Oradour-sur-Glane Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat, where to stay, and more in Oradour-sur-Glane with this comprehensive guide.
- Introduction to Oradour-sur-Glane
- List of Places to Visit in Oradour-sur-Glane
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Oradour-sur-Glane
- Best Things to Do in Oradour-sur-Glane: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Oradour-sur-Glane
- Food and Drink Scene of Oradour-sur-Glane
- Where to Stay in Oradour-sur-Glane: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Oradour-sur-Glane: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Oradour-sur-Glane
- Best Time to Visit Oradour-sur-Glane
- Do’s and Don’ts of Oradour-sur-Glane
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Oradour-sur-Glane: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Oradour-sur-Glane
- Where to Go Next from Oradour-sur-Glane: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Oradour-sur-Glane
Oradour-sur-Glane is a village in Vienne, a department in the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine in France. Initially named Saint-Martin-de-Oradour, this small commune is known for its tragic history during World War II. On June 10, 1944, the German Waffen-SS unit massacred 642 inhabitants of the village. Today, the preserved ruins of the town remain as a powerful reminder of the past.
List of Places to Visit in Oradour-sur-Glane
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Centre de la Mémoire
Centre de la Mémoire is a memorial museum that offers an immersive experience about the tragedy that happened in Oradour-sur-Glane. The exhibits include items from daily life found in the village ruins and testimonials from survivors.
Centre de la Résistance et de la Déportation Limousin
The Centre de la Résistance et de la Déportation Limousin is a museum dedicated to the French Resistance movement and the deportation during the Second World War. The museum also serves as a research centre concerning historical documents of the period.
Natural Attractions: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Le Lac de Saint-Pardoux
Le Lac de Saint-Pardoux is a breathtaking lake situated not far away from Oradour-sur-Glane. Visitors can take part in various water activities, such as swimming, canoeing, paddleboarding, and fishing. There are also hiking trails surrounding the lake, which provide an excellent opportunity for nature lovers to explore the surrounding forest.
Le Parc Zoologique du Reynou
For animal lovers, the Le Parc Zoologique du Reynou is a must-visit attraction. This park features over 130 different species of animals, including lions, tigers, and wolves. Visitors can get up close and personal with the animals in the recreated natural habitats.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Oradour-sur-Glane
Oradour-sur-Glane offers plenty of stunning natural views for hikers and bikers of all levels of experience. Some of the popular trails include:
Le Plateau des Mille Vaches
Le Plateau des Mille Vaches is a high-altitude plateau located near Oradour-sur-Glane. This spot offers an excellent place for hikers and bikers to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding rolling green hills. The trails here are accessible for hikers of all levels of experience.
Les Monts de Blond
Les Monts de Blond is a beautiful forest offering many biking and hiking trails. The trails here are a mix of easy to challenging routes, which attract bikers and hikers with different levels of experience.
Best Things to Do in Oradour-sur-Glane: Activities and Tours
Chocolate Making Workshop at Olivier Derenne
For chocolate lovers, the Olivier Derenne chocolate-making workshop provides a chance to learn how to make delicious chocolate, from cacao to finished product. The workshop takes place in a cozy environment where visitors can enjoy the sweet aroma of freshly made chocolate while learning the techniques from expert chocolatiers.
Wine Tasting at Domaine Sauvard
Domaine Sauvard is a family operated winery located in the heart of Vienne. The winery offers wine tastings where visitors can try the wine and learn about the wineries’ winemaking process.
Week-Long Itinerary for Oradour-sur-Glane
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Visit the Centre de la Mémoire |
| Day 2 | Hike Le Plateau des Mille Vaches |
| Day 3 | Explore Les Monts de Blond |
| Day 4 | Learn how to make chocolate at Olivier Derenne |
| Day 5 | Wine Tasting at Domaine Sauvard |
| Day 6 | Visit the Centre de la Résistance et de la Déportation Limousin |
| Day 7 | Embark on a nature hike to Le Lac de Saint-Pardoux |
Food and Drink Scene of Oradour-sur-Glane
Must-Try Dishes
Pintade de la Gartempe
Pintade de la Gartempe is a local dish made from guinea fowl that is stewed with butter and herbs.
