Labelled UNESCO Creative City, the savoir-faire of Limoges has earned the town an international reputation. Its porcelain is still much saught after and can be found on the finest tables throughout the world. Not to be missed, a visit of the Adrien Dubouché National Porcelain Museum; restored and equipped with a new museography it offers a fascinating journey through the history of ceramics in different civilisations and continents. What's more, it houses an impressive collection of exceptional porcelain. Stop by the Four des Casseaux kiln, witness to the titanic output of porcelain workers while firing porcelain pieces in the 19th century.
Another "must-do" visit is the Limoges Fine Arts Museum, home to countless gems such as some magnificent collections of medieval enamels and equally remarkable contemporary works. And if you like paintings, take the time to wander through the room dedicated to the impressionist painters: works by Renoir remind us that he was born in Limoges, and discover some beautiful canvases by Suzanne Valadon born in Bessines, north of Limoges (mother of Maurice Utrillo). Lastly, if you're interested in history, follow in the footsteps of the resistant fighters at the Resistance Museum in the Cité area of town.
The Limoges City Pass, is an all-in-one PASS for Tourism, Culture and Leisure in Limoges. It gives you free access to 20 cultural sites, leisure activities and public transport: bus, V'LIM electric e-bikes and electric scooters. You'll have access to special offers and discounts with our 75 partners. And enjoy an exclusive 30% discount offer if you book two consecutive nights with our many partner hotels, members of the Cercle Hôtelier de l'Agglomération de Limoges (CHAL).
For shopping, doors will be wide open at the porcelain manufactures (Bernardaud, Haviland, Royal Limoges…, or small boutiques in the town centre). The opportunity to discover original pieces and treat yourself. And if your friend likes quality leather, stop by at the Weston factory shop, the brand's been making luxury shoes in Limoges since 1891.
For old stone enthusiasts, we recommend you visit two historical areas: la Cité around the cathedral with its timber-framed houses and small café-bars, and la Boucherie (rue de la Boucherie) that remains one of the most picturesque in Limoges and owes its name to the many butchers established in the street last century.
Finally, take a detour via the Gare des Bénédictins railway station, one of the most symbolic monuments of the town with its majestic belfry perched 61 metres up, its art deco dome and stained-glass windows...one of the most beautiful stations in Europe. In fact it was used as the location for the "Chanel N°5" clip directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet with the actress Audrey Tatou!
For foodies, don't leave without tasting the deliciously tender and widely renowned limousine beef accompanied with cep mushrooms, a true delight, or why not a "Baronet" lamb chop, a local label that guarantees succulent and very tasty meat. Enjoy!
The Animal Park in Reynou for a family day out:
www.parczooreynou.com
The glovemakers in Saint-Junien who supply all the great Parisian couturiers:
www.poltourisme.fr
The Memorial Centre and martyr village of Oradour sur Glane:
www.oradour.org
A touch-all who believes that curiosity is a good thing, what Eric loves most of all is to discover the ancestral savoir-faire behind our well-known regional products. Producers, artisans, labourers...follow him on his visits to these professionals with incredible skills and magic fingers! You can count on him to give you plenty of great gift ideas to bring back in your suitcases...
