Brought to you by
Sitting pretty in France's southwest, Limoges is perhaps best known for its decorated porcelain. Beyond the whiteware, though, lies a thriving city on the doorstep of some of the country's most impressive scenery. From sweeping lakes to towns steeped in leathermaking history, there's something for everyone in this exceptional region. Buckle up and discover why they said this is a region 'For Rêveurs (dreamers) only'.
Day 1: Limoges
The capital if the Limousin region, Limoges is a thriving city bisected by the Vienne River. A certified UNESCO Creative City, kick off your week by soaking up over 2000 years of art and history. Fans of the eponymous porcelain should make a beeline for Musée National Adrien Dubouché, where much of it is on display. For the explorers who like to wander, get lost in the quaint, historical lanes of the Quartier de La Boucherie. Architecture buffs will want to set their coordinates for Cathédrale St-Étienne and Mairie de Limoges. All that exploring will work up an appetite; refuel at Les Halles Centrales, a vertiable haven for gourmands.
Day 2: Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat
Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat
A 30 minute drive from Limoges sits the town of Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat, a key stop along the Camino de Santiago. Papyrophiliacs will be well-catered to with the Moulin du Got, a historic printing mill now operating as a museum. Wander along the river and stop for lunch in the beautiful town centre.
Day 3: Vassivière Lake
One of France's largest lakes, Vassivière Lake is actually a man made reservoir spanning almost four square miles. Sitting within the Regional Park of Millevaches, the lake is surrounded by a seires of forests and peat bogs. Don your walking shoes and soak up the serenity.
Day 4: Aubusson
Famous worldwide for its tapestry and carpet-making, Aubusson is a, er, rich tapestry of history to uncover. Make sure to visit the Cité internationale de la tapisserie to dive into 600 years worth of this fascinating world of weaving.
Day 5: La Vallée des Peintres
La Vallée des Peintres
Known as 'The Valley of Painters', this place was the inspiration for many influential 19th century painters, including Monet and Guillaumin. Pack your watercolours and let the history inspire you, or simply take in this impressionist painting come to life.
Day 6: The Monts d’Ambazac and Lake Saint-Pardoux
Monts d'Ambazac
Anne-Sophie Dubreuil
Hike through the Ambazac Mountains, passing heritage sites and natural beauty along the way, before heading to Lake Saint-Pardoux to cool off in the crisp waters.
Day 7: Saint-Junien
Saint-Junien
From lakes to leather, the final day of your week exploring around Limoges will take you to Saint-Junien, the home of luxurious leather gloves. Either peruse for a pair yourself, or take in town's unique manufacturing history at the Cité du cuir.
Getting there
Flights from London Stansted to Limoges take 1 hour 40 minutes. Alternatively, trains from Paris take around three hours.
For more information visit for-reveurs-only.destination-limoges.com
