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Sweet Chestnut lake is situated in the centre of the Perigord-Limousin Naturel Regional Parc.This area offers a greenery of verdant growth and valleys in a region crossed by a myriad of rivers, lakes and streams. |
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| We are positioned midway between the large towns of Limoges, Perigueux and Angouleme, approximately a 50 minute drive from each. We are just below the Limousin border in the very desirable department of the Dordogne. | ||
| The lake nestles in attractive woodland, 3 km’s north of Saint Saud Lacoussiere a small and attractive village with a few shops, a couple of bars and 2 character hotels. The towns of Nontron, Cussac, Chalus and Thiviers all have supermarkets and are each only a 15 minute drive |  |
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Being located in the wooded national park the area is inhabited by abundant and diverse wildlife. Jays seem to particularly like the woodland and Woodpeckers, Buzzards and Kingfishers are seen and heard daily. |
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| In 2007 and 2008 we were fortunate to have a pair of Golden Orioles nest in a Poplar tree beside the lake, although surprising difficult to spot the male’s far carrying song could be heard every day in late Spring and early Summer. | ||
| Other visitors included a huge male Black Woodpecker, several Hoopoos and a pair of Black Kites that flew down low over the lake. All birds we had never seen in the UK. | ||
| The highlight of the year is the annual migrations of the Cranes, and Sweet Chestnut Lake seems to be directly under their flight path. In Autumn these magnificent birds fly south in large flocks in ‘V’ formation, calling loudly as they travel. We look forward to their return in early Spring. | ||
| Deer occasionally come to the lakes edge to drink and we have been lucky enough to get a glimpse of a couple of wild boar, but only at night. In 2008 we were visited by pine martens and red squirrels and were able to get suprisingly close to these beautiful creatures. | ||
| We have many varied dragonflies, damselflies, beetles and butterflies on the lake during the warmer months, the most spectacular being the Purple Emperor Butterfly. Be careful not to get in the way of the giant Stag Beetles on one of our hot balmy summer evenings. The males are clumsy fliers and often lose control in their desperate search for females! | ||
| Nearby attractions are many, but to pick out just a couple you would most likely include the Grand Etang (large lake) and Piegut open air market. The Grand Etang is a massive lake situated only 1km south of us so is well within walking distance. The French use it almost like the English would the seaside. There is a man made beach and swimming is permitted. An outdoor restaurant and bar is on site with a splendid viewing area over the lake. A great spot for a walk and you can even fish here if you obtain a licence from the Tabac in the nearby village. |  |
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Piegut market, only 15 minutes drive away, is quite famous in the area and well worth a visit. It takes place every Wednesday morning, starting at about 8am until midday. It can get extremely busy in the summer months and there is a huge array of stalls to ponder over. |
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In the apartment we have an information book listing numerous nearby attractions. This includes restaurants, châteaux’s, caves, outdoor activities and loads more. |
Click here for a local map or to review the local weather information. For a 10 day weather forcast for the Limoges area please click here! | |
