Limoges is the capital of the Haute-Vienne region in southwest France. It’s famous for its porcelain manufacturing industry and there are lots to see, do and enjoy there.

Potty for Pottery

Fans of The Antiques Road Show will know that Limoges Porcelain is the crème de la crème, the best in the world, and it all started in 1768 when a kaolin quarry, a major component of making porcelain, was discovered close to the city. To this day the town of Limoges is peppered with stores selling cups and saucers of every size, shape and style. You’ll find a marvelous array of dinner services, teapots, ornaments and lights in quirky shops and huge warehouses of porcelain.

There are plenty of porcelain specialists to visit in Limoges but one of the best is Bernadaud. There you can learn more about the history of the town’s famous product in their museum as well as buy some of the finest tableware. The real deal is translucent, just hold it up to the light and you’ll see the faint glow through the solid fine china. What to see and do in Limoges:

What to see and do in Limoges:

Porcelain fans will love the Adrien Dubouché National Museum of Porcelain with over 10,000 porcelain and earthenware pieces from all over the world, a must-see for ceramics fans.

Limoges Enamel: Just as famous as the porcelain is the enamel work. The first Champléve enamel was created in Limoges in the 12th Century. Today enamellists are reviving a tradition that’s thriving and developing. Try your hand at enamelling at the Maison d’Email (nothing to do with the internet, email means enamel in French), but book in advance to be sure of a place, cost approximately 10 Euros for lesson and for equipment to make your own enamel souvenir…

Musée des Beaux Arts: The city’s impressive art museum is inside a beautifully restored 18th-century bishops’ palace. Enjoy the views over the city from the pretty gardens…

Rue de la Boucherie: Pedestrianised rue de la Boucherie was named for the butchers’ shops that lined the street in the Middle Ages, the timber buildings are quite beautiful…

Eat, drink and be merry: Relax at a terrace café, enjoy a meal at a restaurant – there’s a whole lot of choice here. Try Le Bistrot Jourdan for authentic atmosphere, lovely setting and great food.

Fresh air and glorious countryside: Get out and about to discover picturesque villages and lush green countryside, places like Lupersat (above), a typical Limousin village with a great little restaurant, La Bistrot d’Emile ( 2 route de Sermur) where you can watch the bread being made for lunch and buy wine to take home. Not too far away is Aubusson, the centre of excellence when it came to tapestries.

For information on what to see and do in Limousin visit: www.tourismelimousin.com

French Connections have loads of lovely holiday homes available in and around Limoges from gorgeous cottages to grand chateaux - making your holiday dreams come true...