Pierre-Buffière

Pierre-Buffière brings together Romanesque architectural history, Gallo-Roman remains and a marked hiking route. When choosing a hotel, you might first consider whether you want to devote your stay mainly to the historic sights, a hike or both. The Eglise Sainte-Croix, Villa d'Antone and Circuit des trois rivières et des trois viaducs offer different starting points.

Romanesque church and distinctive details

The Eglise Sainte-Croix de Pierre-Buffière is a Romanesque church dating from 1060; it was altered in the 14th century. The building is made of granite, and some of its roofs are covered with slate slabs. The portal stands out for its 18 blue-glazed porcelain tiles in the “bleu de four” shade, which have adorned it since 1838. The church also houses relics of Saint Côme and Saint Damien and is a parish that holds Ostensions. Its architecture, materials and religious significance each give the church a distinct historical connection.

Another local landmark is the Fontaine Adeline. It was built in honour of Adeline, the daughter of Guillaume Dupuytren, following a bequest from her father. The name thus refers both to the person being honoured and to the circumstances in which the fountain was created.

Villa d'Antone and Gallo-Roman history

Villa d'Antone dates from the 1st century AD, almost 2,000 years ago, and developed during the heyday of the Pax Romana. Its Gallo-Roman remains lie on a plateau above the valleys of the Briance and the Blanzou, opposite Pierre-Buffière. Here, a specific historical period meets a clearly described setting.

Villa d'Antone can be visited on guided tours by reservation. Educational activities are also available for groups and school classes. If you are planning a visit, it is best to confirm the arrangements before you travel. The interactive experience “Tèrra Aventura: Des viaducs à la Pars urbana d’Antone” combines puzzles with the 1st-century Gallo-Roman remains and impressive railway structures. It also appeals to travellers who prefer to explore historical themes through a puzzle-based experience.

Hiking along the Briance and the viaducts

The Circuit des trois rivières et des trois viaducs is an easy 9.9-kilometre hiking trail, with an estimated walking time of around 2 hours and 45 minutes. The trail description was updated on 6 June 2026. Along the way, the route follows the Briance and passes beneath a viaduct. Views of the viaducts and Pont de l'Hermitage are also among the sights described. This makes it possible to assess the route not only by its length and duration, but also by its riverside and architectural features.

The circuit is included in the PDIPR hiking trail network. Parking for the hike is available at Place du 8 mai 1945. When planning your stay, the distance and approximate walking time can help you estimate how long this particular hike will take; the views mentioned also give an idea of what to look out for along the way.

Friday morning market

The Marché à Pierre-Buffière takes place on Friday mornings on Rue de Chantemiaule. The current tourism guide lists fruit and vegetables, fish, meat and cheese among the market’s offerings. The official guide lists Friday market dates through 18 December 2026; if you are travelling after that, please check the market days in effect at the time.

Getting there from Limoges

From Limoges, you can reach Pierre-Buffière via the A20 towards Toulouse, taking exit 40. For planning your journey, you have both a specific route and a choice of local highlights: the church and fountain, the Roman past around Villa d'Antone, or the hike to the Briance and the viaducts.

Discover more destinations: Champagnac-La-Rivière, Aixe-Sur-Vienne, Ladignac-Le-Long, Thouron, Bataillou, Meuzac, Neuvic-Entier, Aureil.

For the regional travel overview: Haute-Vienne.