UNESCO Creative City, capital of porcelain... So many good reasons to visit Limoges, treasure of the Haute-Vienne and capital of the Limousin region. If you're looking for a must-see porcelain tour, we've got plenty more surprises in store for you. Against all expectations, Limoges is also a city that's perfectly suited to families. There are plenty of activities for children, as well as those more suited to adults. In short, Limoges is a chameleon city, halfway between tradition and modernity. Tempted? Discover the 15 must-do activities in Limoges!
1. Discover Limoges porcelain at the Musée Adrien Dubouché
During your visit to downtown Limoges, discover porcelain from Antiquity to the present day, at the Musée Adrien Dubouché. The making of porcelain will no longer hold any secrets for you! In this museum dating from 1845, you'll discover a rich history, through an exhibition of some 5,000 pieces. This fascinating visit immerses you in a world of traditions and ancestral know-how, which has stood the test of time without a single wrinkle, while giving the town its letters of nobility. Not to be missed!
To reserve your ticket: click here to reserve your ticket for the Musée National Adrien Dubouché.
2. Take time to visit Limoges-Bénédictins station
The superb Limoges-Bénédictins station has been listed as a historic monument in France since 1975. It owes its reputation to its campanile and monumental roof, which has turned green over time. A true treasure of the past, it has retained its authenticity despite the modern infrastructure it houses. Inside, you can still admire magnificent sculptures and stained glass windows, a rarity in such a public building. Whether you arrive in Limoges by train or have to make a short detour to see it, a visit to the station is a must in Limoges!
The article to read: France's 10 most beautiful stations
3. What to do in Limoges Visit Saint-Étienne Cathedral
If you're a fan of religious buildings, you'll be blown away by the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne a true gem of Gothic heritage. It sits majestically at the heart of the city's historic quarter, and is an irresistible eye-catcher. Begun in 1273, its construction took almost... 600 years! This vast span of time explains the cathedral's rich superposition of styles. Inside, the play of light in the stained glass contrasts with the mysteriously dark atmosphere of the building, reinforcing its mystical aura.
Good to know at night, the building lights up, making this visit even more enchanting. Why not drop by again after a restaurant outing, to take in the splendor?
4. Relax in the Jardin de l'Évêché
Adjacent to Saint-Étienne cathedral, the Jardin botanique invites you to lose yourself in the contemplation of its 3,000 plants. This green setting, nestled in the heart of the city, offers a haven of tranquillity amid enchanting landscapes. Created in 1956, the garden has been expanded several times, and is now divided into three sections: historical, ecological and practical (medicinal and aromatic plants, etc.). Accessible free of charge, the Jardin de l'Évêché is the perfect place for a romantic stroll. Lovers beware!
5. Marvel at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Limoges
The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Limoges, housed in theformer episcopal palace, is the place to be for art lovers. A veritable showcase of history and art, this majestic building, once used as barracks and then a hospital, before being restored to its splendor after 1802, invites you to immerse yourself in centuries of restored treasures. The museum offers an exceptional collection:
- enamels unique in the world,
- impressionist paintings
- antique objects from Limoges andancient Egypt.
All in all, you're in for an enchanting journey through time and art!
6. A stroll through the Boucherie district
The Boucherie district has it all. It's picturesque, with its magnificent half-timbered houses, festive and gourmet. What more could you ask for? One of its best-known addresses is La Frairie des petits ventres, a funny name that comes from an emblematic recipe: lamb's stomach stuffed with lamb's feet. The district welcomes you in a joyful hubbub of treasures. From the chapel of Saint-Aurélien, patron saint of butchers, to the Place de la Motte and the halles, open every morning from Tuesday to Saturday, it's no wonder that this is Limoges' most popular tourist area!
