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Looking for a getaway that balances a city break with a nature-packed escape? It's as easy as un, deux, trois when you book a holiday to Limoges – the jewel in the crown of Limousin. From its storied streets and vibrant markets to the undisturbed lakes and painterly valleys, this region offers a formidable cocktail of art, history and outdoor adventures that warrants a visit. Here's our pick of five must-see spots for the perfect getaway to Limoges and the surrounding area.
Five must-see spots in Limoges
Limoges: a city of creativity
Step into Limoges, a Unesco Creative City with 2,000 years of history to explore. This city is a labyrinth of artistic treasures and historical wonders. Begin your journey learning of Limoges' long-standing history as a national hub of porcelain, visiting the workshops at Ateliers Arquiés, marvelling at the world's largest collection of Limoges porcelain at the Musée National Adrien Dubouché and getting your hands dirty in a ceramic workshop at Manufacture Bernardaud. When you're not soaking up the ceramics, wander through the old districts filled with medieval architecture and replenish those calories at the bustling Les Halles Centrales. From April to October, one or two Fridays per month, Les Halles transforms into a lively night market where you can sample local delights, including oysters, beignets and aperitif platters.
Ateliers Arquiés
Limousine gastronomy: a culinary odyssey
For discerning foodies seeking a paddock-to-plate experience, look no further than Limoges. It's a particular treasure trove for meat lovers – with the illustrious Limousin beef, lamb and black bottom pork to sample. Not all hope is lost for vegetarians either – there are plenty of baked goods to sample, including the chestnut fondant cake, burgou (similar to gingerbread) and, of course, the region's famous cherry clafoutis (called flognarde when it's made with other fruits). Whatever you sample, you'll return home with a deep love for Limousine's culinary offerings (and a suitcase full of pâtés, rillettes, and black pudding).
Apple flognarde
JP Gratien CRT Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Vassiviere Lake: a breath of fresh air
Imagine a slice of Canada nestled in France. Vassiviere Lake, with its expansive waters and lush surroundings, is a haven for those seeking both adventure and tranquillity. Dive into its gin-clear waters, break a sweat on its scenic trails, or simply soak up the breathtaking landscapes that hug this enchanting lake. Plus, there are art installations dotted around the lake on the Ïle de Vassivière at the Centre International d'Art et du paysage and in the Bois des Sculptures, which make for great holiday snaps.
Fun splashing around in Vassiviere Lake
The Valley of the Painters: an artistic pilgrimage
Follow in the footsteps of 19th-century luminaries like Claude Monet and Armand Guillaumin in the Valley of the Painters. This swoonsome landscape has been depicted on countless canvasses and is a serene escape for art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Soak up the bucolic views, amble through quaint villages like Fresselines and Crozant, and gander through the Arboretum de la Sédelle botanical gardens.
Regional Natural Parks: a year-round playground
The Limousin countryside, with its regional natural parks of Millevaches and Périgord Limousin, is a playground for nature lovers and adventurers. Each season brings a new palette of colours and activities to try out. Whether you're hiking through lush forests, exploring charming villages, or simply soaking in the panoramic views, these parks offer an idyllic escape from the thrum of city life.
Getting there
By rail
Take the Eurostar from London to Paris or Brussels and then take a connecting train to Limoges Bénédictins Rail Station.
By plane
Flights to Limoges Bellegarde International Airport operate all year round from London Stansted and Manchester and seasonally from Bristol, the East Midlands, Leeds Bradford and London Gatwick.
By Car
Limoges is well connected to the rest of France and Europe via excellent motorway links.
By coach
Blablabus, Flixbus, Isilines coach operators provide services from all over France into CIEL Bénédictins bus station in the heart of the city centre, right by Limoges Bénédictins train station.
By bike
Veloroutes and greenways offer hundreds of kilometres of marked routes for road biking, gravel riding, and mountain biking, allowing you to explore the region's vast countryside at your own pace. Limousin is crisscrossed by the Vélidéale cycling route (V93 from the Atlantic to Lake Vassivière).
For more information visit destination-limoges.com
