In the foothils of the Millevaches Plateau, Ussel is strategically
placed on the A89, Bordeaux to Clermont Ferrand road. Millevaches
has nothing to do with thousands of cows, by the way (although there
are a good few around this beautiful countryside), but refers to
the thousand plus gorges to be found on the plateau. Apparantly.
Anyway...
In the narrow streets of Ussel, around Place de Joffre, you will
find a wealth of mediaeval houses, many with witches hat turrets.
Naturally there is a fine covered market , behind which you will
find the imposing 16thC Hôtel de Ventadour. Built by the famous
troubadour Bernard de Ventadour of the court of Eleanor of Aquitaine
(until she went anglo and married Henry Plantagenet, that is.).
