Cruese: Heaven for all lovers of nature and outdoor pursuits

3400 kilometres of trout rivers and streams and thousands of lakes; Horse riding along leafy country lanes, across open fields or through majestic forests, roads where you're more likely to meet a cow than a car; hundreds of kilometres of marked trails through forests and open countryside, mountain biking,Churches, châteaux, ruins, standing stones; the Creuse quite simply has it all.

The Creuse has inherited the name of its river which runs across the department from the northeast to the northwest.

It was the clear waters of the Creuse that enabled Aubusson to become a centre for making coloured dyes - used for tapestries & rugs. Tapestry production was at its height in the 16th & 17th centuries.

The area was also known for its skilled builders who learned their trade working the local granite. These skilled men were largely responsible for the urbanisation of Paris.

The area has plateaux's, forests, lakes & rivers - attracting visitors in search of the great outdoors.