Fromental is a village in Haute-Vienne, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, bordering the Creuse, 40 km north of Limoges.
Located in the natural region of the Monts du Limousin, the municipal area whose altitude varies from 279 to 430 m follows the valley of the Semme course, near the motorway axis Paris-Limoges-Toulouse.
A thriving seigniory from the Middle Ages, having undergone some torments during the Hundred Years War, fromental rich of its meadows, woods and ponds develops thanks to agriculture.
The locality has nearly 1500 inhabitants in the early twentieth century before paying a heavy price for rural exodus. There are now only 540 inhabitants.
The village has preserved, however, a historical heritage and a rich natural environment that will delight lovers of green tourism.
A walk through the town and its surroundings allows you to discover a historical heritage made up of testimonies of various periods.
This is the case of the church dedicated to St. Martin of Tours, rebuilt in the fourteenth century after being looted and burned by the English and then reworked in the eighteenth. Note that the decorations painted on the walls in the eighteenth and nineteenth century have been preserved. A statue of Saint-Roch attests that the locality was located on the road to Saint-Jacques. As for stained glass windows, modern in style, they evoke everyday life at the seigniorial castle of Montautre, the other jewel of the town. Two bells are still in operation, one dating back to the 17th century. To visit the church, contact +33 5 55 76 01 88.
In addition to a cross erected in 1800, elements of small heritage such as fountains and washhouses, we will then go to the castle Montautre (also known as Fromental). Based on the 14th century, it was restored in the 17th century after being damaged during conflicts. Consisting of a central dungeon flanked by two buildings, the castle has preserved its moat and part of its defense systems. Equipped with a courtyard, a large park of about twenty hectares and water features, the building has a gateway with machicolations topped with a coat of arms with Renaissance motifs. All is classified and has been converted into bed and breakfast. Visits possible during the Heritage Days.
Much older, two other elements classified and protected outside the village: the menhir Fichades, unearthed in 1914, at a place called "Au Grand Bagnol" and the dolmen of the Pierre Levée, shaped burial chamber, dating from the Neolithic. There are several pillars supporting a slab.
Many hiking trails to walk or even mountain biking have been drawn and marked connecting major sites of the town and its surroundings, marked by forest paths, ponds and viewpoints. Documentation and information on +33 5 55 56 70 70 or +33 5 55 79 04 04.
It is also possible to join outings organized by the local club, which offers courses specifically focused on rural heritage. Contact the +33 5 55 76 60 87.
Another way to discover the natural environment of Fromental and its region, a horse ride. Join the equestrian center of Moulin du Goutay +33 5 55 76 14 59 and +33 6 82 35 95 41. A specific welcome is reserved for children.
In a very different register, the town has a famous moto-cross circuit on which you can also practice quad or mountain bike. It is open for free on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month to fans of the genre. Other niches are possible. Inquire at +33 5 55 76 49 13.
Finally, Fromental and its area will delight fishermen. For adapted sites on streams or ponds and to comply with the regulations, contact +33 5 55 06 34 77.
