Discovering Creuse (Department 23)
Updated: Oct 8
Introduction
Creuse (Department 23) is one of France's most peaceful and unspoilt departments, located in the historic province of Limousin within the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Known for its rolling countryside, forests, lakes and traditional stone villages, it offers a slower pace of life that appeals to those looking to escape busy towns and cities.
Living in Creuse is about embracing rural France. It attracts retirees, remote workers, nature lovers, artists, small business owners and second-home buyers looking for space, tranquillity and excellent value for money. If you're considering moving to Creuse, retiring in Creuse or buying a property here, you'll find a welcoming environment where quality of life often takes priority over convenience.
At a Glance
Feature | Information |
Region | Nouvelle-Aquitaine |
Historic name | Limousin |
Department number | 23 |
Department capital | Guéret |
Largest towns | Guéret, La Souterraine, Aubusson, Bourganeuf, Sainte-Feyre |
Population | Approximately 115,000 |
Area | 5,565 km² |
Climate | Temperate continental with warm summers and cool winters |
Best suited for | Retirees, nature lovers, remote workers, second-home owners |
Is a car recommended? | Yes – essential in most areas |
English-speaking community | Small but well established in many rural villages |
Lifestyle summary | Quiet, rural, affordable and community-focused |
Why Choose Creuse?
Creuse is often described as one of France's hidden gems. While it doesn't have the glamour of the Riviera or the vineyards of Bordeaux, it offers something many people are actively searching for: peace, affordability and authenticity.
Lifestyle
Life moves at a gentler pace. Days revolve around markets, local cafés, village events and outdoor living rather than traffic and crowds.
Many people relocating here appreciate:
Less stress
Minimal traffic
Clean air
Strong community spirit
Time to enjoy hobbies and nature
Community
Although sparsely populated, communities tend to be welcoming once you become involved.
You'll find:
Active village associations
Local festivals
Walking groups
Craft clubs
Music and cultural events
There is also a modest but supportive English-speaking community, particularly among retirees and second-home owners.
Scenery
Creuse is renowned for its natural beauty.
Expect:
Forests
Rivers
Lakes
Granite hills
Meadows
Traditional farmland
It is particularly attractive to walkers, cyclists, anglers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Accessibility
Despite feeling wonderfully remote, Creuse remains reasonably accessible.
Nearby transport links include:
A20 motorway
A89 motorway
Rail connections via Limoges and La Souterraine
Airports within approximately 1–2 hours
Travelling takes a little longer than in more central regions, but many residents see this as part of the department's charm.
Food
Local cuisine focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Highlights include:
Beef from Limousin cattle
Mushrooms
Chestnuts
Fresh cheeses
Apples
Honey
Markets remain an important part of everyday life.
Culture
Creuse has inspired artists for generations.
The department is particularly famous for:
Aubusson tapestries
Traditional craftsmanship
Romanesque churches
Historic villages
Rural heritage
Property
Property remains among the most affordable in mainland France.
Buyers can often find:
Character cottages
Farmhouses
Renovation projects
Country homes with land
Village houses
Larger properties with gardens are generally more accessible than in many other regions.
Pace of Life
If your ideal day involves cafés, traffic and shopping centres, Creuse may feel too quiet.
If, however, you're looking for:
Space
Nature
Friendly neighbours
Time to enjoy life
then Creuse could be an excellent choice.
Creuse Is It Right For You?
Lifestyle | Rating | Why |
Retirees | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Affordable housing, peaceful lifestyle and beautiful countryside. |
Families | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Safe environment with good schools, although rural services can be spread out. |
Second-home owners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent value properties and a relaxing escape from city life. |
Entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Lower costs and growing opportunities in tourism, crafts and online businesses. |
Remote workers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Increasing fibre coverage, although speeds vary in remote villages. |
Outdoor lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Superb walking, cycling, fishing and nature. |
City lifestyle | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | Limited nightlife and shopping compared with larger cities. |
Creuse Popular Places to Live
Guéret
Description
The department's capital combines local services with a relaxed atmosphere.
