Ferme des Champeaux, Saint Amand le Petit - Plateau de Millevaches, Limousin

The farming at Champeaux
There are more than 150 animals which live at the farm. As soon as they arrived at their 40 hectare farm, Amélie and Thomas opted for a life with plenty of freedom and balance. Today, they milk 80 ewes (which are divided into two flocks), 3 sows which twice a year give birth to a number of piglets, Galloway and Limousines cattle, which are raised with their calves at foot. Last, but not least, they have 4 working horses and 6 horses ridden for leisure. Unique to this farm is the quasi absence of tractors : the horses will soon do all the work on the land.

From November until mid-June the ewes’ milk is made into yoghurt and a local speciality cheese, known as Tomme, on the farm. In liaison with the Regional National Park, the flock is herded 5km to the wild moorland areas. If you’re lucky, you may be able to witness this spectacular event. This moorland at Roches Brunagères, sits at an altitude of 700 m , enjoying panoramic views over the plateau stretching across to the vast Vassivières Lake. Slowly but surely, the ewes are clearing away the brambles and weeds which had dominated this previously-forgotten landscape. On a clear day it’s possible to see Puy de Sancy which is the highest point of Massif Central at 1886 m.

Later in the season, from June until September, it’s harvest time, which is always a great excuse for a celebration. This is also pork season : after being reared naturally on this beautiful land, it’s time for the pigs to end their days. Why not try an evening BBQ with some of the delicious regional pork specialities : salt pork and spit roast.
 

The Champeaux farm family
The more you will talk to Amélie and Thomas, the more you will understand their passion and strong values about the environment. It’s no surprise then to discover that they have taken the biodynamic very demanding farming route. Without any grants or subsidies, but equipped with knowledge, a strong ethos of how they wanted to run the farm and an unfaltering enthusiasm they have successfully grown this farm over the least 6 years into what it is today. The farm is not only a source of inspiration to them, but also to their four children, Vianne 9 years, Paco 8 years, Luc 5 years old and Lorrain born in September 2009.

You are our guests and we are looking forward to showing you round our farm. We would also like you to think of our stay together as a shared chance to hone our language skills. Speak English slowly with us, then we can reply clearly in French - that way we both know each other's languages and cultures a little better !

The location of the tents
At the edge of the forest, set up on a high sunny pasture, you’ll find this to be a perfect spot for the tents. Each tent benefits from a large private space. The farm is easily accessed via a large tree-lined track. Each tent has it’s own spectacular, yet unique view, with the benefit
of some protection from the trees.

Pets Welcome
Pets are welcome at the farm however, dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
Please respect the advice given by the farmers.

Unique to Champeaux farm
The balance and harmony at Les Champeaux, coupled with the outstanding natural beauty of the area and the total peace and tranquillity, makes this destination total unique. You will feel like you have stepped back in time. Once you have spent some time here with friends or family, you will rediscover a long-forgotten quality and simplicity about your daily life. You can’t help but feel touched by this environment, a change of rythmn which will see the stresses of daily life disappear.

Things to do and discover in the area
• The farm being located at mid-altitude with fantastic landscapes, we recommend it to those who wish to go cycling ! Champeaux is also an ideal location for many walks or horse-riding along very pleasant country paths.
• The nearby Vassivières Lake offers a large choice of watersports. On its tiny island you'll find the International Landscape Center worth a visit ciapiledevassiviere.com (Andy Goldsworthy, Gilles Clément...) to be continued with Paul Rebeyrolles great paintings in Eymoutiers museum...
• Eymoutiers is the important village 8 km from the farm, built on the ruins of a 10th century monastery, with a beautiful clock tower and fine examples of 15th century gothic windows. In the 17th century, the village was famous for its’ tanners. Today, you can still see their original houses with large attics where they dried out the animal skins to make into leather. On Saturday morning, you can enjoy the great atmosphere at the local market.

• Closeby, you'll find the Peyrat castle which was very powerful in the Middle Ages. It still has many of the original fortifications not to mention the enormous door (complete with holes) that remains today.
• To re-discover your old sprit for travel, why not take the steam train from Limoges, which stops at Eymoutiers and then travels on to Ussel : you will enjoy a different spectacular perspective of this beautiful landscape.

 

NEW IN 2012

• Farm Larder & Country Cooking
Offer depends on seasonal products availability
Happiness at Champeaux is not only a matter of incredible landscapes, active farming and great people ! You'll find it also around the table in your plate with fantastic food : cheese from the farm and tasty local receipts from the Farm Larder... Thomas parents have now decided to jump on board Un Lit au Pré with home made local dishes you will just have to warm up in your tent. Champeaux is truly the perfect pitch to discover French countryside Art de Vivre !

• Ready Beddy Service - € 25 per tent
Only bookable in advance so the farmer can have everything arranged for your arrival
If you’re all in a rush to arrive, there’s no need to spoil the anticipation by stopping off for a service station meal on the way. With the Ready Beddy Service offered by many of our farms, not only the candles will be aglow and your beds made up but your stove will be lit : cooking an evening meal in your tent will be fun, tasty and and much easier ! One hour before arrival, please give us a call : we'll make sure everything is ready...