tourist attractions in limousin france

12 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in the Limousin Region

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Discover an off-the-beaten-path area of France that is rich in natural beauty and history. Green rolling hills, quaint country towns, and lush forests await you, along with fascinating cultural attractions such as medieval castles and many of the Plus Beaux Villages de France .

The area's regional nature parks are a paradise for sports enthusiasts. Opportunities abound for things to do, like hiking on the scenic trails, fishing in freshwater rivers, and boating on pristine lakes.

Plan your trip with our list of the top attractions and best places to visit in the Limousin region.

See also: Where to Stay in Limousin

1. Aubusson

4. abbatiale saint-pierre saint-paul, solignac, 5. château de val, 6. musée d'art contemporain de la haute-vienne, 7. parc naturel régional de millevaches en limousin, 8. saint-léonard-de-noblat, 9. collonges-la-rouge, 10. curemonte, 11. mortemart, 12. ségur-le-château, where to stay in limousin for sightseeing, map of attractions & places to visit in the limousin region.

Since the 15th century, Aubusson has been renowned for its intricately patterned tapestries. For six centuries, the city has been a center for the industry of handcrafted tapestries.

Today, Aubusson is still considered the world capital of tapestries. In 2009, UNESCO inscribed Aubusson tapestry on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity .

You may visit tapestry workshops throughout the city, such as Espace Tapisseries Aubusson (32 Rue Vaveix), which renovates historic tapestries and has an art gallery that displays artistic tapestry pieces, and La Maison du Tapissier (63 Rue Vieille), a 17th-century tapestry workshop where visitors can watch a traditional weaving demonstration.

The Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie (Rue des Arts) is devoted to conserving the savoir-faire of traditional tapestry creation. The center has a museum that contains tapestries from the 15th century to the present day, including many 17th-century masterpieces.

Read More: Best Places to Visit in France

Designated a Ville d'Art et d'Histoire , Limoges has a rich cultural heritage. Admire the amazing historic monuments and wander the charming maze of cobblestone streets. Then explore the city's creative side by visiting the Maison Haviland porcelain manufacturer, a Limoges porcelain museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

The Cathédrale Saint-Etienne is the most important monument in Limoges (the capital of the Limousin region) and its only Gothic building. Begun in 1273, the cathedral continued to be renovated throughout the centuries.

Behind the cathedral are the Jardins de l'Evêché (Gardens of the Bishop), and to the east is the eight-arched Pont Saint-Etienne bridge built in the 13th century.

You should also stroll through the city's historic quarters along the Rue de la Boucherie and the Rue du Temple to soak up the city's old-world ambience.

Impressionist painter Auguste Renoir began his career as a porcelain painter in Limoges. It's easy to see the connection between this artisan craft and the fine arts.

The Pavillon de la Porcelaine – Haviland showcases decorative porcelain dinnerware created by the Maison Haviland, a prestigious manufacturer of fine artisanal porcelain since 1842. The Pavillon de la Porcelaine – Haviland also has a boutique that sells Haviland dinnerware items.

The Musée National Adrien Dubouché highlights the beauty and variety of porcelain, the art form for which Limoges is famous. This museum displays the world's largest collection of Limoges porcelain along with pottery, faïence, and glassware.

In an 18th-century episcopal palace, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Limoges presents exhibits of fine arts and archaeological artifacts. The collection includes Gallo-Roman and ancient Egyptian objects, medieval and Renaissance painted enamels, and Impressionist paintings.

The " Pearl of Limousin " perches on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Vézère River. This medieval fortified town has many architectural treasures, including impressive old towers, atmospheric vaulted passages, and elegant hôtels particuliers (historic mansions).

Not to be missed is the Abbatiale Saint-Pierre d'Uzerche . This magnificent Romanesque church was built in the 11th and 12th centuries. Classified as a Monument Historique , the church was an important medieval pilgrimage destination.

After sightseeing, relax a bit and take a walk along the Esplanade de la Lunade . This pedestrian walkway overlooks the Vézère River and the wooded rolling hills surrounding the town.

During the summer, outdoor markets and cultural events draw many visitors. A medieval festival, the Jours de Fête , entertains crowds with music, circus acts, and burlesque theater in July.

In August, music lovers flock to Uzerche for the Journées Musicales d'Uzerche (MUZ' Festival) which presents a wide variety of classical music concerts.

Just outside of Uzerche, the countryside offers ample opportunities for hiking and nature walks.

Discover soul-inspiring splendor at the Abbatiale Saint-Pierre Saint-Paul , one of the most important sights in the Limousin region. This 12th-century abbey church is a marvel of Romanesque architecture.

The spacious vaulted and domed interior features awe-inspiring 15th-century stained-glass windows. The choir incorporates carved wooden stalls adorned with unusual details including griffins, palm leaves, and snakes.

The Saint-Pierre Saint-Paul abbey church is open to the public during summertime for guided tours on Sunday afternoons at 3:30pm. Music concerts are sometimes held at the church.

The historic village of Solignac charms visitors with its pastel-shuttered old stone buildings and a pleasant ambience along the Briance River. Spanning the river is the 15th-century Pont-Vieux de Solignac (Old Bridge of Solignac), a graceful arched masonry bridge.

It's only a 15-kilometer drive (and well worth the detour) from Limoges to the Abbatiale Saint-Pierre Saint-Paul in Solignac.

