La Souterraine

La Souterraine (; Limousin: La Sotarrana) is a commune in the west-central French department of Creuse.

Geography

La Souterraine is an area of farming and light industry, comprising the town and a few small hamlets. It is situated some west of Guéret, at the junction of the D1, D912, D951 and the N145 roads. It is also served by a TER railway link. The small river Sédelle, a tributary of the Creuse, flows through the town. The sources of the Benaize, a tributary of the Anglin, and the Brame, a tributary of the Gartempe, are both in the commune.

History

There is evidence of pre-Roman occupation here, attested by the discovery of Stone Age tools and a menhir. Remains of Roman villas and temples have been unearthed. In medieval times, a church and fortified walls were built. The name of the town, translating as ‘subterranean’, comes from the underground parts of the church, the crypt.

Population

Sights

• The church dating from the 11th century, with its Roman crypt.
• The 15th-century Manorhouse de Châteaurenaud.
• The 13th-century gate, the Porte de St.Jean, and the rest of the ramparts.
• A feudal motte, circular tower and the castle at Bridiers.
• The 18th-century chapel of the hospital.
• The ancient chapel of Sainte-Eutrope.
• The 14th-century church at Bussière-Madeleine.

Climate

See also

• Communes of the Creuse department

References

External links

• Official website of La Souterraine