Modernised two-bedroom cottage with yard in Saint-Yrieix-la Perche close to the Dordogne
EUR 88,000
More info...
nice cottage with great views
EUR 130,800
More info...
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Historic and pretty
The town of St-Yrieix-la-Perche, in the Haute-Vienne department of Limousin in central France, is an historic and pretty market town. It lies in the green heart of France, and is surrounded by the glorious pasturelands which are known for the raising of the distinctive Limousin cattle, and which provide a cool and attractive escape from the stresses of modern life. St-Yrieix-la-Perche is an old mediaeval town with masses of ancient character, yet which manages to provide everything you will need for a very comfortable modern lifestyle.
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A great tradition
The town has a longstanding tradition of being associated with the famous Limoges porcelain. It was here, in St-Yrieix-la-Perche, that the discovery of a natural source of kaolin sparked off the porcelain industry which is now world famous. The town has some fascinating porcelain and pottery shops, so this is the place to treat yourself to that special dinner service.
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Shops galore
There are plenty of other shops in the town as well, with small craft and fashion shops mixed in with large supermarkets. There are, of course, the French staples of bakers, butchers, patisseries, chocolateries, cafés, bars, restaurants and other delights. All amenities are here, so you won’t have to leave town to find banks, schools, doctors and other essentials. There is a market every Friday morning, so don’t forget to set your alarm to get there before the best of the delicious local produce has been snapped up!
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Black bottomed pigs!
As well as porcelain, St-Yrieix-la-Perche is famous for another thing, namely, the rare breed of the Black Bottomed Pig, or Cul Noir. The town is very proud of this traditional breed of pig, and every September there is a fair to celebrate the Cul Noir. A particular feature of the fair (in which you may, or may not wish to take part) is the Chabrol championship, which involves drinking bowls of pig fat and onion soup, laced with a generous dollop of claret!
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Exploring the region
If you feel the need to spread your wings and explore a little farther afield, you will find there are lots of possibilities open to you. The Limousin is a wonderful area, and there are a variety of things to do and see. The region is home to some beautiful chateaux, and of particular note is the Hautefort Château, which is really worthy of a visit. For those of you who enjoy animals, or have children to occupy, there is the Parc du Reynou zoo park, and for those who simply want to glory in the tranquillity of the countryside there is the Regional National Park of the Perigord right on your doorstep. Most sports are available in or near to the town, with paragliding among the more unusual options.
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How to get there
To reach St-Yrieix-la-Perche by air you can fly to Limoges airport with low cost airlines Ryanair or flybe. It is also possible to travel by rail, as you can take Eurostar to Paris, then change to a TGV fast train to Poitiers or Angoulême. Driving from Calais takes around seven hours, as the French autoroutes are usually clear and fast.
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Property prices and availability in and around St-Yrieix-la-Perche
The Limousin is known for having lower priced property than much of France, but potential purchasers should be aware that this is changing as more and more buyers discover this beautiful region. Property in the south of the Haute-Vienne can tend to be a little more expensive as it approaches the Dordogne, which has become so sought after by English home buyers that prices have risen massively in recent years. St-Yrieix-la-Perche is not yet as costly or popular as the Dordogne, but the wise advice would be to start your search sooner, rather than later if you are hoping for a bargain!
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your comments...
1. A comment from a visitor to the site (added 8/7/08)...
A really good place from which to explore the area around the town is the chambre d'hote run by Madame Marie Claude Martin. The house is beautifully restored. Madame Martin is also an antiques dealer, with a shop in the town
and many of the antiques in the bedrooms are for sale. She speaks English and is really friendly. I have stayed there and she helped me get to know
the region. I now have a house nearby. I strongly recommend her chambre d'hote at 7 Place du 4 Septembre, 87500, Limousin (tel: 00-33555-753502).
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ST-YRIEIX-LA-PERCHE AT A GLANCE |
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AGENTS WITH PROPERTY IN THIS AREA |
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