The Château de Val looks like an image from the pages of a child's storybook. The turreted castle stands in a romantic setting, on a rocky spur within the Lac de Bort-les-Orgues.

Built in the 15th century, the fortress with its grandiose Gothic rooms epitomizes medieval architecture. The castle's Chapelle Saint-Blaise is listed as a Monument Historique . The small Gothic chapel is found in the castle's main courtyard.

Unlike many French castles, the Château de Val is sumptuously furnished with period pieces, creating a good picture of what it was like to live here.

The castle grounds include a tranquil garden planted with many flowers. All around the property are quiet spots that invite visitors to commune with nature under a shady lime tree, by a fountain, or near the old stables. It's possible to take a bike ride around the estate and go fishing or boating on the Bort-les-Orgues Lake.

The Château de Val is open to the public for visits from February through early November. During July and August, the château hosts outdoor music concerts in the courtyard on Wednesday evenings. The program ranges from classical music to blues, rock, and folk music.

The Château de Val also offers spacious overnight accommodations in the modernized Royal Suite , which has a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and an outdoor terrace that overlooks the lake. Accommodations include breakfast with fresh-baked croissants.

Address: Les Fontilles, 15270 Planorbe

The Musée d'Art Contemporain de la Haute-Vienne (Museum of Contemporary Art) occupies the 16th-century Château de Rochechouart . This beautifully restored late Gothic and Renaissance castle is nestled between the Graine and Vayres valleys.

The museum's collection is devoted to 20th- and 21st-century art. On display are over 1,300 works created from the 1960s to the present day. Other highlights include the assortment of decorative arts objects, as well as unique commissioned pieces.

Equally noteworthy are the artworks found on the walls of the château, especially the 16th-century frescoes in the Salle des Chasses (depicting hunting scenes) and the Galerie d'Hercule (illustrating the labors of Greek mythological figure Hercules).

Address: Place du Château, 87600 Rochechouart

This regional natural park is a paradise of deep green forests, gently rolling hills, sheltered valleys, grassy meadows, and peaceful lakes. The park, which encompasses the Plateau de Millevaches , has freshwater rivers and streams that are home to river otters.

The Regional Natural Park of Millevaches is dotted with charming small hamlets and traversed by scenic trails. You can hike through the heathlands and oak groves and past verdant pastures where the famous Limousin cows graze.

Besides hiking and biking, other popular things to do outdoors are boating, fishing, and cycling.

If you plan to spend the night, you could reserve a campsite such as the three-star facilities at the Aux Portes des Mille Sources camping area. You can also find bed-and-breakfast hotels and vacation rental accommodations in the Regional Natural Park of Millevaches.

This quaint medieval town has a well-preserved historic center. Wandering the cobblestone streets and narrow alleys takes you on a journey back in time. Much of the town has not changed since the Middle Ages.

The Quartier de Noblat riverside district is especially atmospheric with its old mills and 13th-century bridge. You can arrive here by taking the Chemin du Pavé pedestrian path. This charming area is a delightful place for a stroll.

Not to be missed, the UNESCO-listed Collégiale de Saint-Léonard (dating to the 11th and 12th centuries) was a stop on the Chemin de Saint-Jacques pilgrimage trail to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

In early July, the Fête de la Saint Martial takes place in the Quartier de Noblat. This lively festival includes a regional food market, traditional meals, music concerts, a ball with dancing, and fireworks. A highlight of the festival is the spectacle of a medieval-style equestrian tournament.

If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to try the local specialty called Massepain de Saint-Léonard , a little almond cookie that is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. The recipe has a Mediterranean origin and was brought to the town by pilgrims returning from Santiago de Compostela.

Nestled among meadows, walnut orchards, and forested rolling hills, Collonges-la-Rouge is listed as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France . This bucolic idyll delights you with its winding cobblestone streets, pedestrian alleyways, and old turreted buildings.

Many buildings date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. The cottages, houses, and noblemen's mansions are constructed from red sandstone, which makes Collonges-la-Rouge incomparable to any other in France. Adding to the romance, wisteria and grape vines drape the stone walls of old monuments.

A must-see place to visit in Collonges-la-Rouge is the Eglise Saint-Pierre , built in the 11th and 12th centuries. This exquisite Romanesque church was visited by medieval pilgrims on the Chemin de Saint-Jacques trail to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The church features an ornately sculpted tympanum and a gabled steeple.

Thanks to its lush pastoral landscape and old-world charm, Curemonte is listed as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France . The village's perfectly preserved squares and historic buildings also have made it popular as a filming location for movie sets.

The village perches on top of a rocky mount, overlooking the Valley of Maumont and the Valley of Sourdoire. Three medieval castles dominate the townscape; their impressive towers are visible from far in the distance.

Curemonte boasts a 12th-century Romanesque church, the Eglise Saint-Barthélemy , as well as the 11th-century Eglise Saint-Hilaire de la Combe which features contemporary stained-glass windows.

In this captivating village at the 14th-century Château Saint-Hilaire , the author Colette wrote Journal à Rebours .

Mortemart is another one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France . This enchanting village is prized for its impressive architecture. Stately noblemen's mansions reflect the town's wealthy heritage.

