Our 5 favourites in Limoges

1. Visit one of the most beautiful stations in the world

Limoges-Bénédictins train station opened in 1929 and fast became a local symbol with its 61m high tower adorned by four clocks. Over time, the iconic early 20th century building became the locals' pride and joy. It blends period techniques (metallic dome, reinforced concrete) and details (glass roof and stained glass, allegorical sculptures of the four French provinces, Art Deco woodwork etc.).

It has starred in films and ads and was named the "most beautiful station in France" in 2022.

A "showcase for excellence" will soon be set up on the concourse with a permanent exhibition of Limoges craftsmanship (Bernardaud and Haviland for porcelain, Weston for leather etc.). The station restaurant is also getting a makeover.

Tourist Information provides guided tours throughout the year. 

2. Experience something special with Tourist Information

Tourist Information provides a wide variety of guided tours in the City of Art and History, alongside the Bénédictins station tour.

Limoges in 90 minutes” covers both old towns from the Gallo-Roman Lemovices capital to the present day. “The Boucherie district” delves into the professional and social lives of the city's butchers along the medieval lanes and their wood-timbered houses. Go underground in Limoges at Saint-Martial Crypt and Souterrain de la Règle, landmarks that capture the city's vibrant economy.

Back in the open air, there are guided tours on the tourist train or 6-seater tuk-tuks in French, English, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, German and Japanese.

3. Experience the art of porcelain (PGI since 2017)

Atelier de la maison JL Coquet Atelier de la maison JL Coquet - G Villegier©CRT Limousin

Countless businesses in the capital of fired art still work with ceramics, porcelain and stained glass. The “porcelain boulevard” is teeming with artisan boutiques.

Dive into the history of the ceramic industry in the "red city" (the many kilns turn the sky red) at the Musée du Four des Casseaux

Several companies run tours taking you behind the scenes and teaching you how ceramic items are made: Bernardaud hosts an annual contemporary design exhibition; Ateliers Arquié has moved back to the Vienne riverbank and renovated the building; Non Sans Raison and Porcelaines Carpenet in Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat (listed as a Living Heritage Company).

Experience centuries of design in all its glory at the Musée National Adrien Dubouché. It brings you the history of ceramics, how they're made and an incredible collection of items (over 18,000) through the ages and continents.

 4. Experience local food & drink

Limoges is just as famous for its food as what it serves it on! From local dishes to bistronomy creations, there's something for everyone.

Foodie tour

If you're struggling to choose, go for the "Food Mood Tour", a 2.5-3 hour experience exploring culinary gems. NB: the food guides speak English too.

Classic go-to

If you want to live like a local, head to the market hall. Not only is it a beautiful Eiffel-style building but it's also home to local produce and eateries, such as Le Bistrot d’Olivier with long wooden tables where you can make new friends. 

The team at nearby Ginette (opened in 2022) always put a fresh spin on the classics. 

Unique experience

If you want something extra special, Chef David Boyer, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, is a man of many talents: his menus of the week are available for home delivery; he can come to you to cook a custom-made menu; he provides a catering service; his “secret suppers” in quirky or outstanding venues are kept under wraps until the big day and just for the lucky few.

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 5. Have fun your way

The great outdoors await just outside Limoges You can just go for a walk or bike ride to blow away the cobwebs, but there are lots of places that are well worth a visit.

Animal: Reynou Wildlife Park

100 hectares of unspoilt nature home to 120 plant species and 130 animal species. Unearth its treasures on a 7km trail. Whether you're a zookeeper for the day or just visiting, you're going to be wild about it. Make a night of it at the brand new lodges sleeping 4-16.

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Water sports: Espace Hermeline

This leisure centre deep in the Périgord-Limousin Regional Nature Park provides sports on land (orienteering, rail bike, mini golf etc.), in the air (zip-line, treetop adventure) and on the water (swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing) from April to November. Have a purse-friendly break here at 24 camping pitches and 1 disabled camping pitch.

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Artistic: Cécile Sabourdy museum and grounds

This "little" museum whisks you away to a world of creation among unique artists in the Raw Art and Ruralité movements. The permanent gallery introduces visitors to the work of Cécile Sabourdy, Robert Masduraud and other Limousin artists. The temporary exhibitions explore a wide array of subjects. The shop is a treasure trove. The grounds (herb garden, monastic garden and green amphitheatre) echo the museum and host events that are just as exciting as the museum itself.

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Access

- Limoges Bellegrade International Airport : flights all year round to Lyon, Paris Orly, Londres Stansted, Manchester, Nottingham. March to October : Bristol et Leeds Bradford

- Limoges-Bénédictins station : Paris (3h20), Toulouse (3h20), Bordeaux (2h30)

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