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The Porte Saint-Jean is one of the old city gates of La Souterraine. What you see now is modest, but in the Middle Ages it was a serious entrance to the walled city. Why it's nice: This was literally the city's checkpoint. Anyone who wanted to enter was examined here. The name probably refers to a nearby chapel or hospital of Saint-Jean. You're essentially walking through a 13th-14th-century section here, without it being ostentatious. What many people miss: La Souterraine was an important stop on a side route of the pilgrimage route to Santiago. It's likely that pilgrims, traders, and soldiers passed through here centuries ago.

The Tour de Bridiers is what remains of a medieval castle from the 12th–13th centuries. What you see now is mainly the enormous round keep—and it's not subtle. What makes it cool: That tower is over 30 meters high. That's seriously impressive when you stand next to it. It stands slightly apart from the landscape, giving it an almost cinematic feel. The castle was part of a major trade route between Limoges and Berry. So this wasn't a romantic fairytale castle, but a pure display of power. In the summer, a historical evening show is held here with lights, projections, and knights. Then the ruins literally come back to life. What almost no one knows: The name "Bridiers" probably comes from "bride" (rein). The castle was intended to keep the region in check.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela, the Basilica of Saint-Etienne is distinguished by its rotunda inspired by the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

This village is somewhat the epicenter of the eponymous plateau. Don't miss the park house to discover all the riches of this region.

In a word: beautiful. A breathtaking setting with stunning hiking trails, the ruins, the river, the rocks, and enchanting trails. One of the most beautiful hikes I've ever taken.

In the Creuse valley lies the picturesque village of Gargilesse-Dampierre. The village is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. And I can see why: the romantic charm of the closely packed houses with their steep, brown-tiled roofs, which surround the castle. Truly artistic, picturesque, and charismatic. It's wonderful to take a walk in this area and have a drink at one of the restaurants. Especially the restaurant at the top, where you have a magnificent view of the village and the castle.

A menhir along the road

An iconic and relatively well-preserved cross depicting a ram, although called a sheep cross, at the foot of a Templar cross. This building is located on the edge of the road and near a bridge spanning the Vienne River.