Two historic convents are found here. The 14th-century Carmelite convent, the Couvent des Carmes , today hosts artists in residence. You may visit their ateliers. Also dating to the 14th century, the Eglise Saint-Hilaire is a humble little chapel in a former Augustinian convent. The Eglise Saint-Hilaire is now the village's parish church.

The town was built up around a 10th-century castle, the Château des Ducs , which was home to the Dukes of Mortemart. Although it is mostly in ruins, the tower and a few rooms have survived. Temporary exhibits are held within these remaining rooms.

In the center of the city is an old covered Market Hall that dates to the 18th century. Restored in 2013, the Market Hall is now used for open-air markets on Sundays during summertime. Beneath the wood-beamed canopy, local farmers sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and other regional products.

Ségur-le-Château is yet another one of the region's Plus Beaux Villages de France . The village is tucked away in a riverside location favored by the Viscounts of Limoges.

Spend some time exploring the narrow pedestrian lanes that date to the medieval era. Along the way, stop to admire handsome half-timbered houses and turreted noblemen's mansions . You can feel the historic ambience at every corner of the village.

On a sunny day, it's pleasant to go for a ramble along Les Bords de l'Auvézère , a tree-shaded path that parallels the meandering Auvézère River. Locals and tourists alike come here to relax on the park benches, or enjoy a picnic.

We recommend these highly rated hotels in charming Limousin towns like Aubusson, Uzerche, and Limoges:

• Hotel Joyet de Maubec : Located in Uzerche and set in a heritage building, this property offers stylish decor and personalized service.
• Best Western Plus Hotel Richelieu : This mid-range Limoges hotel features comfortable beds, secure parking, and helpful front desk staff.
• La Beauze : Set in a 19th-century mansion, this 3-star Aubusson hotel comes with modern decor, charming hosts, and free parking.
• ibis Limoges Centre : For budget-friendly rates and a handy location, check out this property, with sleek decor and multilingual staff.

More on France

Things to Do in Limousin, France - Limousin Attractions

Things to do in limousin, explore popular experiences, popular cities in limousin.

Top Attractions in Limousin

What travelers are saying

• Musée National Adrien Dubouche
• Gare de Limoges
• Quartier de la Boucherie
• Aquarium du Limousin
• Grottes de Saint-Antoine
• Lac de Vassivière
• Jardins de l'Évêché
• Loups de Chabrières
• Parc Zoo du Reynou
• Château de Villemonteix
• Les Tours de Merle
• Canal des Moines

Top Things to Do in Limousin, France

Places to visit in limousin, explore popular experiences, popular cities in limousin.

Top Attractions in Limousin

What travellers are saying

• Musée National Adrien Dubouche
• Gare de Limoges
• Quartier de la Boucherie
• Aquarium du Limousin
• Grottes de Saint-Antoine
• Lac de Vassivière
• Jardins de l'Évêché
• Loups de Chabrières
• Parc Zoo du Reynou
• Château de Villemonteix
• Les Tours de Merle
• Canal des Moines

Limousin - an area guide

An inside guide to the north of  new aquitaine.

Rural Limousin

Limousin travel information:

• Access by rail from Paris  Gare d'Austerlitz; there are regular Intercités trains from Paris to Limoges and Brive la Gaillarde, with connecting services to other towns. There are also a few cross-country services from Clermont-Ferrand via Ussel and Brive to Bordeaux.
•    Road access to Limousin: the region is crossed north-south by the A20 motorway (Paris - Orleans - Vierzon - Toulouse), and northeast-southwest by the A89 motorway (Lyon - Clermont-Ferrand - Brive - Bordeaux)
• . Regional airport: Limoges airmort is served by several low cost airlines from the UK and Belgium. There are also some services to the new Brive airport

Stay in the Limousin : some ideas

• Gites  in Limousin    
•  Hotels in Limousin

Main tourist attractions in Limousin

• Limoges (87) Regional capital of Limousin, city of art and history; old city centre, with parts dating from medieval times, cathedral, old bridges on the Vienne. Porcelaine museum.
• Oradour sur Glane (87);  the martyred village. In June 1944, the Waffen SS torched the village and massacred over 600 villagers in a mistaken act of reprisal. The village has been left as it was, fixed in time, as a memory to the brutality and horror of war.
• Rochechouart: (87) the impressive castle, dating partly from the 13th century, houses administrative offices and an contemporary art gallery, as well as historic rooms and artefacts.
• St Junien (87): famous and large romanesque basilica.
• Ahun : (23) old village with remains of a medieval monastery.
• Aubusson (23) : capital of the tapestry industry, tapestry museums, tapestry workshops, old town.
• Bourganeuf (23) Attractive old town, founded in medieval times by the Knights Hospitaller (Order of St John of Jerusalem).
• Argentat: (19) Delightful small town on the Dordogne. Water sports.
• Beaulieu sur Dordogne: (19) Fine romanesque church, with remarkable carved tympanum
• Brive la Gaillarde. (19) Attractive old city centre. 
• Collonges la Rouge, Curemonte and Turenne (19); reputedly three of the prettiest villages in France. Collonges la Rouge is so known on account of the red sandstone used in the buildings.
• The Dordogne valley; (19) the upper Dordogne valley is a place for water sports (sailing on the artificial lakes, kayaking where the river flows freely).
• Parc Naturel Régional de Millevaches: (19, 23) the Limousin highlands - outdoor activities, hiking, riding, nature.
• Treignac-sur-Vézère: (19) attactive village in the upper valley of the Vézère, north of Tulle. Granite built houses with slate roofs. The Vézère offers good opportunities for kayaking.

