Tanning history, museums and walking trails give Eymoutiers a range of different attractions. When planning your stay, you can decide whether you are more interested in historical traces, collections or outdoor routes. The river and regional cuisine also offer their own themes to explore.
Tanning history and historical traces
The tanning industry flourished in Eymoutiers in the 17th century. Some of the tanners’ houses still have open lofts, originally used to dry hides. This architectural detail points to a specific part of the town’s former tanning industry: the processing and drying of hides.
The former Ursuline convent served a different historical purpose. The Ursulines lived in the convent from 1629 and taught girls there until 1790. Alongside the history of tanning, this places economic activity and education side by side as distinct chapters in the town’s history.
Art and minerals in the museums
The Espace Paul Rebeyrolle houses more than 80 works dating from 1948 to 2005. The size of the collection may change. The Musée des Minéraux offers a different focus: it displays minerals and fossils from around the world, as well as minerals typical of the Limousin.
More than 40 display cases showcase the collection at the Musée des Minéraux. One of them demonstrates the luminescence and fluorescence of crystals under UV light. The collection brings together minerals and fossils from different parts of the world, a regional connection to the Limousin and a hands-on example of how crystals behave under UV light.
Walking trails, the railway station and the river
The Le Tour d’Eymoutiers circular trail passes through forests, by a small mill and on to viewpoints. The Autour de la gare d’Eymoutiers circular trail starts somewhere different: right next to the railway station, so it is accessible by train. If you are planning to travel by rail, check the current timetable. From Les Porots, a wooden footbridge provides access to the Parc du Pré Lanaud.
The two Tèrra-Aventura experiences also have different focuses. “L’art contemporain à Eymoutiers” is a five-kilometre circular walk where you can discover Eymoutiers through the lens of contemporary art. “L’histoire des Pelauds” takes you on a search for the ring lost by the bishop and features historical figures from the town. The first experience’s route length and the second’s story give you two different points of reference when choosing between them.
The Vienne runs through the centre of Eymoutiers as a first-category river along a no-kill fishing stretch. If you would like to fish there, check the current fishing regulations and access conditions before setting off. Fishing at the Étang de Fressengeas requires a fishing association permit, available from the Eymoutiers tourist office. Check in advance whether the permit is currently available.
Market and regional speciality
A market is held every Saturday morning in Place Stalingrad. As dates can change, check the market day before your visit if you are planning around it. Le Pelaud is a small pastry available in Eymoutiers, made with almond powder and coated in chocolate. The recipe was developed in the 1930s. This regional speciality adds a culinary highlight to the cultural and nature experiences, without requiring a separate outing.
Discover more destinations: Pierre-Buffière, Dompierre-Les-Églises, Glandon, Saint-Sylvestre, Verneuil-Moustiers, Villefavard, Saint-Laurent-Sur-Gorre, Champagnac-La-Rivière.
View the wider travel guide: Haute-Vienne.
