Millevaches plateau

The Millevaches plateau, in the southeastern Limousin between the valleys of the Vienne and the Vézère, reaches a height of just under 1,000 m/3,300ft. The name has nothing to do with vaches (cows), but is derived from the Celtic word batz, "spring" - of which there are many in this region. The plateau, sparsely populated, has a number of picturesque artificial lakes formed by dams (Lac de Vassivière, Lac de Faux-la- Montagne, Lac de Viaman, Lac du Chamet), and is at its most beautiful in spring and autumn.