Ideal for
Retirees
Families
Professionals
Advantages
Hospital
Shopping
Schools
Restaurants
Good local services
Things to consider
Smaller than many UK market towns.
Aubusson
Description
A picturesque town internationally famous for tapestry weaving.
Ideal for
Artists
Retirees
History lovers
Advantages
Attractive architecture
Cultural events
Riverside setting
Things to consider
Employment opportunities are relatively limited.
La Souterraine
Description
One of the department's main transport hubs with rail connections.
Ideal for
Commuters
Families
Remote workers
Advantages
Good rail access
Shopping
Historic centre
Things to consider
Can be busier than surrounding villages.
Bourganeuf
Description
Historic market town with medieval character.
Ideal for
Second-home owners
Retirees
Advantages
Friendly atmosphere
Local services
Beautiful countryside
Things to consider
Public transport is limited.
Bénévent-l'Abbaye
Description
A charming village with a rich heritage and attractive streets.
Ideal for
Rural living
Holiday homes
Advantages
Peaceful setting
Community events
Attractive architecture
Things to consider
Limited shopping.
Crozant
Description
A beautiful riverside village famous for inspiring Impressionist painters.
Ideal for
Nature lovers
Artists
Walkers
Advantages
Stunning scenery
Outdoor activities
Quiet lifestyle
Things to consider
Few year-round services.
Ahun
Description
Traditional market town with historic buildings and everyday amenities.
Ideal for
Families
Retirees
Advantages
Local shops
Weekly market
Community feel
Things to consider
Limited employment locally.
Cost of Living
One of Creuse's greatest attractions is affordability.
Property Affordability
Property prices remain among the lowest in France.
Whether you're searching for:
a holiday cottage
a farmhouse
a renovation project
a family home
your budget often stretches considerably further than in more popular regions.
Shopping
Daily shopping costs are generally similar to elsewhere in France, with supermarkets available in larger towns.
Local markets provide fresh produce, meat and cheese directly from producers.
Utilities
Utility costs vary depending on the age and insulation of your property.
Many older stone houses require investment to improve energy efficiency.
Eating Out
Traditional restaurants offer excellent value, particularly lunchtime menus.
Village cafés remain affordable compared with larger tourist destinations.
General Value for Money
Overall, Creuse offers excellent value for those seeking space and quality of life rather than urban convenience.
Healthcare
Healthcare provision is good considering the department's rural nature.
Main Hospitals
Guéret Hospital
Aubusson Hospital
La Souterraine Hospital
More specialised treatment is available in nearby Limoges.
Healthcare Availability
Most larger towns have:
GPs
Dentists
Physiotherapists
Medical centres
Some rural areas experience shortages of family doctors.
Access to Specialists
Specialist appointments may require travel to Limoges or neighbouring departments.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are available across market towns and provide excellent advice for minor health concerns.
General Healthcare Considerations
Registering with a local GP soon after arriving is advisable, particularly if moving permanently.
Education
Schools
Creuse offers nursery, primary and secondary education throughout the department.
Class sizes are often relatively small.
Colleges
Vocational and further education is available locally, with universities found in nearby Limoges.
International Options
There are no major international schools within Creuse.
Families seeking English-language education generally look towards larger regional cities.
Language Schools
French language classes are widely available through local associations, adult education providers and community groups.
Getting Around
Airports
The nearest airports include:
Limoges
Clermont-Ferrand
Brive
Poitiers (slightly further)
These offer domestic and selected international connections.
Rail
Rail services connect La Souterraine to Paris and Limoges, making occasional long-distance travel relatively straightforward.
Roads
The A20 and A89 provide good regional access.
Roads throughout the department are generally quiet and well maintained.
Public Transport
Public transport exists but is limited outside larger towns.
Bus services mainly connect key communities.
Is a Car Recommended?
Absolutely.
For everyday life, shopping, healthcare and exploring the countryside, owning a car is highly recommended.
