Guide to Creuse & Property for Sale in Department 23

Creuse is a department (number 23) in central France created during the French Revolution from the former province of La Marche. Several other departments surround the area, including Corrèze, Haute-Vienne, Allier, Puy-de-Dôme, Cher, and Indre. The department, part of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, is situated in the Massif Central and is crossed by the Creuse River and its tributaries. The river is dammed at several locations for water supply and hydroelectricity generation.  The climate in Creuse is characterised…

Creuse is a department (number 23) in central France created during the French Revolution from the former province of La Marche. Several other departments surround the area, including Corrèze, Haute-Vienne, Allier, Puy-de-Dôme, Cher, and Indre. The department, part of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, is situated in the Massif Central and is crossed by the Creuse River and its tributaries. The river is dammed at several locations for water supply and hydroelectricity generation.  The climate in Creuse is characterised by relatively cold winters with occasional snowfall that lasts until April. Summers, however, are hot, and the region receives rainfall throughout the year due to its high elevation. Creuse is a sparsely populated rural area with a rich cultural heritage, including ancient and traditional art de vivre, original stone architecture, and numerous heritage sites such as castles, abbeys and Celtic stone monuments.

Eco-Friendly Tourism

The area has also become a popular destination for green tourism since the late 1990s, thanks to its preserved forested landscape, low pollution, and beautiful stone buildings. Many foreigners, including British, Dutch, German, and Belgian citizens, have been purchasing holiday homes in Creuse.

Attractions Worth Exploring

Some of the major tourist attractions in Creuse include the Aubusson Tapestry Museum, numerous castles, such as those of Villemonteix, Boussac, and Banizette, and the Moutier-d'Ahun Monastery, which features exceptional 17th-century wood carvings. The Chapelle du Mas-Saint-Jean is located in Saint-Sulpice-le-Dunois, where local legend suggests that Joan of Arc prayed in about 1430.

Wildlife Encounters in Guéret

Guéret, the largest town in Creuse, is home to a sizable nearby animal park, Les Loups de Chabrières, which features some of France's few remaining wolves held in semi-captivity. The park features 24 European Grey Wolves, two Canadian White Wolves, and two Canadian Black Wolves, all housed in five enclosures.

Key Information about the Creuse (23)

• Main City/Prefecture: Guéret
• Nearest Airport: Limoges-Bellegarde Airport (approx. 80 km)
• Population: Around 116,000 (as of the latest census)
• Area: 5,565 sq. kilometres and 2,149 sq. miles
• Landmark: Aubusson, renowned for its centuries-old tradition of tapestry weaving, is recognised by UNESCO.
• Number of Tourists per Year: Approx. 500,000, drawn by its peaceful countryside, historic craftsmanship and walking trails.

Property Prices in Creuse in 2026

• Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €794 (April 2026)
• Apartments: the average price per sq. metre: €837 (April 2026)
• Price trends: +24% over the last 5 years  (April 2026)

House Prices in the Main Towns in Creuse in 2026

• Average House Price in Guéret: €971 per sq. metre  (April 2026)
• Average House Price in Aubusson: €707 per sq. metre (April 2026)

(source: Le Figaro Immobilier)

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