Le Palais-sur-Vienne is a commune in the Haute-Vienne department, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, a few kilometers northeast of Limoges.
Its territory of 10 km² borders the course of the Vienne, a tributary of the Loire, on the right bank, the river constituting its “southern” and “southeast” limit. The Palais stream which crosses the town from north to south flows into the Vienne near the village.
Now highly urbanized, the commune is still covered by forests (23% of its surface area) and meadows (13%).
The origins of the Palais-sur-Vienne appear to be very ancient. A certain Jocondius built an important Roman villa there at the beginning of the 1st century. On its remains, a palace was built where Charlemagne and then his son Louis the Pious stayed (8th century). There are no more traces of it left. A parish is then mentioned in the 12th century, the church reporting to the regular canons of Saint-Gérald-lès-Limoges. At the beginning of the 13th century, it became the seat of a Templar commandery.
A simple village at the beginning of the 20th century, Le Palais-sur-Vienne changed its appearance when factories (rubber, copper processing) were established there. They have now given way to wastelands in the process of being reclassified.
The town, which has nearly 6,000 inhabitants, highlights and highlights its offer of cultural and sporting leisure activities and its nautical base on the banks of the Vienne.
Several heritage sites are to be discovered in the "old" town or the still unurbanized areas of the locality.
This is the case of the parish church of the Décollation-de-Saint-Jean-Baptiste, listed in the Inventory. It dates from the end of the 13th century, built on the foundations of a Romanesque building. Possession of the Order of the Temple until its suppression then served by the Knights of Malta until the Revolution, the church displays a certain austerity. Restored in the 19th century, it includes a bell tower which is now crowned by a triangular pediment. Reliquaries, pieces of furniture and statues classified as objects are kept there.
In a completely different genre, the town hall is a fine example of “Art Deco” architecture (20th century). It reflects the prosperity due to the development of the town.
Finally, the Poudrier mill, the Bournazeau wash house (recently restored) or the Pas de la Mule dam (1906), on the course of the Vienne, are all testimonies to the evolution of lifestyles and the local economy…
Next, let's move on to the cultural facilities which make the Palais-sur-Vienne a center of interest in the urban area. Shows are regularly hosted at the Gérard-Philipe room (contact at the town hall on +33 5 55 04 34 00). As for the Jean-Ferrat space, it includes the media library where workshops, readings, exhibitions, in particular, and a space dedicated to video games are scheduled. Information on +33 5 55 37 01 35.
On the sports side, a tennis complex is accessible (courts to be reserved with the club on +33 6 77 64 88 96) but it is its nautical base on the Sablière site, on the edge of Vienne, which is the pride of the locality. Rowing and canoeing clubs are based there which offer courses or lessons all year round and which, in the summer, are also rental points for those wishing to discover the region... from the river.
A beach and play areas (with various activities such as archery or climbing) are also located nearby. Perfect for cooling off and spending some relaxing time with the family in summer! Information on +33 5 55 35 32 77 or +33 5 55 04 34 00.
In the north of the town, the Châtenet park is open to all generations: a real green lung, there are walking paths in a shaded setting, multi-sport fields, playgrounds, etc.
Finally, it is worth mentioning the Aristide Briand city park dedicated to adolescents (basketball and football fields and running track).
Urbanized commune but open to the surrounding countryside, Le Palais-sur-Vienne can also prove to be a base of choice for hiking enthusiasts. Some 20 km of hiking trails are available in the area, including the banks of the Vienne, wooded areas and pasture plots. Secure loops (for walkers or mountain bikers) can also allow you to reach Limoges or to discover the villages of the Limousin countryside in the north-east. Maps and information from the Limoges metropolitan area tourist office on +33 5 55 34 46 87.
Every Saturday morning, the market highlights the region's terroir.
From June to the end of August, tavern with musical entertainment in the evening on Sablière beach.
The first Saturday in June, beer festival on the Sablière site.
The first weekend in September, association forum, funfair, ball.
The first Saturday in December, Christmas lights and activities, evening concert.
The second Sunday in December, hiking or Nordic walking and trail running over several distances.
