Discover Haute-Vienne & Property Listings in the Area

Haute-Vienne, a department in west-central France, is a beautiful, historic region renowned for its stunning landscapes, charming towns, and rich heritage. The department was established in 1790 during the French Revolution and is named after the upper reaches of the Vienne River that flows through it. Haute-Vienne (department number 87) is one of the 12 departments that make up the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and is bordered by six other departments, each adding its own unique flavour to the area. Haute-Vienne borders Corrèze to the south, Creuse to the east, Vienne to the northwest, Charente…

Haute-Vienne, a department in west-central France, is a beautiful, historic region renowned for its stunning landscapes, charming towns, and rich heritage. The department was established in 1790 during the French Revolution and is named after the upper reaches of the Vienne River that flows through it. Haute-Vienne (department number 87) is one of the 12 departments that make up the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and is bordered by six other departments, each adding its own unique flavour to the area. Haute-Vienne borders 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. 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 Charente River's source is in the commune of Chéronnac, in 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 lies at the western end of the department and is an important geological landmark, although little evidence of the crater remains today because of 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: €1,484
• Apartments: the average price per sq. metre: €1,551
• Price trends: +4% over the last 12 months, +12% over the last 5 years

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

• Average House Price in Limoges: €1,823 per sq. metre
• Average House Price in Saint‑Junien: €1,604 per sq. metre

(Source: Le Figaro October 2026)


Discover France further with our detailed guide, which is filled with informative facts, infographic and stats.