LIMOGES-BÉNÉDICTINS STATION
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Limoges Benedictine railway station with Art Deco-style stained glass windows and campanile overlooking one of the city's 7 hills, a historic monument
Inaugurated in 1929, this monumental edifice replaces the previous station, opened in 1856 when the first train arrived. It is both an architectural feat - it was the first French station to be built overhanging the platforms, seven meters above the ten tracks - and a testament to the prosperity of Limoges at the time. Built in the style of the inter-war years, this secular cathedral is at once grandiose, excessive and poetic.
The work of architect Roger Gonthier, its 67-metre-high campanile dominates one of Limoges' seven hills. A special feature: the clocks are set two minutes ahead, to encourage punctuality among travellers, as the regional tourism committee for the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region points out.
Take the time to stroll through this exceptional building, and you'll be amazed by its copper dome, the richness of its ornamentation, the Art Deco stained glass windows by Limousin master glassworker Francis Chigot and the immense central space, whose vault is supported by four allegories: Limousin, Brittany, Gascony and Touraine.
The Gare des Bénédictins is just as much a part of Limoges' worldwide reputation as its porcelain. In 2009, the American magazine Newsweek named it the fifth most beautiful station in the world! The station has also been listed as a historic monument since 1875, and has been awarded the "Patrimoine du XXe siècle" label.
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Dommage de ne plus pouvoir y prendre un café, le buffet de la gare ayant définitivement fermé.
Un conseil : prenez quelques instants pour lever les yeux et admirer le plafond sculpté