Route de Richard Coeur de Lion
This is an eighty mile journey through the South West to South East part of the Limousin, following the route taken by Richard Coeur de Lion (Richard the Lionheart), after he had returned to France following the Crusades and was attempting to re-impose his rule over the area. In his absence, a number of local lords had strengthened their chateaux and rebelled against his rule. The route is signposted with the emblem shown to the left (note the arrow, through the Lion's heart!).
In 1199 Richard returned to the area in pursuit of Ademar (Viscount of Limoges), who had rebelled against Richard while he was away at the Crusades. Richard beseiged Ademar's castle at Chalus-Chabrol but was wounded by a crossbow and died 12 days later. Montbrun (our local Chateau) is rumoured to be where he died and was buried, but there are conflicting views on this and other places in France, such as Chinon, also make this claim.
There is a tomb of Richard the Lionheart at Fontevraud Abbey, where he lies at the feet of his father King Henry II. His mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine lies alongside her husband. Curiously, Richard lies next to Isabella of Angouleme, who reputedly poisoned and killed her husband King John, Richard's brother, who became King of England on Richard's death.
In 1199 Richard returned to the area in pursuit of Ademar (Viscount of Limoges), who had rebelled against Richard while he was away at the Crusades. Richard beseiged Ademar's castle at Chalus-Chabrol but was wounded by a crossbow and died 12 days later. Montbrun (our local Chateau) is rumoured to be where he died and was buried, but there are conflicting views on this and other places in France, such as Chinon, also make this claim.
There is a tomb of Richard the Lionheart at Fontevraud Abbey, where he lies at the feet of his father King Henry II. His mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine lies alongside her husband. Curiously, Richard lies next to Isabella of Angouleme, who reputedly poisoned and killed her husband King John, Richard's brother, who became King of England on Richard's death.
Chateaux and other sites visited along the route......
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You can visit the following websites for more information:-
- Route de Richard Coeur de Lion:
Official website (in French, with some English) - this has a very good 'route map'.
- French Entree / Limousin website.