Recent History
After the Great War the Hostellerie de la Paix underwent many changes which included building an "American" bar with dance floor above and a 2 star (Guide Michelin) restaurant. But times changed, the trains stopped coming, the town's commercial mainstay (lingerie-making) was transferred to Tunisia....and with families moving to the major cities to find work, the booming town with five hotels became a village with one hotel only.
Purchased 15 years ago by the current owner (a New Zealander), the 18 room Hotel de la Paix was totally renovated into a comfortable "Maison d'Hôte" retaining the hotel's huge commercial kitchen, cold storage and the two large public areas - the Living Room (formerly the Restaurant) with its exposed beams and huge fireplace, and the former Lounge Bar à la Sunset Blvd c.1964 - now the Dining Room.
Some of the original features include the early 1900's wash basins - but the bidets have been replaced with toilets and the old bathtubs with contemporary showers.
A successful blend of original character and modern comfort, it is simply and tastefully furnished (blending antiques with contemporary) and each bedroom has its own distinctive style.
Set just off the village square - the old hostellerie is right behind the Mairie - midway between the Mairie and the Church with parking at each place.
The village has everything one would need (including a cinema which shows current movies in English; a busy pharmacy ; a well stocked grocery, bank, news agency, flower shop, 3 doctor's surgeries, bakery and tea rooms, designer atelier (fashion and homeware), art gallery, tennis courts and playing area for pétanque; 2 bars and a restaurant right here on the square, and yes we even have an electric car charge station!
The river meanders through the lower section of the village which is surrounded by fields, tracks (many of them the old train tracks), streams and woodlands, perfect for exploring by foot or bicycle.
Located in the department of the Vienne, in the north eastern part of Nouvelle Aquitaine, the village of La Trimouille, with its peaceful countryside, ancient castles, roman churches with weathered frescos and medieval towns and villages, provides a brilliant base for a great holiday.
Settle into the slower pace of French life with a leisurely amble through the lanes, rich with wildlife. Explore the many tourist attractions of the area. Whatever you enjoy, there is something for everyone here.
Down by the riverside with the medieval Moulin de Gersant on the left.
Le Mairie with "Le Logis Alexandra" directly behind.
Outside "Le Logis Alexandra" on a summer's night.
Loads to explore - for young ,,,,,,,,,,,,and old !
So much to choose from - and all ....oh sooooo scrumptious !!
And in the kitchen - the chefs extraordinaire !!!
Many farmers locally still use the time honoured traditions of their forefathers.
And then, just an hour away, is Oradour sur Glane - the village that experienced a tragic and despicable act of reprisal during WW II which stands as it remained ......to remind us all.