HPB Constant: Limeuil

Limeuil is an attractive village, golden buildings climbing one above the other on the end of a riverside bluff. Part way up are the ‘Jardins panoramiques’, a garden open to the public in high season (fee). Close by is Château de la Vitrolle with its vineyards and orchards, and the chapel of St. Martin of 1194, claimed to be part financed by the English King Richard I in expiation for his father’s murder of Thomas à Becket.

With your back to the river you’ll notice an old stone arch near a high stone wall. Cross the road and pass under it to commence the ascent through Limeuil following the main street, a walk not to be hurried. You can’t really go wrong; if in doubt, go uphill. Near the start, to the left, are the Mairie and the tourist office, all facing the river across gardens. Higher up is a small square, here you turn left towards another square, and then towards the church, just before it you turn right. You reach an arch at the highest point of the village.

1. Leave Limeuil under this arch to follow a minor road, now rising only gently, with views to the left and, occasionally, even better views over the valley of the Vézère to the right.

2. Approximately 1½ km (1 mile) from leaving Limeuil, about 150 m past the highest point of the road, turn right opposite a house, ‘Chante Alouette’. This path, just after a meadow at the edge of woodland is soon descending quite steeply and possibly churned by horses. At a junction turn right along following the fence around a house. The path is narrow, soon joining a wider track to continue the descent. Bend sharply to the left to stay with the stony track down to arable fields where the valley bottom begins to flattens out. Turn left and then right to join the D31 road.

3. Cross it and go straight into a very minor road signposted to, inter alia, la Reynie, soon passing a large restored farmhouse. After it, turn right and then after 50 m to the left to reach la Reynie. Carry on through poplar plantations to head for the river.

4. Turn right at a ‘T’ junction, signposted ‘Perdigat’. The river is now close on the left. As the

surfaced road turns right, continue along the riverside cart track, soon bearing away from the river to cross a tiny stream on a bridge. The higher part of Limeuil comes into view, then the magnificent château of la Vitrolle. Bend right, to pass to the right of the chateau buildings, then go left around the back and left again at the far end of the buildings for 20 metres.

5. Turn right along a broad track between orchards and fields, parallel to but away from the river. Be careful here; the correct track has a part stony surface and a small agricultural building is visible in the distance. Head for that building; along the way is a good view of St. Martin’s Chapel. The excellent track now stays fairly close to the river, back to Limeuil. Go under the bridge to reach the area between the river and the village.