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12 Unmissable Sites: Great Places to Visit in the Limousin

The Limousin is the most sparsely-populated area of mainland France (only Corsica has a lower population density) but that does not mean a shortage of things to do and places to see. The capital, Limoges, has an impressive cathedral, a wonderfully picturesque pedestrianised zone and lots of cultural events, especially in summer. Beyond the city, the very remoteness of this region makes its many rural attractions all the more atmospheric…

Related article: Discover the Limousin, France’s Rural Heart

GARE DES BÉNÉDICTINS

Limoges’s stunning Gare des Bénédictins is undoubtedly the most beautiful railway station in France, if not Europe. Look out for the grand copper dome, carved frescoes, and a 60-metre-tall clock tower. Website:  www.gares-sncf.com/fr/gare/fragq/limoges-benedictins

Chateau de Pompadour

CHÂTEAU DE POMPADOUR

You could spend a whole day at this great château in Arnac-Pompadour. Tour the stables, visit the stud farm, see the lovely gardens, catch an equestrian demo or simply stroll around the château itself. Website:  www.pompadour-tourisme.fr/decouvrir/le-chateau-de-pompadour

This crescent-shaped town, perched on a rocky outcrop, was the last independent fiefdom in France, and was under the absolute rule of the La Tour d’Auvergne family until the 1700s. Come in summer for the torch-lit night parades. Website:  www.turenne.fr

Oradour-sur-Glane

ORADOUR-SUR-GLANE

You won’t enjoy visiting this ruined town but, as a historical site, it’s unmissable. In 1944, after learning that an SS officer had been held captive there, the Germans brutally killed a total of 642 people, including 205 children, and razed much of the village. Website:  www.oradour.info

Collonges-la-Rouge

COLLONGES-LA-ROUGE

Constructed from glorious red sandstone, this village is an architectural dream. Admire the conical turrets as you browse the many artisan shops. But be warned: thousands of tourists descend upon this village (officially one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France) in summer.

Rue de la Boucherie in Limoges

RUE DE LA BOUCHERIE

Limoges’s prettiest pedestrianized street is lined with medieval half-timbered buildings. Here you’ll find the Maison de la Boucherie, a tiny museum dedicated to the street’s history as a centre for butchers’ shops. Website:  www.facebook.com/ruedelaboucherie

Limoges cathedral

LIMOGES CATHEDRAL

The Cathédrale St-Étienne is a gothic masterpiece with a very individual portail, rose window and choir screen. And God knows they had long enough to create this beauty: work started in 1273 and didn’t finish until 1888. Website:  www.cathedrale-limoges.fr

Chateau de Rochechouart

CHÂTEAU DE ROCHECHOUART

Rochechouart sits where the Grêne and Vayres rivers meet. Its château contains the Musée Départemental d’Art Contemporain, plus a hunting room with 16th-century frescoes, and the famous Hercules room. Website:  www.musee-rochechouart.com

Espace de la Météorite ‘Paul Pellas’

METEORITE DISPLAY

200 million years ago, a massive rock slammed into the planet just west of Rochechouart leaving a crater 20km wide and 6km deep. Commemorating this catastrophe is the Espace de la Météorite ‘Paul Pellas’, where you can learn all about the often drastic effects of meteorites.

The waterfalls at Gimel-les-Cascades

Northeast of Brive-la-Gaillarde is a tiny village in a beautiful setting called Gimel-les-Cascades. You guessed it, there are waterfalls here. Three, to be precise, one after the other, dropping for a total of 143 metres into Le Gouffre de l’Inferno (Hell’s Abyss). Website:  www.gimellescascades.fr

Le Belvédère de Gratte Bruyère. Photo CRT Limousin

BELVÉDÈRE DE GRATTE-BRUYÈRE

This is surely one of the most graceful of all of France’s many beautiful rivers. Just south of Neuvic, where the River Sumène joins the River Dordogne, nature has produced a breathtaking combination of valleys, tree-covered hills and rocky outcrops.

CHÂTEAU DE VAL

Sometimes castles look like they’ve come straight out of a fairytale. That’s certainly the case with Château de Val, with its lofty turrets and position on the end of a promontory jutting out into the Lac de Bort-les-Orgues, right on the border of Corrèze and Cantal. Website:  www.chateau-de-val.com

From France Today magazine

Chateau de Val

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Tourism in Limousin

Guide, holidays & weekends in limousin, unmissable attractions.

Remarkable attractions

Discoveries

• France Guides
• August 29, 2022

Things To Do in Limousin, France: Driving and Touring Guide

If you’re looking for an amazing driving and touring guide for the Limousin region of France, look no further! In this article, we’ll give you eight great tips to help make the most of your time in this beautiful area. So pack your bags and get ready to explore!

Rent A Car And Explore The Countryside

The best way to explore the picturesque countryside of Limousin, France is by car. Renting a car gives you the freedom to set your itinerary and explore at your own pace. And with so much to see and do in this beautiful region, you’ll want to have the flexibility to make the most of your time here.

Limousin is home to rolling hills, verdant forests, and crystal-clear lakes. With a rental car, you can easily visit all of the region’s highlights, from the medieval town of Limousin to the charming village of Aubusson.

Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the Regional Natural Park of Millevaches en Limousin, where hiking and biking trails wind through pristine forests and along rushing rivers. And for those who want to relax and soak up the sun, the scenic lakeside town of Bort-Les-Orgues is the perfect spot.

So whether you’re looking for adventure or simply wanting to spend some time in nature, a rental car is the best way to explore all that Limousin has to offer.

Visit The Charming Villages Of Limousin

If you’re looking for a destination that’s off the beaten path, the charming villages of Limousin may be just what you’re looking for. This rural region of France is known for its rolling hills, picturesque villages, and friendly locals. While Limousin may not be as well-known as some other parts of the country, it’s worth a visit.

Start your journey in the village of Meymac, which is home to a 12th-century castle and a beautiful Romanesque church. From there, head to the village of Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche, where you can explore a medieval market square and sample some of the local cuisines. Then, make your way to the town of Aubusson, known for its tapestries and carpets. No matter where you go in Limousin, you’re sure to find plenty of reasons to fall in love with this special corner of France.

Drive Through The Beautiful Forests Of Limousin

Deep in the heart of France lies the Limousin region, a land of forests, lakes, and meadows. The perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Limousin is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. And what better way to take it all in than by car? Traveling through the winding roads of Limousin is an experience you’ll never forget.

From the moment you start drivin g, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and fresh air. The forests here are especially stunning, their leaves turning a brilliant red and gold in the autumn. And in the springtime, the meadows come alive with colorful wildflowers. No matter what time of year you visit, a drive-through Limousin is sur e to be an unforgettable experience.

Stop At One Of The Many Lakes Or Rivers For A Picnic Lunch

Limousin is a beautiful region of France that is well-known for its rolling green hills, picturesque villages, and abundant lakes and rivers. It is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy some time outdoors in nature. One of the best ways to experience all that Limousin has to offer is to stop at one of its many lakes or rivers for a picnic lunch.

There are numerous idyllic spots to choose from, and each one provides gorgeous views and a chance to relax in peaceful surroundings. Whether you are looking for a romantic spot for two or a place to enjoy a family outing, you are sure to find the perfect spot inLimousin. So why not pack up a picnic and head out to enjoy the beauty of this French region?

Tour Some Of The Famous Chateaus In Limousin

Limousin is a picturesque region of France that is renowned for its fairytale chateau. Many of these castles date back to the Middle Ages when they were built as fortresses to protect against invaders. Today, they are popular tourist destinations, and there are several different ways to tour them. One option is to join a guided group tour, which will take you through the main rooms of the castle and provide information about its history.

Another option is to explore the castle grounds on your own. This way, you can take your time admiring the architecture and imagine what life was like for the noble families who once lived there. Whichever option you choose, touring the Chateau of Limousin is sure to be a magical experience.

Take A Hike In The Mountains For Stunning Views

For those who love the great outdoors, there is no better place to hike than the mountains of Limousin. This region of France is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the country, with towering peaks, verdant valleys, and crystal-clear rivers. The area is also a haven for wildlife, with many rare and endangered species making their home in the mountains.

There are numerous hiking trails to choose from in Limousin, ranging from easy walks to challenging multi-day treks. Regardless of your fitness level, you are sure to find a route that suits your needs. So why not lace up your hiking boots and explore the breathtaking mountains of Limousin?

Sample Some Of The Local Cuisine In One Of The Restaurants Or Cafes

There’s no better way to get a feel for a place than by sampling the local cuisine, and Limousin is no exception. With a diverse range of restaurants and cafes, there’s something to suit every taste. For traditional French fare, head to La Maison du Pain in Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche, where you can enjoy fresh bread and pastries straight from the oven.

Or for something a little different, try La Table du Marche in Meymac, where you can sample dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Whichever restaurant you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a delicious meal and get a taste of the real Limousin.

Relax And Enjoy Your Time In This Picturesque Region Of France

The Limousin region of France is renowned for its picturesque scenery and relaxed atmosphere. The perfect place to enjoy a restful break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Limousin offers a wide range of activities and attractions to suit all tastes. From hiking and cycling through stunning countryside to exploring medieval villages and castles, there is something for everyone in this beautiful region.

And with a wide range of accommodation options to choose from, including traditional farmhouses and chic country hotels, you are sure to find the perfect base for your holiday in Limousin. So if you are looking for a relaxed and enjoyable holiday destination, be sure to add Limousin to your list. You won’t be disappointed!

In conclusion

So there you have it, eight things to do in Limousin, France. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or a fun-filled family holiday, this beautiful region has something for everyone. With stunning scenery, delicious food, and plenty of activities to choose from, Limousin is the perfect destination for your next vacation. We hope you enjoy your time here!

We are here out of a desire to help and of course out of a great love for France. Our goal is to help you find everything you are looking for under one roof, to get the most out of your vacation in France, without having to travel all over the web.

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Limousin Tourism Attractions

Situated in the foothills of the Massif Central, Limousin is a paradise for nature lovers. Famous for ‘Limoges’ porcelain and ‘Aubusson’ tapestries, it also offers many natural heritage sites (Dordogne Valley, Regional Parks of Millevaches and Périgord-Limousin) and some of the “Prettiest Villages of France”.

