Couzeix offers a wide variety of discoveries: at the racecourse, flat racing and trotting take place on two tracks of different lengths; the Église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine and Chapelle Saint-Martin reflect different architectural histories. At Mas de l’Age, you can enjoy walks, sports and nature, while the Jardin à oiseaux is a garden designed with birds in mind.
Equestrian sports and route planning
The Hippodrome de Texonnieras has a 2,000-metre grass track for flat racing and a 1,300-metre sand track for trotting. The two tracks therefore differ both in surface and in the discipline they are intended for. Covered grandstands dating from the 19th century complete the venue, giving it a historic architectural feature as well as a sporting one.
The racecourse hosts numerous activities throughout the year, as well as three annual competitions. As the programme may change, check dates before travelling. It is described as one of the oldest racecourses in France and the only racecourse on the outskirts of Limoges.
The Circuit des cavaliers has its own time frame: it starts at the racecourse, is 12 kilometres long and takes about three hours. This duration is approximate. The length, time and starting point may change if the route is revised. Use this information as a guide when planning your day and check it against the latest route information beforehand.
Churches and architectural history
The Église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine was built in the Romanesque style in the 11th century and modified in the 15th century. Two clearly distinct periods are therefore important to its architectural history: its Romanesque origins and its later alterations. The church offers a different historical perspective from the Chapelle Saint-Martin, which stands out for its date of construction and roof shape.
The Chapelle Saint-Martin was built in 1789. Its unusual triangular roof reaches down to the ground. The chapel is listed in the catalogue of historic monuments, but is not normally open to the public. Access is possible through regularly organised tours. If you are planning a visit, check before travelling that the visiting arrangements suit your dates.
Natural sites and outdoor activities
Mas de l’Age is open to the public and can be enjoyed for walks, sports activities and discovering its flora and fauna. The options mentioned range from exercise to observing nature. Check access and local regulations again before your trip.
The Jardin à oiseaux was created in 1999 to attract as many birds as possible. To achieve this, various plantings were established around hedges and trees that produce berries or flowers with seeds. During a visit, you can discover an English oak clipped into the shape of a cloud and an unusual gnome’s hut. Here too, you should check the visiting arrangements in advance.
The Château du Mas de l’Age
The Château du Mas de l’Age is a former feudal castle with moats and ponds. It is documented in written sources from 1407, and the castle is privately owned. The year refers to its written documentation, while the description of it as a former feudal castle reflects its historical classification.
Discover more destinations: Azat-Le-Ris, Saint-Bonnet-De-Bellac, Darnac, Thouron, Condat-sur-Vienne, Droux, Thiat, Saint-Junien-les-Combes.
For the regional travel overview: Haute-Vienne.
