La Colline Gibouleaux

National park "Plateau de Millevaches en Limousin"

La Colline is located in the department of Creuse in the Limousin region. The department is named after the same river that runs through it. In this green and sparsely populated area, countless rivers flow through the landscape of hills, woodwalls and forest. The Creuse is therefore known as the green heart of France. In this area you will not find large-scale tourist attractions. It is a region where you can enjoy life in the French countryside and nature. The entire Limousin is a water rich area. There are several large lakes, a good example is the vast lake of Vassieviere where various water sports can be done. But also Lac de Lavaud-Gelade is well worth a visit and is only 9 km away from our holiday home. While swimming and fishing on the wooded shores of the lake the day quietly passes. Especially on Sundays you will find many Frenchmen who spend the day enjoying a large lunch with their families. Central to the region is Plateau de Millevaches. This somewhat cooler plateau is the source of many brooks and rivers that cross the region. Our holiday home is also located in "Plateau de Millevaches". You will find yourself right in the middle of rural life. The meadows almost look as if they are decorated with the brown and white of the Limousin- and Charolais cattle. Lots of wild life can be spotted in the area. Deer, foxes, birds of prey, but also otters can be seen in their natural surroundings. The small quiet roads make this area ideal for hikers and practised cyclists. There are no really big cities in this region. Limoges is a decent city that is especially known for its white porcelain that you can buy anywhere. However, nice cosy towns with a rural atmosphere are plentiful. For instance a trip to the friendly town of Aubusson (famous for its carpets) or the capital of the department, Gueret. But also Felletin and Bourganeuf with their weekly markets, are worth a visit. The climate is a mix of land- and sea climate due to its central location. In other words in winter it may get cold, but it is quite pleasant in summer months, with temperatures similar to the weather in southern regions. An average temperature of 25 degrees is not uncommon. Gibouleaux is a hamlet that has about 15 houses and a few barns. Most houses are used as holiday homes, mainly by French owners. The village is situated on a 700 meter high hill and so there are beautiful views. Due to its high location, after a hot summer day the nights are usually nice and cool. In the village there is an old laundry area, now no longer used, so it is overgrown by vegetation. A local farmer uses the meadows surrounding the village to graze his sheep and Limousin cows.