Have you ever thought of having an escape in Limoges? First of all, you are asking what to do there, so this article is for you. You will find the 11 best things to do in Limoges. Located in the southwest of France, Limoges is a city known worldwide for its porcelain. Decorated Limoges porcelain is the main theme of the Adrien Dubouché National Museum. However, the city is not limited to this activity, it is also the ideal destination for lovers of architecture and history. There are so many beautiful places to see and many things to do in Limoges. With its Gothic cathedral, its half-timbered houses, and its authentic medieval quarter, Limoges is full of exciting places to visit.
Designated a “UNESCO creative city” in 2017, Limoges has shone for centuries with its mastery of the arts of fire. Here is the route to follow so as not to miss anything of this city rich in history, the capital of Limousin. Despite its 130,000 inhabitants, the capital of Limousin is a city surrounded by nature. Visiting Limoges means discovering a city regularly cited in the top places where you can “live well in France”! Let’s explore the 11 best things to do in Limoges.
Limoges Cathedral
No one can come to Limoges without seeing Saint-Etienne Cathedral, an emblematic monument of the city. For good reason, this religious building has spanned the ages and eras. Its construction began in 1273 and was only completed during the 19th century. With its Gothic-inspired facade, Saint-Etienne Cathedral does not go unnoticed and appeals to all architecture lovers. At night, its majestic Saint-Jean portal shines brightly under the lights and offers visitors an exceptional spectacle. If the facade of this immense building is worth the detour, so is its interior. As you pass through the doors of Saint-Etienne Cathedral, you will discover a magnificent rood screen whose decor is typical of that of the Renaissance.
Adrien Dubouche Museum
No one knows that Limoges is the world city of porcelain! It would therefore be a shame to miss the Adrien Dubouché Museum, the Limoges porcelain specialist! Founded in 1845, this establishment offers a large collection of porcelain. It is also the richest collection of porcelain in the entire world! You will also find various works representative of the main stages in the history of ceramics. A true showcase of the region’s know-how, the Adrien Dubouché Museum is a place of culture not to be missed. Note that temporary cultural exhibitions are regularly organized. The latter, depending on the period, covers various themes.
The Aurence park of Limoges
Want a walk in the fresh air? Welcome to Parc de Laurence, a real little corner of greenery in the heart of the city! With its pretty lawns, century-old trees, small paths, children’s play area, and wooded area, the place is perfect for a family walk. Whether it’s cycling, picking flowers, picnicking, running or simply sitting under a tree to read a good book, everyone can go about their business in peace. The Aurence park is also an animal garden housing many farm animals such as goats or sheep, to the delight of children! You will have understood, that this green space is simply ideal for a relaxing afternoon. It is recommended by us as the 11 best things to do in Limoges.
Aquapolis of Limoges
Aquapolis is a bit of a water paradise! If you feel like going to cool off, don’t hesitate to discover Aquapolis, a water park that will please young and old alike. Perfectly furnished, this space offers an aquatic zone, a wellness zone, a fitness zone, an aesthetic zone, and a restaurant in case you feel peckish! You will find several pools there, and even a corner reserved for children. This will be the ideal opportunity to allow your little ones to familiarize themselves with water and the world of the swimming pool. Adults, for their part, can practice various fun activities such as aqua gym for example. In all seasons, Aquapolis is the perfect place to splash around in the water in complete safety.
The Temple Courtyard
The courtyard of the Temple is one of those places full of charm that is good to wander around. Hidden between Rue du Consulat and Rue du Temple, this pretty cobbled square lined with half-timbered buildings and open galleries is the perfect place to relax. Very authentic, it represents a real little corner of medieval paradise for tourists and locals alike. A true shaded refuge during the summer, sitting on the terrace to drink a coffee or enjoy a treat is always pleasant. Day or night, this space in the heart of the old town is worth the detour! Don’t hesitate to take a look.
Four des Casseaux
Still on the theme of porcelain, the emblem of Limoges, don’t hesitate to stop by the Four des Casseaux! For good reason, the Casseaux oven is one of the last 5 porcelain ovens in the city. Both a technical and historical site, the establishment is open to the public. Through inimitable know-how, visitors discover all the pasta manufacturing processes right down to the pouring and grading of the pasta. While visiting the premises, you will also notice the presence of tools and machines from the period, recalling the evolution of porcelain through the ages. Between a museum and an artisan workshop, the Four des Casseaux is a must-visit during your stay in Limoges.
The Bishop’s Garden
If you like plants, come and take a stroll in the Evêché garden! This botanical garden located in the heart of Limoges is the ideal place to admire a wide variety of plant species. There are nearly 1,200 different plants that live in this park. Throughout your journey, you will be immersed in varied atmospheres through pretty natural settings. Remarkably maintained, this little corner of urban greenery offers a real break of calm and serenity. With its terraces overlooking the Vienne, the view is also exceptional. Don’t forget your camera to capture this postcard-worthy panorama.
La Petite Graine
During the holidays, it’s always nice to put your feet under the table. If you want a meal that is both healthy and tasty, La Petite Graine is the place! La Petite Graine is a welcoming restaurant located in the city of Limoges. His particuliarity? Veganism! The place is entirely devoted to plant-based cuisine. I promise you will be pleasantly surprised! Far from clichés, the recipes offered at La Petite Graine are ultra-gourmet and creative. What’s more, everything is prepared with love, using fresh, seasonal products! We wish you great culinary discoveries in advance. It is one of the most interesting places to visit in Limoges.
Saint-Etienne Bridge
Today, the Saint-Etienne bridge is entirely reserved for pedestrians. This is therefore the ideal opportunity to explore this place rich in history. Lying on La Vienne, the Saint-Etienne bridge has existed for almost 8 centuries. Classified as a historic monument, this stone construction is a real antique that is worth the detour! It will also be an opportunity for a walk in the fresh air, on foot or by bike, with your partner or with the children… Let your desires speak! Just opposite is the Saint-Martial bridge, which is also worth your visit. Just like the Saint-Etienne bridge, the latter has also survived the ages and offers a very pretty view of La Vienne.
Limoges Bénédictin Station
A train station, it must be admitted, is always useful for getting around! However, Limoges station is not limited to its practicality. Known as the Bénédictin station, this building is also particularly aesthetic. Every year, many tourists are seduced by its most original architecture! This ultra-design building displays very different styles with its campanile and dome. For the record, know that an advertisement for the famous Chanel brand was even filmed in these places! The monument is also very regularly represented on various postcards, official photographs of the region, and porcelain objects. A true work of art for some, the Bénédictins station undeniably knows how to stand out from the others. Don’t miss out on passing this pretty construction.
The Francophone Multimedia Library
For a moment, abandon screens and social networks to return to the essential: books. If you like reading, the Limoges Francophone Multimedia Library will be your little corner of paradise! From novels to comics, personal development books, and cooking recipes, there is something for everyone in this establishment. Whatever your style of book, you will find what you are looking for. Even more, the building is so well-appointed that it will make you want to read for hours. In rainy weather, the Francophone Multimedia Library is the ideal activity during the holidays! This will be an opportunity to introduce young people to the pleasures of reading, as well as to treat themselves to some real relaxation time. Under certain conditions, you can even borrow your favorite books.
The 11 Best Things to Do in Limoges France
- Saint-Etienne Cathedral
- Adrien Dubouché Museum
- The Aurence park
- Aquapolis
- The Temple Courtyard
- Four des Casseaux
- The Bishop’s Garden
- La Petite Graine
- Saint-Etienne Bridge
- The Bénédictin Station
- The Francophone Multimedia Library