Attractions and Places To See around Meymac - Top 20

Meymac is rich in history and culture. You can visit the thousand-year-old Saint-André Abbey, which now houses the Centre d'Art Contemporain and the Marius Vazeilles Museum. Explore the Romanesque Saint-Léger Church with its 12th-century Black Madonna, or discover the town's past at the Maison des Marchands de Vins de Meymac. Don't miss the 15th-century Tour de l'Horloge for panoramic views or the Old Market Hall. The historic town center itself is a delight, with traditional granite houses and notable buildings like the Hôtel-Dieu.

The Meymac region is a gateway to the stunning Plateau de Millevaches Regional Nature Park, offering vast landscapes of forests, rivers, and lakes. You can visit the unique and protected Tourbière du Longeyroux peatlands, or enjoy water activities at Lac de Sèchemaille. For breathtaking views, head to Mont Bessou, the highest point in Corrèze.

Absolutely. A unique landmark is the Templar sheep cross, an iconic and relatively well-preserved cross depicting a ram, located near a bridge spanning the Vienne River. Another interesting site is the Bonnefond Village, known for its four-hundred-year-old Sully lime tree and a 15th-century granite church.

Families can enjoy a variety of activities. The Panoramic Tower of Mont Bessou offers an exciting climb and expansive views, often with picnic tables nearby. Lac de Sèchemaille is perfect for swimming, water sports like canoeing and paddleboarding, and relaxing by the water. Exploring the historic town center and its charming streets is also a pleasant family outing.

Yes, Meymac is an excellent base for hiking. The Plateau de Millevaches Regional Nature Park offers numerous trails. You can explore the unique Tourbière du Longeyroux peat bogs or hike around the Gallo-Roman site of Les Cars. For more options, check out the hiking routes around Meymac, which include trails like the Longeyroux Peat Bogs loop and the Étang du Mont Bessou loop.

The region around Meymac provides diverse cycling routes for various skill levels. You can find road cycling routes such as the Saint-Angel – Lake Ponty loop or the Meymac – Meymac Abbey loop. For touring cyclists, options include the Meymac – Lac de Sèchemailles loop or routes offering views of the Auvergne Mountains. Discover more detailed routes on the Road Cycling Routes around Meymac and Cycling around Meymac guide pages.

The highest point in the Meymac area, and in Corrèze, is Mont Bessou, culminating at 976 meters. It features an observation tower that you can climb for spectacular panoramic views over the wild landscapes of the Millevaches plateau and, on clear days, as far as the Auvergne mountains. It's also a starting point for several hiking trails.

Yes, the Gallo-Roman site of Les Cars is a major archaeological site in Limousin. It features monumental granite ruins set within a moorland landscape, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient history.

The Saint-André Abbey is a thousand-year-old Benedictine abbey, founded in the 11th century, and is central to Meymac's heritage. While it once housed Benedictine monks, today its south wing is home to the Centre d'Art Contemporain, and the north wing houses the Marius Vazeilles Museum, making it a vibrant hub for both history and contemporary culture.

The Centre d'Art Contemporain (Contemporary Art Center) is located in the south wing of the historic Saint-André Abbey. Established in 1982, it is dedicated to promoting contemporary creation, primarily in plastic arts, and hosts three exhibitions annually. In December, it's known for an impressive Advent calendar using the abbey's monumental windows.

Meymac and the Plateau de Millevaches Regional Nature Park offer a peaceful rhythm with the seasons. While specific 'best times' depend on your preferred activities, spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring the natural landscapes. Summer is ideal for water activities at Lac de Sèchemaille, and the town hosts an artisanal art festival in August. The region's crisp, fresh air can be enjoyed year-round.

Meymac's historic center is characterized by traditional granite houses with steep slate roofs. You'll find architectural highlights such as a half-timbered house on Rue Saint-Pierre, the town hall, and grand houses like the 'Hotel of the Ventadour Dukes' and the 17th-century 'Hotel-Dieu'. The town's history as a hub for Bordeaux wine merchants in the 19th century also led to the construction of beautiful noble and bourgeois houses.

Visitors particularly appreciate Meymac's unique blend of culture, history, and unspoiled countryside, earning it the title of 'Plus Beau Détour de France'. The historic sites like the Saint-André Abbey and the panoramic views from the Panoramic Tower of Mont Bessou are highly rated. The natural beauty of the Plateau de Millevaches and the charm of the historic town center also leave a lasting impression.