The Haute-Vienne is still a largely agricultural department located in central France. It is divided into two by the Vienne River, which runs from east to west. In the middle it splits into another river, the Isle, which runs into the bordering department of the Dordogne. The principal industry is porcelain, most of which is manufactured in the departmental capital, Limoges.
The department has a number of natural and man-made lakes, such as the Lac de Vassivière and the Lac de St Mathieu, many of which come complete with beaches, fishing, boating and watersports.
Limoges has produced fine enamel work since the 12th century, and still exports a large number of exquisite luxury goods. It has a lively university and thriving nightlife, as well as an attractive city centre with major shops as well as winding narrow lanes with boutiques and cafés.
Other places of note are Bellac, a small town with just 5,000 inhabitants, which is close to the Lac de St Pardoux, as well as Rochechouart with its magnificent chateau built out of meteoric rock!
Limoges-Bellegard airport, 5 minutes to the West of Limoges, has direct flights to and from the UK, and has had significant investment to improve the passenger experience. It is also possible to go by TGV to Paris and then onwards to the UK or other European destinations.