The Monts de Guéret region offers a wealth of delights, many curiosities and many unusual attractions. Our strength lies in the complementary nature of our sites, whose originality will enchant your visits…
Did you know?
Guéret is well worth a visit. It is a prefecture, the county town and a place of power, and boasts some fine architectural treasures such as the Hôtel des Moneyroux (15th-16th century), the presidial (17th century) and the town hall (1935), all in blue granite… Granite mined in the heart of the Chabrières forest from the end of the 19th century, with intense activity in the 1930s.
Guéret is also a town of renowned artists, including the writer Marcel Jouhandeau, who gave it the name Chaminadour (the title of one of his books), and Fernand Maillaud, a painter, illustrator and sculptor who set up his studio in Guéret around 1920. A visit to the Guéret museum is a must, as is a stroll through the Ferdinand Villard garden, with its remarkable tree species.
Overlooking the town of Guéret, wedged between the valleys of the Creuse and Gartempe rivers, the Chabrières forest is a popular place to relax.This barrier of hills, with its mid-mountain appearance, is home to historic sites such as the Puy de Gaudy oppidum (651 m) and its surrounding area, Le Maupuy (686 m) and the more recent history of the Maupuy quarries, from which In the heart of the forest, the legendary stones of Chabrières are numerous and often very enigmatic.
The rural heritage of the Gartempe and Creuse valleys is very well preserved. The landscapes shaped by farming and the villages and hamlets are clearly visible. Dry-stone walls, fountains, wash-houses, paths and landscapes… This small heritage, rarely listed or protected, has been preserved here.
Our heritage
Guéret
The town was founded by a group of people at the end of the 7th century around a monastery, probably not far from the present-day church. It soon expanded and became a place of power, and was once a fortified town. Around the market square, the centre of historic Guéret, fine buildings were constructed: the former town hall, the presidial, etc. The shops along the rue de l’ancienne Mairie and the Grande Rue made Guéret a lively place. The Hôtel de Préfecture and the Hôtel des Moneyroux, now the headquarters of the departmental council, are among the most beautiful buildings in Guéret.Place Bonnyaud, often referred to as the modern or more recent centre of Guéret.
Guéret is also the home of writer Marcel Jouhandeau (1888 – 1979). He spent part of his youth here before moving to Paris. In his work, he gave pride of place to Guéret and his native town centre, which he renamed ” Chaminadour “.
To discover the full wealth of Guéret, download Visit’Guéret, the fun, on-board tour of Guéret. The application is available in several versions: general public, English, audio description and FALC. It is complemented by 10 explanatory panels to help you find your way around, and, for children (aged 7 and over), the “Bienvenue à Guéret” (Welcome to Guéret) game book available from the Tourist Office.
The Chabrières forest
Between the valleys of the Creuse and Gartempe rivers, the Chabrières forest covers a chain of hills that make up the Monts de la Marche. Its altitude ranges from 450m (Lac de Courtille) to 683m (Le Maupuy), 651m (Puy de Gaudy) and peaks at 689m (Puy de Chiroux). From this granite massif, where over 2,000 hectares of forest reign supreme, emerge enigmatic stones with legends: Pierre de l’Ermite, Pierre de la Tribune, Pierre du Loup, Pierre Chabranle, Pierre au Trésor…
A highly sought-after granite... It is mined on a large scale in quarries in and around Le Maupuy. Quarrying began at the end of the 19th century, reaching its peak in the 1930s… Take the audio tour: https: //izi.travel/fr/f6e5-les-carrieres-du-maupuy/fr
Don’t miss: the arboretum, the discovery trail and the state forest trails equipped with QR codes to help you learn more.
The Gartempe valley
The Gartempe rises in the commune of Peyrabout and flows through the Monts de Guéret. It leaves its mark on the landscape, with tributary streams, meanders and small bridges, particularly in the communes of La Chapelle-Taillefert and Saint-Victor-en-Marche. Don’t miss the village and waterfalls of La Rebeyrolle, washhouses and fountains all along the valley…
The Creuse Valley
From the peaceful valleys between Ajain and Saint-Laurent, the Creuse flows as far as Glénic, before plunging into deep, narrow gorges. This part of the valley is classified as a Natura 2000 site for its remarkable biological heritage. At the end of the 19th century, the shimmering landscapes with their astonishing colours seduced the Impressionist painters. You, too, will be won over by the charm of this valley, the hilltop villages of Glénic and Anzême, their churches, and the granite viaducts and bridges that span the Creuse from far and wide.
Forêt de Chabrières à Guéret