Read the article: What to do in Nouvelle-Aquitaine? The 15 must-sees
7. Family fun at the Aquapolis water park
The Aquapolis aquatic center has plenty of spaces for everyone. Swimming pool, fitness room, children's water games and wellness center await you. The aquatic area is divided into several zones:
- a 50m pool and a learning pool,
- fast and slow rivers
- a pentagliss,
- a special diving area,
- planted relaxation areas.
It's the ideal place to spend an afternoon with the family, with areas designed for everyone, including the very young.
8. Stroll through Parc Victor-Thuillat, an oasis of greenery
Visiting Limoges also means finding yourself at the heart of a green haven of peace on Avenue Émile Labussière, right in the heart of the city. Parc Victor-Thuillat is the place to be for families, with children playing in theplayground and senior citizens relaxing on a bench in the shade of a giant sequoia, a superb cedar or a bald cypress. A veritable oasis of greenery, it's the ideal place for an impromptu picnic, or simply to relax between two visits to Limoges.
9. Take a trip back in time in the Cour du Temple
Discover the charm of bygone Limoges in the Cour du Temple, surrounded by mansions with half-timbered facades. Enjoy a refreshing drink on the terrace, contemplating this timeless bubble in the heart of the city. You can reach this hidden, unusual spot by taking a passageway from Rue du Consulat. From the arcaded galleries to the elegant Renaissance staircase, the place has retained its unique old-world charm. A must-see in Limoges!
10. Learn more about porcelain at Four des Casseaux
While the Musée Adrien Dubouché is a must-see when discovering porcelain, there's another place where you can learn more about this ancestral art. The Four des Casseaux, one of five porcelain kilns that have stood the test of time in Limoges, is halfway between workshop and museum. Classified as a historic monument, it allows you to discover the secrets of porcelain firing.
Petit Futé tip: With the Pass Limoges Malin, you can visit several must-see sites in and around Limoges at reduced prices, including the Four des Casseaux kiln and the Musée de la Porcelaine Adrien Dubouché. Valid for 1, 2 or 3 days, it is available in several versions, depending on your visit preferences.
Good to know: the Four des Casseaux is located about one kilometer from the train station. Make the most of your time in the area to combine the two visits!
11. What to do in Limoges Visit the Saint-Aurélien chapel
Tucked between two half-timbered houses, the Saint-Aurélien chapel is currently undergoing a major renovation project. Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Boucherie district, this medieval gem is one of the town's most emblematic monuments. Its welcoming façade is matched only by its interior, rich in elegant liturgical furnishings. Still owned by the Confrérie Saint-Aurélien, the former butchers' guild, it retains a unique link with its original builders. A lovely little stop-off on your visit to Limoges!
12. Relax in the Parc de l'Aurence
Located to the north of the city, the Parc de l'Aurence offers a pleasant escape. Its well-developed paths wind through a well-kept wood. It's the perfect place for families or couples to stroll or cycle. In addition to the walks, children will appreciate the paddock with animals, accustomed to the presence of visitors. The dwarf Senegalese goat, the Angora goat and the Limousin rooster are all great fun for children.
13. Plunge into the heart of the Limoges underground, your unusual visit
Dive into the fascinating depths of the city by exploring Limoges' underground passages. The souterrain de la Règle and the Saint-Martial crypt, silent witnesses to medieval history, plunge you into an atmosphere like no other. Beneath the vibrant streets and half-timbered houses, you'll discover a network of vaulted cellars, vestiges of the storage, protection and sanitation activities of yesteryear. A must-see is the Abbey de la Règle, with its impressive galleries dug into the tufa rock.
Further afield, the Saint-Martial crypt, located beneath the Place de la République, tells the glorious story of a flourishing abbey, once the cultural center of Christendom, destroyed under Napoleon I and rediscovered in 1962.
14. What to do in Limoges Stroll along medieval bridges
The bridges Saint-Étienne and Saint-Martial bridges, true jewels of the XIIIᵉ century, stretch majestically across the Vienne River, linking the right and left banks of Limoges for centuries. These stone-billed bridges share a simple elegance, marking the landscape with their cobbled silhouettes. Listed as Historic Monuments since the early XIXᵉ century, these two bridges invite you to stroll along, imagining the passage of pilgrims and merchants of yesteryear, before discovering the picturesque Sainte-Félicité district.
