Mortemart has held the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” label since 1983. Notable historical landmarks include the Château des Ducs de Mortemart with its moats, which was listed as a historic monument by decree of 15 October 1985.
Culture and History
The Château des Ducs de Mortemart was built in 995 by Abon Drut, the Lord of Mortemart. The Church of St Hilaire contains oak choir stalls dating from the 15th century; it also houses a 17th-century altarpiece, wood paintings and a gilded wooden lectern. The church was formerly the chapel of the Augustinian monastery and became the parish church in the 17th century.
The Couvent des Augustins dates back to the 14th century. Its present-day façade was rebuilt in the 18th century by the Frères Broussaud using dressed stone. The central wing of the Couvent des Carmes contains two monumental staircases made of granite and wood, dating from the 17th century. The Couvent des Carmes was intended to accommodate and care for pilgrims and people in need.
Landscape and Activities
Mortemart is located in the listed area of the Monts de Blond. The signposted Sentier des Etangs starts in Mortemart, is 4 km long and takes about an hour on foot.
Local Life
The market hall in Mortemart is a typical 18th-century Limousin structure. Twelve pillars support a four-sided roof framework. On Sunday mornings in July and August, the hall hosts a market selling regional food products.
Anyone choosing Mortemart as a place to stay will want to find a holiday apartment there.
Other destinations: Mailhac-Sur-Benaize, Ambazac, Lussac-Les-Églises, Thiat, Bellac, Couzeix, Saint-Amand-Le-Petit, Ladignac-Le-Long.
