Savoir-faire. In spite of seeing it painted across the occasional French bistro awning, you might not know exactly what the phrase means. If that’s the case, hold tight – we’re here to help. Savoir-faire is one of the most popular French phrases in the English language and means ‘know-how’. When it comes to baking beautiful baguettes, searing steak frites or rocking a ratatouille, there’s nobody with more know-how than the French.
Limoges is no exception. It’s a land which has seen an incredible evolution of savoir-faire over the centuries. Craft and tradition run deep in this region. Do you nerd out when somebody does something really well? Well, you’re going to like Limoges. It’s a region renowned for an array of France’s best-known trademarks and brands.
Limoges porcelain
Porcelain vase at Fondation Bernardaud
Nicolas Diolez OTI Limoges
Limoges is famous for many crafts, but if you had to choose one, it would probably be for its porcelain. The town is teeming with all things ceramic. There are porcelain museums, working porcelain factories, porcelain workshops and master classes, and plenty of local porcelain creators for you to meet and greet, not to mention the many shopping opportunities. You’ll be able to discover all of the secrets involved in the making of this white gold and trace its fascinating history - were you aware that it was once one of the most sought-after items in Europe’s royal courts?
Aubusson tapestry
A Miyazaki-inspired tapestry in Limoges
We have another question for you. Did you know the International City of Tapestry is in the town of Aubusson, in the Limoges region to the east, in the Limousin? Listed as a Unesco intangible cultural heritage of humanity, Aubusson tapestry has been central to the region of South Creuse for over six centuries. The luxury product is a testament to the area’s longstanding history of savoir-faire, know-how and craftsmanship. Head to the museum for the opportunity to journey through time from antiquity to the contemporary, and make sure not to miss the present-day works inspired by the world-building imaginations of JRR Tolkien and Hayao Miyazaki.
City of leather
Ganterie Agnelle leather gloves and bag
Office de Tourisme Porte Océane du Limousin
In Limoges, leathermaking and haute couture have always gone, er, hand in glove. The Limousin region has been celebrated across the world for its luxury leather since time immemorial. Its tannery has always been a central part of the region’s identity and industry, creating everything from high-end gloves in Saint-Junien to JM Weston shoes in Limoges. In 2024, The Cité du Cuir museum will open up to showcase the exceptional know-how and savoir-faire that defines the city.
Getting here
Located in the centre of France, the city of Limoges boasts excellent transport connectivity with a diverse range of travel options for both national and international visitors travelling by air, rail or road.
To find out more visit for-reveurs-only.destination-limoges.com
