La Souterraine

La Souterraine (Limousin: La Sotarrana) is a commune in the Creuse department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in central France.

Geography
La Souterraine is an area of farming and light industry, comprising the town and a few small hamlets. It is situated some 20 mi 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.

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.