Weekly Markets
Town | Main Market Day |
Guéret | Thursday |
Aubusson | Saturday |
La Souterraine | Wednesday |
Bourganeuf | Wednesday |
Ahun | Friday |
Bénévent-l'Abbaye | Thursday |
Dun-le-Palestel | Thursday |
Auzances | Tuesday |
Local Food & Drink
Creuse celebrates simple, hearty regional cooking.
Specialities include:
Limousin beef
Creusois hazelnut cake
Clafoutis
Fresh goat's cheese
Chestnuts
Mushrooms
River fish
Local honey
Apples and cider
Artisan charcuterie
Walnut products
Regional wines from neighbouring areas
Craft beers and fruit liqueurs
Things to Do
Historic Sites
Château de Boussac
Abbeys
Medieval churches
Historic market towns
Outdoor Activities
Walking
Cycling
Fishing
Horse riding
Canoeing
Bird watching
Museums
Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie in Aubusson
Local history museums
Artisan workshops
Festivals
Throughout the year you'll find:
Food festivals
Village fêtes
Music events
Artisan fairs
Christmas markets
Nature
Highlights include:
Millevaches Plateau
Lakes
River valleys
Protected forests
Nature reserves
Family Attractions
Families enjoy:
Adventure parks
Swimming lakes
Wildlife areas
Heritage railways
Local farms
Outdoor recreation centres
Good to Know Before You Move
Language
Speaking at least basic French will make everyday life considerably easier.
Although some residents speak English, particularly within the expatriate community, French remains essential for healthcare, administration and local integration.
Rural Living
Distances between villages can be significant.
Planning shopping trips and appointments becomes part of everyday life.
Internet
Fibre broadband continues to expand across the department.
Check availability before purchasing a property if working remotely.
Seasonal Tourism
Creuse experiences far less seasonal tourism than many French departments.
Many businesses remain open year-round.
Climate
Expect warm summers, colourful autumns, cool winters and pleasant springs.
Snow occasionally falls during winter, particularly in higher areas.
Community Life
Joining local clubs, markets and associations is one of the quickest ways to become part of village life.
The department rewards those willing to engage with their local community.
Find Trusted English-Speaking Businesses
Whether you're living here, moving here, retiring here or simply spending part of the year here, finding reliable local services can make settling in much easier.
Biz Où? helps you discover trusted English-speaking businesses across France, including property professionals, tradespeople, accountants, healthcare providers, legal services, gardeners, cleaners, holiday services, financial advisers, pet care, marketing specialists and many more.
Every listing is designed to help you connect with businesses that understand the needs of English-speaking residents, making it easier to build your new life in one of France's most popular departments.
Find Places to Visit as recommended by readers
Some of the best places in France aren’t found in guidebooks — they’re discovered by people who live here, love it here and know where the magic is. Explore places recommended by our readers, from hidden gems and beautiful villages to favourite markets, cafés, beaches and unforgettable days out. Who knows what you’ll discover?
Find Properties for Sale, Rent, Winter and Summer Holiday Accommodation
Your next chapter in France could be closer than you think. Explore our Property Hub for homes, holiday properties and opportunities from local property partners across France. Whether you’re dreaming of a permanent move, a place in the sun, an investment or simply somewhere to escape to, go on — have a look. Your French property might be waiting.
Plan Your French Dream
Dreaming of a life in France? Start turning the dream into a plan. Plan Your French Dream brings together practical guides, local insights and useful information to help you explore your options, understand what’s involved and make confident decisions about moving, retiring, buying a home or simply creating a life you’ll love. Start exploring — your French story begins with a plan.
Where Will Your French Story Begin
What if the place you’ve been dreaming about is waiting for you in France? A little village where everyone knows your name, a lively market town, a home surrounded by rolling countryside or somewhere completely unexpected. Explore our guides to France’s regions and departments, discover the character, lifestyle and possibilities of each area, and start finding the place that feels like it could be yours. Where will your French story begin?
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