Chambon-sur-Voueize is a remarkable small town, situated in the east of the Pays de Combraille en Marche, in the heart of the Tardes Valley. Its lovely houses, with their brown-tiled roofs, nestle around the imposing Sainte Valérie Abbey-Church. At each street corner the past seems to reappear and it's amusing to discover the traces of ancient activities such as the tanneries, the hatter, courthouse, prison, hospital…

Already in existence in the Gallo-Roman period, Chambon sur Voueize owes its development to a monastery founded there in the 9th century. Around 985, a large part of the relics of Sainte Valérie was transported there from where they had been kept in Limoges. This treasure, contained in a silver reliquary bust, arouses curiosity and humility. And thus, the town became a place of pilgrimage and the imposing Romanesque abbey-church was built.

The Roman bridge crosses the Voueize and takes you to the maze of narrow streets marked by their mediaeval past. In climbing the hill you'll discover a view over the river, the abbey-church and the terraced gardens. The unique panorama incites contemplation and is motivation for seeing a little bit more and lengthening the outing up to the Voueize gorges and maybe the ruins of Blue Beard Château.