Made up of still lakes, fast flowing streams, gentle rolling valleys and forested hills Limousin has only recently become popular with tourists looking for off-the-beaten track holidays where the quintessential old-fashioned image of rural France still exists. Discover its medieval villages, granite churches, magnificent countryside and mouth-watering cuisine at your leisure.

Limousin is therefore perfect for easy, calm and isolated holidays in the typical French countryside. Limousin also has some of the most amazing views and castles to visit and still has the old charm of the French culture.

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Home » Travel Guides » France » 15 Best Things to Do in Limoges (France)

15 Best Things to Do in Limoges (France)

Fair to say that Limoges has always been good with its hands: First with its luxuriant painted enamels in the middle ages, and then later when the city became one of the world’s porcelain centres.

The Museum of Fine Arts and Adrien Dubouché will bring you face to face with this extraordinary legacy. Limoges’ Quartier du Château has pockets of enchanting history, like the Rue de la Boucherie, where the old butchers’ guild used to be, and Cour du Temple, a pretty renaissance courtyard.

Spend a day in the Episcopal City, lingering in the botanic gardens, looking over the Vienne River, perusing the Museum of Fine Arts and tip-toeing through the silent cathedral.

Lets explore the best things to do in Limoges :

1. Musée National Adrien Dubouché

Limoges is one of the world’s porcelain capitals and is the rightful home of France’s national museum for this craft.

The attraction is heaven for aficionados, with around 300,000 ceramic items, many of which are implausibly dainty.

The newly refurbished galleries chart the history of ceramics, with examples from all the main stages in its evolution.

So you can see a Yuan Dynasty plate from China and a renaissance earthenware bowl made in Italy in the 1500s.

The first pieces to be made in Limoges’ kilns are here, dating to the 1770s, and the exhibition of local porcelain goes all the way up to the avant-garde creations made by 21st designers.

2. Limoges Cathedral

Limoges has the sort of flamboyant gothic cathedral you normally only get north of River Loire.

And even though it was started in the 1200s and not completed for another six centuries there’s a satisfying consistency to the building.

The interior’s most valuable decorations are from the renaissance.

First you’ve got the rood screen, an ornament that would have separated the chancel from the nave, dating to the 1500s.

It is sculpted with images from the Book of Revelations, and was commissioned by Bishop Jean de Langeac, whose carved tomb is the cathedral’s other precious artwork.

3. Jardin Botanique de l’Evêché

After leaving the cathedral you could wander the five-hectare park arranged on terraces over the steep right bank of the Vienne.

The views from the terrace walls are gorgeous, and you’ll pass a refreshing hour or two investigating the various gardens.

With more than 1,000 species the botanical gardens are laid out by theme, so you’ll see plots of plants for food colouring, medicinal plants, a vegetable garden and plants used in traditional trades like tanning and dyeing.

There’s also a French parterre with precision-trimmed symmetrical lawns, fountains, boxwoods, the sculpture garden for the Museum of Fine Arts and lots of places to sit and reflect for a few minutes.

4. Cour du Temple

Connecting Rue de Temple and Rue du Consulat is a fabulous 17th-century public courtyard that you have to enter through a dim passageway.

This soon opens out onto a lovely cobblestoned space enclosed by four-storey timber-framed mansions.

On the ground floor there’s an arcade, with carved capitals, linking each building, now filled in with shops.

And then on the first floor, on the Rue du Consulat side, is a fine renaissance stone gallery with a communal stairway.

5. Musée des Beaux-Arts

Every French city has a Museum of Fine Arts, but few are as indispensable as the one in Limoges.

First off, the setting is delightful, in the former Episcopal palace next to the cathedral.

The galleries have just been updated too, and has a layout that draws you in and keeps you riveted for hours.

You’ll get to see one of the world’s richest collections of enamel, which was a Limoges speciality from the 1100s onwards.

Then there are paintings by Matisse, Renoir and Fernand Léger, to name three of the most famous artists.

For ancient history you have 4,000-year-old funerary artefacts from the Egyptian Middle Kingdom, donated by a local industrialist, and all of the major finds from the Roman city of Augustoritum , which became Limoges.

6. Rue de la Boucherie

One street suffused with a medieval atmosphere is Rue de la Boucherie (Street of the Butchers)  in the Quartier du Château.

You won’t need telling that this is where the butchers’ guild used to be, but you may be interested to know that the entire guild was descended from just six families.

The Maison de la Boucherie will show you how they went about their jobs, with a slaughterhouse, livestock enclosure, cabinets for knives and saws and a large chopping block.

Go upstairs to see where the proprietors and their families would have lived and climb up to the loft, used for curing meats.

7. Musée de la Résistance

Limousin was a Resistance hotbed during the Second World War, and the massacres at nearby Tulle and Oradour-sur-Glane were the sad cost paid for this rebellious spirit.

So it’s right that there should be a museum in Limoges dedicated to the Maquis du Limoges, which was one of the largest groups of French Resistance fighters.

There’s a lot of information about the invasion and the Vichy government to give you some context, and then all kinds of artefacts relating to the Maquis: An Underwood typewriter, makeshift torture devices, a Weirod gun used by the British SOE and the deportation uniform worn by the captured “résistante”, Thérèse Menot.

8. Chapelle Saint-Aurélien

When this dinky chapel in the Butchers’ district was sold off as a national property after the Revolution it was bought by a member of the former butchers’ guild (disbanded in the Revolution), and has remained in their hands since.

