Aubusson, in the Limousin region, is an ideal place to get away from it all. Quality of life is a key value and the pace of life is much slower than in Britain. There are good shops and facilities. There is a swimming baths next to the museum. There is a market Saturday mornings and a fish market on Fridays.

The annual Organ Festival is from Jul - Aug at Sainte Croix Church, Cost: Free to €14. Opening Hours: Wed 9 pm; Sun 5.30 pm

Visiting international musicians give recitals with a programme featuring work by Handel, Bach, Vivaldi and others

Places of interest:

The Tourist Information Office in rue Vieille (tel. 05-55-66-32-12) can supply details.

There is a small Departmental museum of Tapestry and the School National of decorative Art of Aubusson.

The ‘Maison du Tapissier’, accessed through Tourist Information, contains a collection of antique carpets and a replica of a carpet-weaving studio from the early 19th century.

There are lovely medieval houses and towers including a clock tower and some ruins.

The beautiful Lac de Vassiviere, one of the largest lakes in France, is nearby and offers many water sports and leisure facilities, including boat hire and boat trips.

Unspoiled countryside, picturesque and historical towns and villages abound in the Limousin area. It is perfect for those keen on wildlife and outdoor pursuits - the 25,000 acres of water offer everything from quiet angling to windsurfing. With many marked paths, it is also a perfect area for keen walkers and cyclists.

Chenerailles, Ahun and Moutier-d’Ahun (21km) are well worth a visit, including the Church of Moutier-d’Ahun.

Limoges, the Capital of Limousin, an ancient roman cathedral city, famous for its porcelain, offers plenty of activities including several historical sites. If you'd like to see an enameler at work or a porcelain factory producing its wares, ask at the tourist office for a list of workshops, or go directly to the famous Pavillon de la Porcelaine.

The nearest airport is Limoges, which can be reached from Speke or Stanstead airport with Ryanair or from Paris with Air France. Car hire is available at Limoges or there is a train and bus service between Limoges and Aubusson.

Aubusson can be reached by train by Eurostar to Paris, then from Paris to Limoges, then from Limoges to Aubusson.

Alternatively driving takes 6 to 7 hours from Calais, mainly on motorways