the small lane next to the Porcelain factory you’ll discover Site Carrot where a number of painters, including of course Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, were inspired to produce some of their most beautiful paintings.
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Making Limousin proud
St-Junien has a fantastic wealth of architectural heritage, chief of which is the Monastery of St-Junien. This impressive building was constructed in the late 11th Century in a typically Romanesque-Limousin style. The main façade was only completed a century later, while the square chevet is from the 13th Century. The central bell tower collapsed in 1922 and was promptly re-built. Once you step inside keep your eyes open for the wonderful frescoes from the 12th and 13th Centuries that are dotted around. St-Junien’s tomb, a triumph of 12th Century Limousin sculpting, can be found behind the main alter.
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A wander through time
Not far from the town is the Chateau de Rochebrune, dating back to the 11th and 12th Centuries. Its most distinguished owner was Marshal Blaise de Montluc who made a name for himself by persecuting Protestants during the Wars of Religion. Fortunately, it is now very much public property so you can stroll the impressive grounds and tour the inside with its many artefacts from the Napoleonic era.
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How to get there
Access to Saint-Junien couldn’t be easier. You can now fly to nearby Limoges from a wide range of UK airports. The city is also linked to the high speed TGV rail network, which is the most comfortable way of traversing the country.
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What about the property prices and availability?
Property in Saint-Junien is highly affordable, as is to be expected from the Limousin region. Prices are rising due to widespread media praise and the decision of budget airliner, Ryanair to fly there.
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your comments...
1. Comments from Ian and Kate Forsyth (added 23/10/07)...
Hi - we have bought a house here right next to St Junien Golf Course. We are thrilled with the area and can't believe the prices. The town is wonderful and beautiful, the French people so warm and friendly, and there is a huge British presence. Every shop and supermarket is filled with English-speaking people, but the staff generally don't speak any English, so for those who are fluent in both languages there are some good opportunities.
There are quite a few Dutch here also.
Should anyone like further information on St Junien, please feel free to contact us:
Ian and Kate Forsyth
Maison des Forsyths
Roche
St Junien 87200
Email: iankate@orange.fr
Tel: 0555 026422
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HOTELS IN SAINT JUNIEN
* online booking & great prices
* up-to-the-minute availability
* unbiased hotel reviews
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Golf De Saint Junien
Welcome to the green country site of the Limousin, where calm open spaces still exist. Situated on the grounds of...
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Rooms from €64.00
Guest rating  4/5
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Inter-Hotel Le Boeuf Rouge
Welcoming, fully restored and situated 6 miles from Oradour-sur-Glane, the hotel offers quiet accommodation and seminar rooms. ...
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Rooms from €73.00
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All hotels in Saint Junien...
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AGENTS WITH PROPERTY IN THIS AREA |
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