The Grand Viaduc of Le Palais-sur-Vienne is a 152-metre-long and 40-metre-high railway bridge connecting Châteauroux and Limoges. Its construction began in 1854; it was inaugurated on 16 June 1856 with the passage of the first train.
Those considering Le Palais-sur-Vienne as a holiday destination may wish to rent a holiday apartment there.
History and Culture
The parish church of La Décollation-de-Saint-Jean-Baptiste was built in the second half of the 13th century or at the beginning of the 14th century on the site of an older church. In the town centre is the Espace Culturel Jean Ferrat, which welcomes visitors throughout the year; an exhibition area is located in the entrance area.
Smaller reminders of the town's history are also part of the character of Le Palais-sur-Vienne: in 1923, the Fontaine du Bournazeau was fitted with a fountain head with a divider that distributed the water to the surrounding farms. The hamlet of Bournazeau is also home to a new travail à ferrer, a traditional device formerly used for shoeing oxen and cows.
By the Water
The Base Nautique de la Sablière offers kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. Its organised canoe trips are accessible to all experience levels, and water sports equipment is rented by the hour.
The Base de Loisirs de la Sablière has a 3.8-kilometre-long basin, two kayak polo pitches, a whitewater stadium with calm water and a measured 1,500-metre course. La Sablière is a landscaped beach area on the banks of the Vienne, with a guinguette and a playground.
A large voie verte runs along the banks of the Vienne from the Glacière site to the Base de Loisirs de la Sablière.
Landscape and Trails
The south-facing slopes of Le Palais-sur-Vienne overlook the Vienne valley. On the banks of the Vienne is the educational trail Au fil de la Vienne, which has had seven installed information panels since 31 July 2026.
Hiking
La Palaisienne is an 8.6-kilometre circular hike starting in Le Palais-sur-Vienne. The route runs around Le Palais-sur-Vienne along sections of river, wooded paths and viewpoints. It passes the Stèle de Georges Guingouin, which is listed as one of its three named points of interest.
Other destinations: La Châtre, Meilhac, Darnac, Saint-Priest-Sous-Aixe, Saint-Sornin-La-Marche, Rancon, Saint-Yrieix-La-Perche, Thouron.
