Pompadour, a village where the horse is king
Mix heritage, nature, history, art, horse riding and delicacies and you get: Pompadour (or rather Arnac-Pompadour by its full name), one of the tourist destinations near Brive.
Everyone can find what they are looking for there. Foodies treat themselves with in Golden AOP apples and Limousin meat. Heritage lovers are delighted by the Château de Pompadour but also by the Saint-Blaise chapel and its monumental painting by André Brasilier. Athletes, for their part, can practice hiking on different trails and attend regional to international equestrian competitions offered by the National Stud Farms of Pompadour.
5 good reasons to go to Pompadour
- Observe the castle of the Marquise de Pompadour as well as its stables, its Orangery and its breathtaking view of the racecourse.
- Take advantage of the National Stud Farm and its many equestrian activities organized throughout the year.
- Melt in front of the Domaine de Chignac mares with their Anglo-Arab foals.
- Delight your taste buds with the Limousin Apple Road and the Protected Designation of Origins of the same name.
- Try to win the jackpot thanks to horse racing in the summer.
Pompadour is no fool!
Besieging the Pompadour Castle?
Guys, if you are tempted to put on your armor and climb on your faithful steeds to seize the fortress of Pompadour, you are in the wrong era! Because if this castle with its medieval appearance dates from the 15th century, inside, it is an 18th century residence that you will discover with collections of engravings, lithographs but also works of Limousin heritage such as tapestries from 'Aubusson and Limoges porcelain.
A space is also dedicated to the world of horses since the castle is part of the National Stud Famrs of Pompadour. The equestrian immersion continues with a visit to the Marquise Stables and the Orangery where the finest French equines are housed. Such a perfect visit!
The Marquise de Pompadour
Impossible to talk about Pompadour without talking about the Marquise of the same name. In 1745, Louis XV bought the Pompadour estate and granted the title of Marquise to one of his mistresses, Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson. The latter became the famous Marquise de Pompadour. But judging it too far from the Court, the royal favorite never set foot on Corrèze soil and ended up selling the estate in 1761. The following year, Louis XV recovered it and transformed it into a royal stud farm.
Apple or potato then?
Pompadour is the land of apples, but not soil! Of the golden apple instead. This crunchy and juicy fruit even benefits fromAOP Pomme du Limousin which can be discovered by following the Apple Road hikes in the summer.
Hip, hip hurray!
Fans of nags, equipped from head to toe to ride the equines or to see them pass, don't rush into the stretchers, we devote an entire page to the City of the Horse, and that's right here...
Pratical information
Where is Pompadour located?
The village of Pompadour is located on the borders of Dordogne and Haute-Vienne, between Brive and Limoges. It takes between 45 and 50 minutes to drive from Brive.
Discover leather working at Atelier Brin de Peau
Passion, creation and innovation at Pompadour leather goods: 100% workshop! When you enter Sophie Guilloux's boutique-workshop, you realize that leather is anything but old-fashionned. This master craftswoman offers fashionable creations adapted to our current desires and needs. Sophie also welcomes the creations of other experienced craftspeople, particularly around this beautiful material... In short, a must-visit! More information here.
Tourist welcome by the Terres de Corrèze team
The Terres de Corrèze tourist office offers an audio-guided tour of the village of Pompadour and guided hikes in partnership with the Protected Designation of Origins Syndicate for Limousin Apples (only in July-August).
For more information: Terres de Corrèze, Pompadour office - Le château - 19230 Arnac-Pompadour - 05 55 98 55 47.
Our tip Pompadour, Marquise of horses
By giving his favorite the superb Pompadour Castle, Louis XV at the same time offered her the title of Marquise de Pompadour. Great promotion for a woman named Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson who created in 1760 on her new property not an aquarium, but a stud farm which has since become a national stud farm. This is how you can, after a visit to coned-roof Gironde towers, go to the racecourse to see the horses gallop and attend a seasonal race. You can also stroll through the stables reserved for thoroughbreds and with a little luck witness the birth of a foal.
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