15. Discover Viennese gastronomy
The gastronomy of Limoges and the Haute-Vienne is a feast for the senses! The famous sweet and melt-in-the-mouth cherry clafoutis is one of the highlights. But before that, there's a delicious potato and meat pâté, as simple as it is generous. Meats, particularly Limousin beef, are also a must, renowned for their tenderness and refined taste. To accompany these dishes, local cheeses and chestnut honey add their own gourmet touch.
Where to stay in Limoges?
The city center is a good place to stay in Limoges, as it's close to all the sights. The quieter Carmes district lies to the west of the city, close to a number of parks.
- The perfect compromise
TheHotel des Deux Moulins offers a pleasant pied-à-terre around 700 meters from the city center. Its two strong points, albeit at extra cost, are the underground parking lot and the buffet breakfast. Click here to to book this quiet, elegant hotel.
- The most welcoming
TheHotel Marceau is appreciated for its pleasant, professional welcome. There's no fuss here, just simple but comfortable rooms and tasteful decor. The bistro area is the perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing. Book your roomhere.
- The cheapest
Conveniently located near the train station and freeway,Hôtel du Parc "Le temps d'une pause" offers unbeatable value for money. The rooms are simple but comfortable, and the decor is colorful and cheerful. In addition to a buffet breakfast, you'll benefit from friendly, helpful staff. Click here to book your room.
What to do in Limoges as a couple
Of course, all the activities listed in our top 15 things to do in Limoges can be enjoyed as a couple. However, we've unearthed a few extra nuggets for you. At Kurioscape, you have one hour to solve the riddle of your choice. Join forces for this great escape game. You can also take an unusual tour of Limoges... in a tuk-tuk! Last but not least, how about a session on the ice at Limoges' Olympic skating rink? A great opportunity to laugh and have fun as a couple!
Family activities in Limoges
TheAquapolis and the city's various parks are perfect places to do in Limoges with children. However, there are plenty of other places designed for younger visitors. These include
- Tarz en arbrean acrobatic park with tree games.
- The little tourist train and the tuk-tuk for a fun tour of Limoges.
- Tèrra Aventura, a treasure hunt to discover Limoges in a fun way.
- The downtowncarousel, on Place de la République.
- Canoeing or paddling on the Vienne River.
Teens can take to the Limoges go-karting track.
What to see around Limoges
Oradour-sur-Glane is a must-see in the Limoges area, just 25 km away. Known for the sad massacre that took place there during the Second World War, the village is a key stopover for those who enjoy remembrance tourism.
Good to know : oradour-sur-Glane is one of France's 15 ghost villages. Preserved as it was after the terrible events that took place there, it is a veritable open book on the past.
The Reynou zoo is another must-see in the Limoges area, especially with children. It's even possible to stay in a lodge and wake up alongside the animals. TheAbbey of Solignac is also a great place to visit, about 15 minutes from Limoges, as is the Château de Rochechouart.
Lovers of handicrafts, meanwhile, can turn to the glove factories of Saint-Junien, whose expertise dates back to the XIᵉ century, or the Moulin du Got, specializing in stationery. Are you more of a nature lover? Head for the Monts d'Ambazac, rich in parks and nature reserves! Lake Vassivière and the Plateau de Millevaches also offer excellent spots for nature lovers and walkers. They are, however, a little further from Limoges (allow a little over an hour).
From museums to picturesque districts, Limoges takes you on a unique journey through the ages. Take the time to immerse yourself in its authentic neighborhoods, before discovering a more modern Limoges. Guided tours of the city are also available, for those in a hurry. The surrounding area, including Solignac Abbey and Rochechouart Castle, is also well worth a visit. Limoges might just surprise you more than you thought!
