Discover Coussac Bonneval

For a stay in Coussac-Bonneval, culture, walking and fishing are all options to consider. The Château de Bonneval combines a furnished, inhabited residence with guided tours; two walking trails offer different highlights, and the history of kaolin dates back to the 18th century. If you are looking for a hotel, consider in advance which of these interests will shape your stay. This will help you think of a visit to the château, a walk and local fish products as different elements of your trip.

The Château de Bonneval and its architectural history

The Château de Bonneval is furnished and inhabited, and open to visitors for expert-guided tours. Tour arrangements may vary seasonally, so check which tour options are available during your planned visit.

Its architecture includes an interior gallery supported by arches, a Gothic chapel, spacious rooms and towers. The gallery and its construction, the chapel and the other architectural features offer different points of interest. The château is also part of the Richard the Lionheart Route—another aspect to consider alongside its architecture.

History and walking

One historical landmark in Coussac-Bonneval is the Lanterne des morts. It was built in the 15th century and restored in the 16th century, placing its construction and restoration in two successive centuries. In the village of Frougeix, André de Bonneval discovered the first kaolin quarries in 1784. The construction and restoration history of a monument and the discovery of the first kaolin quarries thus represent distinct historical themes.

Two trails with different highlights are available for walking. The Boucle des moulins is a 12-kilometre walking trail in Coussac-Bonneval. The Boucle du kaolin is a short walk exploring the natural and architectural heritage; a viewpoint offers a view of the Château de Bonneval. When choosing, you can weigh the clearly stated distance of the Boucle des moulins against the thematic focus and château view offered by the Boucle du kaolin.

Fishing and local products

The Domaine du Moulin Authier offers recreational fishing for a day, half a day, by weight, or on a catch-and-release basis. The options differ in duration and fishing method; availability may vary seasonally. Before your visit, check which option is available during your planned stay.

The Pisciculture du Moulin Authier sells trout and processed products such as smoked trout, trout rillettes and trout fillets prepared gravlax-style. Product availability depends on stock and the season.

The Restaurant du Moulin Authier serves seasonal local produce and products from the fish farm, including smoked trout, gravlax and small fried fish. The restaurant may also operate seasonally, so check whether it will be open during your planned visit. For planning purposes, the offers differ by purpose: the Pisciculture sells trout and processed products, while the restaurant serves seasonal produce and fish dishes.

Discover more destinations: La Roche-L'abeille, Bellac, Peyrilhac, Mailhac-Sur-Benaize, Le Vigen, Aureil, La Flotte, Saint-Just-Le-Martel

For the regional travel overview: Haute-Vienne.