Pochouse
Pochouse is a classic French stew made with a blend of freshwater fish.
Local Beverages
Mousseux de Touraine
Mousseux de Touraine is sparkling wine that is grown in the Loire Valley. It is a must-try beverage for those who enjoy sweet and fruity flavors.
Châteaumeillant Rouge
Châteaumeillant Rouge is a red wine originating from the region of Berry, which is known for its delicate and fruity flavor.
Where to Stay in Oradour-sur-Glane: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Oradour-sur-Glane has a wide range of options to stay, including:
Le Clos des Cèdres
If you’re looking for a luxurious stay, Le Clos des Cèdres is the best place to go. This hotel offers top-notch amenities, including a spa, swimming pool, and tennis courts.
Hotel Le France
Hotel Le France is a cozy hotel with twenty-seven unique rooms. The hotel features a wine bar where guests can enjoy an extensive wine list with local and international wines.
What to Buy in Oradour-sur-Glane: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Oradour-sur-Glane is famous for its porcelain. Visitors can bring home a piece of the region’s history through porcelain or other unique items like:
Flea Market Finds
Oradour-sur-Glane has an open-air flea market, which takes place every second Sunday of the month. Here visitors can buy vintage items, books, and French antiques.
Local Culture and Customs of Oradour-sur-Glane
Oradour-sur-Glane is known for its rich history, and the locals are proud of their heritage. The village is welcoming and friendly to tourists who visit the village to learn about their history and culture.
Best Time to Visit Oradour-sur-Glane
The best time to visit Oradour-sur-Glane is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild. The warm temperatures and blooming surroundings create a beautiful landscape for outdoor activities, and there are fewer crowds compared to the summer months.
Do’s and Don’ts of Oradour-sur-Glane
Do:
- Respect the history of the village and its inhabitants.
- Take your time and explore the village and its surroundings.
- Follow the rules of the memorial sites.
- Try the local food and wine.
Don’t:
- Disturb the peace of the village or its inhabitants.
- Litter in the village or its surroundings.
- Take any items from the ruins.
Safety and Health
Safety in Oradour-sur-Glane
Oradour-sur-Glane is generally a safe village and visitors should not face any significant danger. However, it is always important to stay alert and be cautious, especially on outdoor hikes.
Health in Oradour-sur-Glane
The village has medical facilities, including a hospital. European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) work in France, but it is important to check that you have healthcare cover before traveling.
Getting to Oradour-sur-Glane: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Oradour-sur-Glane
The nearest airports to Oradour-sur-Glane are Limoges-Bellegarde Airport and Poitiers–Biard Airport.
Bus Stations Near Oradour-sur-Glane
Oradour-sur-Glane is accessible by bus from many cities in the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. The TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine train service goes through Limoges, from which you can connect to other cities in the region by bus.
Other Options
Driving is also a popular way to reach Oradour-sur-Glane since the village has ample parking space for visitors traveling by car.
How to Get Around in Oradour-sur-Glane
Oradour-sur-Glane is a small village, and most of the sights are within walking distance. However, renting a bike is a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the region. There are also plenty of bike trails in the surrounding areas to explore.
Where to Go Next from Oradour-sur-Glane: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Limoges
Limoges is the largest nearby city and is well-connected by train and bus. Known for its porcelain, visitors can explore the city’s famous porcelain factories and the Musée National Adrien Dubouché, which is the largest porcelain museum in the world.
Montmorillon
Montmorillon is a charming medieval town situated on the river Gartempe, which is famous for its handmade paper and books. Visitors can explore the town’s cobbled streets, enjoy the riverside views, and visit the Museum of Writing and Printing.
Conclusion
Oradour-sur-Glane is a village with a unique historical past that continues to attract visitors from all over the world. Whether it’s exploring the village ruins, hiking the nearby hills or enjoying the local food and wine, there is something for everyone in this beautiful region of France.
