Limoges, French know-how

Limoges is a City of Art and History whose labyrinth of old lanes showcases different architectural styles, so keep your eyes peeled as you wander around. What sets the city apart is that it has two old towns.

First up, the medieval Cité district with its half-timbered houses, Souterrain de la Règle underground tunnels and Limoges Cathedral, famous for its Gothic style and stained glass windows. The cathedral is also home to the world's biggest Black Madonna made from enamel and gold.

Next up is the Château district, where you'll find the Saint-Martial Crypt, Saint Aurélien Chapel (patron saint of butchers), the Renaissance-period Cour du Temple with its beautiful manors, the Art Deco Pavillon du Verdurier and the market hall with its impressive metal structure. 

Another architectural attraction : la Limoges-Bénédictins train station and its 20th century architecture. The city's best-known landmark!

Limoges is known as the capital of fired art because of its expertise in fine craftsmanship (enamel, stained glass, leather, lace, tapestry etc.) . But porcelain is what brought it world fame.

The city is home to visitor attractions such as the Musée National de la Porcelaine Adrien Dubouché, a museum puts a vibrant spin on the history and function of ceramics and earthenware with several collections on display. Porcelain factories such as Bernardaud (leading French manufacturer and exporter of porcelain tableware) or Royal Limoges (the oldest working factory in the city) keep the legacy alive with exhibitions and studio tours.

The destination is also famous for leather, with the likes of the Ganterie Agnelle in Saint-Junien specialising in luxury goods and haute-couture (guided tours available). The city is working on a "Leather Centre" scheduled for 2024 to showcase leather craftsmanship.

Just 90 minutes from Limoges, the Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie in Aubusson celebrates the past and present of tapestry, a craft recognised by UNESCO and listed as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Easy-to-reach Limoges is a gateway to Nouvelle-Aquitaine. With its city in the countryside feel, you can visit local natural attractions including:

• Lac de Saint-Pardoux with countless sports and water sports. You can go sailing, hire pedalos, canoes and water-skis if you want to let off steam and have fun. The lake's shallow waters make it heaven for fishermen too.
• Périgord-Limousin Regional Nature Park: over 2000km of signposted footpaths and hiking trails run through the park that you can explore on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback. The Grande Boucle is one of them, a large loop that takes you around the Park on a 7-10 day hike.
• The Ways of Saint James by bike on the V56 véloroute: a 432km route from Vézelay to Limoges.

 Being creative is something to celebrate all year round! Food & drink, fired art and heritage bring enthusiasts and novices together for good times. Here are a few suggestions:

• Toques et Porcelaine: A major event in the city celebrating ceramics, food and drink. 30,000 foodies flock to the biannual Toques et Porcelaine in September.
• Frairie des petits ventres: popular food festival showcasing Limoges specialities on the third Friday in October.
• Les Ostensions limousines: Les Ostensions are listed as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and have been held every 7 years since the 10th century. Huge ceremonies and processions are held from February to September to pay tribute to local saints around Limoges.
• The year is jam-packed with festivals: 1001 Notes, Urbaka, Eclats d’émail and more. 

The area's history and legacy for resilience has made it a prime tourism destination for World War II enthusiasts. Just take the martyr village of Oradour-sur-Glane, with 200,000 visitors every year and ruins listed as a Monument Historique since 1946. Let's not forget the Memorial Centre: a historical and educational visitor experience.

There are countless other historical sites where you can learn, reflect and never forget: the Mont Gargan site in the middle of the former Limousin maquis and the 1400m² Musée de la Résistance de Limoges exploring milestone French Resistance moments.