Limoges (Haute-Vienne)

St Etienne Cathedral Limoges

Saint Martial Bridge Limoges

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Limoges (Haute-Vienne) mini guide

Limoges is the administrative capital of the Limousin région.

Limoges is probably best known worldwide for its 19th century porcelain (Limoges) and its medieval enamels on copper but it may not be as well known for its oak barrels used for Cognac production.

As you explore the town, don’t miss the superb ceramic fountain opposite the Hôtel de Ville, the decorations on the covered market at the Place de la Motte and the astonishing funerary plaques in the Louyat cemetery.

To soak up the town’s long association with china, the national china museum Adrien Dubouché located at, 8bis, Place Winston Churchill, is a must. The unique collections include Limoges ware but also china from all over the world. The museum is closed on Tuesdays.

The Gothic cathedral in Limoges is also worth a visit and lies on a plateau looking out over the river Vienne. The cathedral is surrounded by the botanical garden or Jardin de L'Eveche with its medicinal herbs and flowers. To the west of the cathedral is the old quarter with its narrow streets and half-timbered houses.

In 1959 Limoges was the birthplace of the comic character Astérix.

Besides pottery and siteseeing, a variety of leisure activities are available:

• 5 swimming pools, with one Olympic size pool
• 1 Olympic skating rink
• 1 baseball field
• 1 18-hole golf course, 55 hectares (6,222 m long)
• 40 large sports fields
• 27 gymnasiums
• 50 tennis courts
• 1 climbing wall
• 1 skateboard track
• 1 dojo/fencing gym
• 2 mountain bike trails
• 1 covered petanque (bowls) arena

Limoges has theatres, museums, art galleries offering the descerning visitor cultural entertainment.

Numerous parks are available and the Vienne river offers wonderful areas with a number of different activities to spend the day. The region has numerous lakes providing the opportunity for various water sports.

The region has numerous lakes providing the opportunity for various water sports.