The chapel was built in the 1400s, and despite being so small that you could easily miss it going past, there’s some precious liturgical decoration inside.

There’s a 15th-century statue of St. Catherine, and a composite sculpture of St. Anne and the Virgin with Child, from the same time.

9. Gare des Bénédictins

OK, so a railway station might not usually be high on your sightseeing itinerary, but Gare des Bénédictins is among the most beautiful in Europe, and has a few special idiosyncrasies.

One is that the whole structure was built on a huge 90×70-metre platform suspended right on top of the ten railway lines.

The hall and its tower were completed in 1929 with art deco and neoclassical characteristics, and was designed by Roger Gonthier, who furnished Limoges with a few other art deco buildings in the 20s.

Inside check out the stained glass skylight in the copper dome that was restored after a fire in 1928.

10. Église Saint-Pierre-du-Queyroix

This modest-looking church in the Quartier du Château was built between the 1200s and 1500s, and has many interesting features to look out for.

The steeple has a format that is replicated across Limousin, with a square base and an octagonal design at the top.

Then you have to pause by the stained glass windows, made in the 1500s by Léonard Pénicaud, who was one of Limoges’ renaissance enamel whizzes.

Inside are gilded wooden statues in the baroque style from the 1600s and 1700s.

11. Historic Bridges

Pont Saint-Martial crosses the Vienne to the south of the city and dates to 1215. But it wasn’t the first bridge on this site, as it was built on the foundations of a Gallo-Roman crossing.

That structure had survived all the way up to the 1100s when it was destroyed by English King Henry II to punish the city for betraying him.

A few hundred metres upriver is Pont Saint-Étienne, which is on the pilgrimage route, The Way of St. James and was completed in 1203. It has seven gothic arches and like Pont Saint-Martial is considered one of the best-preserved medieval bridges in France.

12. Château de Chalucet

Château de Chalucet was once the largest fortress in Limousin, designed purely for warfare and is testament to the centuries of fighting that beset this part of France.

It dates to the 1200s and rises high on a wooded spur at the confluence of the Ligoure and Briance rivers, all in the middle of a 40-hectare forest park.

The keep, Tour Jeannette has been restored and you can reach the top of its battlements via a metal stairway.

From there you can see the ruins of the lower castrum, where the  chapel and the remains of a small village have been excavated.

13. Parc Zoo du Reynou

This zoo has some 600 animals in the grounds of a 19th-century château belonging to the Haviland porcelain dynasty.

Giraffes, antelopes, lions, tapirs, cheetahs, panthers and snow leopards are all here in generous enclosures, where certain species are allowed to mix as they would in the wild.

The visitors’ trail twists through the landscaped parks and woodland for more than five kilometres.

At the mini-farm kids can make friends with ponies, rabbits, goats and miniature donkeys, and see regional farm breeds, like the cul-noir “black butt” pig, so called for its large black patches on its rear end.

14. Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat

Make the brief drive to this village east of Limoges to see the UNESCO-listed collegiate church.

The Church of Saint-Léonard is a romanesque masterpiece, built in the 11th and 12th centuries and unchanged since then.

Its bell tower is a perfect example of that Limousin steeple also visible at Saint-Pierre-du-Queyroix, with four square levels topped by two octagonal floors.

You can find St. Leonard’s tomb inside, under his symbolic prison chains.

Leonard was a 6th-century Frankish noble who converted to Christianity and made it his mission to liberate prisoners deemed worthy of freedom, becoming the patron saint prisoners after he was beatified.

15. Oradour-sur-Glane

Northwest of Limoges is a ghost village frozen in time after a massacre on June 10 1944, when 642 civilians were killed by the German SS. After the war Charles de Gaulle ordered the village to be kept as a memorial and so now Oradour-sur-Glane’s buildings and the many items left behind by its inhabitants are slowly decaying.

In the theatre there’s a 10-minute presentation to give you the background to the massacre, which was claimed to have been a retaliation for Resistance activity and the kidnapping of an SS major.

15 Best Things to Do in Limoges (France):

• Musée National Adrien Dubouché
• Limoges Cathedral
• Jardin Botanique de l'Evêché
• Cour du Temple
• Musée des Beaux-Arts
• Rue de la Boucherie
• Musée de la Résistance
• Chapelle Saint-Aurélien
• Gare des Bénédictins
• Église Saint-Pierre-du-Queyroix
• Historic Bridges
• Château de Chalucet
• Parc Zoo du Reynou
• Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat
• Oradour-sur-Glane

Must-see attractions in Limoges

Musée des Beaux Arts

The city’s wonderful art museum is inside the beautifully restored 18th-century bishops’ palace. Get an overview of the town's history through Roman…

Musée National Adrien Dubouché

This museum, founded in 1845, has one of France’s two outstanding ceramics collections (the other is in Sèvres, southwest of Paris), so it’s a must for…

Cathédrale St-Étienne

Built between 1273 and 1888, Limoges’ Gothic cathedral is worth a visit for the Flamboyant-style Portail St-Jean, as well as a glorious rose window, a…

Église St-Michel des Lions

Named for the two granite lions flanking its door, Église St-Michel des Lions was built between the 14th and 16th centuries. It contains the relics …

Rue de la Boucherie

Pedestrianised rue de la Boucherie was named for the butchers’ shops that lined the street in the Middle Ages. Today it has many attractive medieval half…

