Things to do in Limoges
Place de la Cathédrale
Limoges is known for its wealth of beautiful architecture and the Place de la Cathedrále is no exception. This flamboyant, gothic cathedral is testament to patience to achieve perfection, having taken six centuries to complete. Every intricate carving and flawless sculpture here is an example of the love and dedication poured into every inch of this stunning setting.
Make sure you check out the carved tomb of Bishop Jean de Langeac and the sculpted images from the Book of Revelations.
Gare de Limoges-Bénédictins Railway Station
The Benedictine train station in the center of Limoges has been a listed historical building since 1975. Its fantastic carved walls and ornate glass windows were made famous across the globe by a 2009 advert for Chanel N°5 perfume.
Just over the road, you’ll find the Champ de Juliette gardens, where you can admire the picturesque exterior of the station, framed perfectly by towering trees and lush green grass.
Botanical gardens
Limoges’s botanical gardens are home to more than 1,200 different species of plant, making it a journey into the wonderful world of nature. Visit in the summer months and be washed away by the aromatic scent of 1,000 rose bushes, bursting with colour as the gardens start to bloom.
The garden also houses glittering fountains and a grand sculpture garden that leads to the Museum of Fine Art.
Best museums in Limoges
The Adrien Dubouché National Museum
Limoges is often called the City of Ceramics and there’s no better place to get an insight into why than at The Adrien Dubouché museum. Housing examples of the very first porcelain pieces to be made using the city’s kilns, this is a journey through time, exploring the very roots of what makes Limoges what it is today. Some of the oldest pieces on display date back to the 1770s, while newer collections include a raft of modernist takes on this historic art form.
Le Souterrain de la Règle
Descend below the city for an underground tour of the cavities sitting below its oldest streets Dating back to the Roman times, many of these spaces were originally used as storage when Limoges was a bustling market town awash with trading activity, and today give a unique insight into the city’s past.
The Fine Arts Museum
This stunning 18th-century structure has a long history with Limoges, having been its fire station, hospital and other important centres throughout the years. Today, it is home to the Fine Arts Museum, where you’ll find many artistic treasures from across the globe. Look out for works by Renoir, who was born in Limoges.
Best places to stay in Limoges
Dupain & Dubeurre
The bright, colorful, and unique rooms of the Dupain & Dubeurre make for a fantastic stay in the heart of Limoges. Its central location is perfect for sightseeing and exploring the art and history of the city.
Villa 13
For modern studio apartments in a chic townhouse setting, Villa is the place to stay. The elegant rooms come with an ornate balcony, double bed, and kitchenette for a relaxing, self-catering stay.