The birthplace of Jean Giraudoux, Bellac is a town with plenty of character and attractions.
Protected by its ramparts at a time when English Aquitaine and the kingdom of France were clashing, Bellac was a renowned commercial crossroads, and in the 18th century the Count de la Marche used to mint its coins here.
Bellac is also home to a 12th-century enameled hunt, the oldest example of Limousin craftsmanship.
The town hall, former castel of the Barthon de Montbas family, a 16th-century mansion, the Pénitents Blancs chapel, the 13th-century Pont de la Pierre, the Consul Génébrias tower, the Notre-Dame de Bellac church, home to the oldest enamelled and gilded copper shrine from Limousin medieval workshops (12th century)... are just some of the sites to see in Bellac.
And let's not forget the hide drying shed and the 7th-century baptismal font, classified as a historic monument, and the old houses in picturesque alleyways...
Last but not least, Bellac is said to have inspired Jean de la Fontaine's fable "Le Coche et la Mouche".
Nearly 60 years ago, one of the oldest theater festivals in France was created here, in honor of Jean Giraudoux.
Haut Limousin Intercommunal Tourist Office
rue des Doctrinaires
87300 Bellac
Tel.: 05 55 68 12 79
https://www.bellac.fr/patrimoine-tourisme/office-de-tourisme/
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