Guide to Haute-Vienne & Property in Department 87

Discover Haute Vienne - Houses & Lifestyle in Haute Vienne

Haute-Vienne, a department situated in the west-central region of France, is a beautiful and historic area renowned for its stunning landscapes, charming towns, and fascinating heritage. The department was established in 1790 during the French Revolution and is named after the upper reaches of the Vienne River that flow through it. Haute-Vienne (department number 87) is one of the 12 departments that make up Nouvelle-Aquitaine and is bordered by six other departments, each adding its own unique flavour to the area. Corrèze to the south, Creuse to the east, Vienne to the northwest, Charente to the west, Indre to the north, and Dordogne to the southwest are the six neighbouring departments of Haute-Vienne. The department is divided into three administrative districts, or arrondissements: Limoges, Bellac, and Rochechouart.

Majestic Rivers and Scenic Cities

Two major rivers, the Vienne and the Gartempe, flow east to west through Haute-Vienne. The Vienne River, the longest in the area, passes through two prominent towns: Limoges and Saint-Junien, both renowned for their cultural heritage and beautiful architecture. In the southeast, the Massif Central features a natural landscape, with Puy Lagarde reaching 795 metres as its highest peak. The source of the Charente River is located in the commune of Chéronnac, within Haute-Vienne.

Geological Marvels

Haute-Vienne is also home to the Rochechouart impact structure, an impact crater formed by a meteorite that struck the Earth's surface over 200 million years ago. The impact site is situated at the western end of the department and is an important geological landmark, although little evidence of the crater remains today due to subsequent erosion. Nevertheless, the geological effects on the surrounding rocks are still observable and testify to the area's fascinating geological history.

Nature's Retreat

In 1998, a part of the southwest of the department, along with the northern area of the Périgord region, was recognised as the Parc Naturel Régional Périgord-Limousin. This regional nature park is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful landscapes, diverse forests, and varied wildlife.

Key Information about the Haute-Vienne (87)

• Main City/Prefecture: Limoges
• Nearest Airport: Limoges-Bellegarde Airport
• Population: Around 370,000 (as of the latest census)
• Area: 5,520 sq. kilometres and 2,131 sq. miles  
• Landmark: Limoges Porcelain Museum, showcasing the city’s globally renowned porcelain industry.
• Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 1.5 million, to discover its heritage, lush green valleys and historic sites.

Property Prices in Haute‑Vienne in 2026

• Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €1,357 (April 2026)
• Apartments: the average price per sq. metre: €1,638  (April 2026)
• Price trends: –1% over the last 12 months, +14% over the last 5 years  (April 2026)

House Prices in the Main Towns in Haute‑Vienne in 2026

• Average House Price in Limoges: €1,703 per sq. metre  (April 2026)
• Average House Price in Saint‑Junien: €1,436 per sq. metre  (April 2026)

(source: Le Figaro)


Discover more about France with our detailed guide and infographic, which are filled with informative facts and figures.