The town of Saint-Sornin-Leulac is located in the north-east of the department. The neighboring former village of Saint-Priest-le-Bétoux was associated with it in 1973. The town, cut by national road 145, is divided into two units. There are traces of old buildings in the church area.
The said church has become famous since the installation under its framework of “Grands Murins”, a variety of bats. The town hall square constitutes the second important point. A fountain flowing into a large granite basin beautifies this site, even if there is no building classified or registered in the inventory of historic monuments.The most interesting monuments have disappeared. Built in the 15th century, the Château du Pin-Bernard was razed, but the porch and the two fireplaces were recovered. Visitors should pay particular attention to rural architecture and small heritage. The church of Saint-Priest-le-Béthoux was built in the 15th century. In this same village there is a very beautiful mansion with a turret and dovecote: the Moulin des Rampiottes is a popular site for walkers.
The granite rocks jut out onto the road and the Brame, which powers the wheel, passes under a very beautiful Gothic bridge. Archaeologically, Saint-Sornin-Leulac provides some information. Several discoveries attest to Gallo-Roman occupation. At La Chassagne, for example, a necropolis of 25 tombs, two stone chests, terracotta and glass urns, vials and a gold pin were unearthed. At Monteil, two chests, a sword and shards came out of the ground.
The town is characterized by its landscape quality. The Brame valley and in particular the Vaupourtour and Moulin des Rampiottes sectors are also protected. The Chantegrelle reserve is classified as a green zone.
Finally, let us note that the children of Saint-Sornin are not ungrateful: they left to pave the streets of Paris, they returned in 1882 and presented the town hall with a large statue of Marianne.
Ideas for walks…
Saint-Sornin-Leulac is located 51 km from Limoges: take the A20 towards Paris, exit 23 B, then RN 145 towards the town.
There are several hiking trails around the town. But there are none in the village itself. The latter is, however, crossed by paths such as the one called Du bois de Bessac which leaves from Saint-Maurice-la-Souterraine (Creuse), 7 km from Saint-Sornin-Leulac. This walk which alternates portions of paths and small roads allows you to discover two places of notable interest: the “Little Age” which offers a beautiful view overlooking the Vitrat pond, and the woods of Bessac, appreciated for its atmosphere and its freshness, especially in summer.
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The moors of La Saumagne, a path which also starts from Saint-Maurice-la-Souterraine, also does not lack charm.
Walkers can also follow the Couret oratory trail, 4.3 km long. It allows you to discover the small rural heritage of Haut Limousin. The Couret oratory was built at the start of the Second World War to ask for peace. On site, there is a chapel to the Virgin, a Stations of the Cross, a fountain called Coucu and at the top of the route a Calvary.
At table…
White Cross Relay. 3, La Croix Blanche, 87290 Saint-Sornin-Leulac (05.55.76.20.20).
Traditional, simple and appreciated cuisine. Many truckers stop there.
Texts and photos Jean-François Julien
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