The Haute Vienne district is rich in history and culture, with outstanding scenery at every turn. The following article give you a brief introduction of this beautiful district.

King Richard the Lionheart, King Richard I of England spent no more than half a year of his reign in England. Son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, his reputation is that of a chivalrous king and a brave and skilful warlord, whom was known for his sometimes cruel and warlike ways.

The regions of Aquitaine and Normandy (inherited from his mother) caused him to enter into conflict with the King of France. After forcing a truce he continued the war into the Limousin to teach one of his vassals a lesson. During the middle ages, the viscountcy of Limoges was bordered to the southwest by castles, churches and fortified towns, lined up so as to defend the limits of the Duchy of Aquitaine. Richard was wounded at the Castle of Chalus on 20 March 1199, then ordered an attack on Montbrun castle, he then died shortly afterwards. His remains were placed finally at the Abbey of Fontevraud with his father, Henry II Plantagenet.

Those who savour history and old buildings will enjoy exploring the district of the Limousin and its typical scenery along this route. There are outstanding examples of life as it was in the middle ages, with churches, towns and many castles open to the public. The castles still portray their warlike purpose.

La Route du Haute-Limousin
If you follow this route you will be led to sites of historical and architectural heritage encompassing nine towns and villages, including Chateauponac. The Limousin has amazing religious heritage. The middle ages saw the start of pilgrimages and the veneration of holy artifacts held in the abbeysand priories of the area. One of the four pilgrims' passages to Santiago de Compostela (Spain) runs through the area. Pilgrims travelled across France staying in the monasteries or simple shelters.

Penalty reserved in Taranaki oil spill
A judge today reserved his decision on the penalty to be imposed against the operators of the Tui oil field for a spill that polluted 13km coastline south of New Plymouth last October. <div class='nifad'><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=301618578"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=301618578" border="0"/></a></div>
Hung jury in prison rioters trial
The jury in the trial of three inmates, accused of causing hundreds of thousands of dollars damage at Upper Hutt's Rimutaka Prison during a five hour riot, has been discharged after failing to reach a verdict this afternoon. <div class='nifad'><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=301618577"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=301618577" border="0"/></a></div>
'Dumb a***': Burglar's message to security slackers
A burglar, finding a Christchurch home so easy to break into, left the owners a note calling them "dumb arse" for not turning their alarm on. <div class='nifad'><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=301614954"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=301614954" border="0"/></a></div>
Pedestrian hit by ambulance
A Christchurch man has been taken to hospital after he was struck an ambulance as he crossed a road. <div class='nifad'><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=301614953"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=301614953" border="0"/></a></div>
Prison drug treatment units working - Goff
A new drug and alcohol treatment unit at Spring Hill prison in north Waikato is expected to significantly reduce re-offending, Corrections Minister Phil Goff says. <div class='nifad'><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=301591276"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=301591276" border="0"/></a></div>
Police hunt 'dangerous' burglar
Taupo police are hunting a man they believe has been responsible for a number of thefts at local backpackers. <div class='nifad'><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=301583454"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=301583454" border="0"/></a></div>
Cairns prepares for 1000km rail safety walk
Former Black Cap Chris Cairns will be trading in his cricket spikes for walking shoes as he prepares to walk 1000km across the country in an effort to bring public awareness of rail safety. <div class='nifad'><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=301583453"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=301583453" border="0"/></a></div>
White powder delivery sparks Beehive evacuation
Part of the Beehive has been evacuated after a white power scare this morning. <div class='nifad'><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=301574465"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=301574465" border="0"/></a></div>
Swedish princess to visit New Zealand
Princess Birgitta of Sweden will be visiting Auckland for a week in October as patron of Swedish Style New Zealand. <div class='nifad'><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=301567750"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=301567750" border="0"/></a></div>
Pregnant mother trapped under truck
Police say a pregnant woman and her toddler are lucky to be alive after their car collided with a truck and trailer in Henderson this morning. <div class='nifad'><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=301567749"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=a8a276f7a37a42499f8b1c69f9acf191&u=301567749" border="0"/></a></div>

This particular journey became known as the 'Route Limousin' and is now officially recognised as part of the regions Cultural Heritage. Present day pilgrims travelling from Vezeley to Santiago de Compost Ella use this route today. Touring this route provides the opportunity to discover the artistic and architectural heritage of the Limousin.

Further information on this beautiful region can be obtained from

http://www.hauteviennehideaways.com