Guide to Haute-Vienne & Property in Department 87

Haute-Vienne, a department located in the west-central region of France, is a beautiful and historic area that is known for its landscapes, charming towns and fascinating heritage. The department was established in 1790, during the French Revolution, and is named after the upper reaches of the Vienne River that flows through it. Haute-Vienne (department number 87) is one of the twelve departments that make up Nouvelle-Aquitaine and is surrounded by six other departments, each of which adds its own unique flavour to the area. Corrèze to the south, Creuse to the east, Vienne to the northwest, Charente to the west, Indre to the north, and Dordogne to the southwest are the six neighbouring departments of Haute-Vienne. The department is divided into three administrative districts or arrondissements, namely Limoges, Bellac, and Rochechouart.

Two significant rivers, the Vienne and the Gartempe, flow from east to west through Haute-Vienne. The Vienne River is the longest river in the region and is home to two major cities, Limoges and Saint-Junien, both of which are known for their cultural heritage and stunning architecture. The Massif Central, located in the southeast of the department, is a natural wonder with Puy Lagarde being its highest point at 795 meters. The Charente River's source is in the commune of Chéronnac, situated in Haute-Vienne.

Haute-Vienne is also home to the Rochechouart impact structure, an impact crater caused by a meteorite that crashed into the earth's surface over 200 million years ago. The impact structure is located at the western end of the department and is a significant geological site, with little evidence of the crater today due to subsequent erosion. Despite this, the geological effects on the surrounding rock are still visible and serve as a testament to the area's fascinating geological history.

In 1998, a part of the southwest of the department, along with the northern area of the Périgord region, was recognised as the Parc Naturel Régional Périgord-Limousin. This regional nature park is a popular tourist destination and is known for its beautiful landscapes, forests and diverse wildlife.

Key Information about Haute-Vienne

• Main City/Prefecture: Limoges
• Nearest Airport: Limoges-Bellegarde Airport
• Population: Around 370,000 (as of the latest census)
• Area: 5,520 sq. kilometres and 2,131 sq. miles  
• Landmark: Limoges Porcelain Museum, showcasing the city’s globally renowned porcelain industry.
• Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 1.5 million, to discover its heritage, lush green valleys and historic sites.