Porcelaine Royal Limoges

One of the oldest porcelain factories, dating from 1797, offers guided tours by reservation, and has the 19.5m-high Four des Casseaux, the only surviving…

Musée de la Résistance

The Limousin was a stronghold of the Resistance during WWII, and this museum explores the story of their struggle against German occupation through…

Pavillon du Verdurier

Around Limoges, look out for porcelain and enamel tiles on many buildings, including the Pavillon du Verdurier, a beautiful octagonal building dating from…

Four des Casseaux

Four des Casseaux is the only surviving 18th-century brick kiln used in Limoges' porcelain factories. It's part of the factory of Porcelaine Royal Limoges…

Gare des Bénédictins

Completed in 1929, Limoges' train station is one of France’s most resplendent. It was designed by Roger Gonthier and is graced by a copper dome, carved…

Jardin de l’Évêché

Alongside Cathédrale St-Étienne, Limoges’ beautiful botanical garden stretches down towards the river, with super views. Medicinal and toxic herbs have…

Offers guided tours of porcelain production, from raw material to finished pieces. The factory is 1km northwest of Limoges’ centre.

Chapelle St-Aurélien

Tiny 1475 Chapelle Saint-Aurélien, dedicated to the patron saint of butchers, was acquired and maintained by the butchers' guild.

Crypt of St Martial

All that remains of the once-great pilgrimage point St-Martial abbey, founded in AD 848, is a faint outline on place de la République, and an underground…

Chemin de Fer Touristique Limousin–Périgord

Clamber aboard carriages pulled by a 1932 steam engine on the Chemin Touristique Limousin–Périgord to watch the Limousin’s fields and forests roll by. The…

Cour du Temple

Tucked away between rue du Temple and rue du Consulat, this tiny enclosed courtyard is surrounded by 16th-century hôtels particuliers (private mansions)…

Maison de la Boucherie

The Maison de la Boucherie houses a small history museum, and nearby is the tiny Chapelle Saint-Aurélien, dedicated to the patron saint of butchers.

Église St-Pierre du Queyroix

The moody late-Gothic Église St-Pierre du Queyroix is notable for its characteristic Limousin belfry and stained glass.

Screens a short film and has a small museum; 3km southeast of Limoges’ centre.

Cité des Métiers et des Arts

Showcases work by top members of France’s craft guilds.

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Saint-Julien-le-Chatel tourism and travel guide

Photo is of Aubusson at 20 km from Saint-Julien-le-Chatel

Visit Saint-Julien-le-Chatel: highlights and tourist information

Saint-Julien-le-Chatel is situated in the Creuse department and Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.

Below you can see some of the places that we have visited and reviewed and can recommend when you are sightseeing close to Saint-Julien-le-Chatel in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

Popular places to visit nearby include Aubusson at 20 km and Montlucon at 36 km.

Saint-Julien-le-Chatel, France: places to visit and attractions

Note that all distances below are 'direct' and real driving distances will be greater!

Lake Vassiviere

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Map of places to visit near saint-julien-le-chatel, markets in and near saint-julien-le-chatel.

• Lavaveix-les-Mines: market Thursday (15km)
• Ahun: market Wednesday (17km)
• Aubusson: market Saturday (20km)
• Auzances: market Tuesday (20km)
• Boussac: market Thursday (26km)
• Felletin: market Friday (27km)
• Gueret: market Thursday all day & Saturday all day (31km)
• Pionsat: market Friday (33km)
• Domerat: market Friday (34km)
• Neris-les-Bains: market Thursday & Sunday (36km)

More information about Saint-Julien-le-Chatel, Limousin

Tourist attractions near saint-julien-le-chatel, france.

What to do at Saint-Julien-le-Chatel? Some places with official tourist classifications and other places of interest to visit nearby that should provide inspiration if you are visiting Saint-Julien-le-Chatel.

Recommended detour towns (fr: plus beau détour)

• Aubusson (20km)
• Neris-les-Bains (36km)

Remarkable gardens

• Jardins du château d'Ainay-le-Vieil (32km)

Sites of natural beauty

• Pierres Jaumetres (19km)
• Lac de Vassivière (47km)

Towns of Art and history

• Montlucon (36km)

Villages d'etape

(recommended place to break a long journey)

• Gouzon (9km)

Geography and distances

Saint-Julien-le-Chatel is in the southern-centre of France at 31 kilometres from Gueret, the department capital (general information: Saint-Julien-le-Chatel is 304 kilometres from Paris).

Geographical Information

Commune: Saint-Julien-le-Chatel

Canton: Chambon-sur-Voueize

Arrondissement: Aubusson

Department: Creuse

Region: Limousin

New region: Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Postcode: 23130

Distance to Saint-Julien-le-Chatel

from Gueret (prefecture): 31 km

from Paris: 304 km

from Calais: 538 km

from Nice: 476 km

from Bordeaux: 264 km

from Strasbourg: 495 km

Getting here

For driving distances to Saint-Julien-le-Chatel from anywhere in France see driving distances and route planner .

We have 7 other places listed as being close (less than kilometres from ): Le Chauchet , Peyrat-la-Noniere , Pierrefitte , Saint-Chabrais , Saint-Loup , Saint-Priest and Tardes .

This page in French: Visiter Saint-Julien-le-Chatel

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