Capital of porcelain and of the Limousin region, the city of Limoges has preserved beautiful evidence of its over 2,000-year-old history.
Key monument of the city, the Saint-Etienne cathedral is a remarkable example of Gothic art. Of particular interest for visitors are the north portal of Flamboyant Gothic style, the Renaissance rood screen and the three tombs of the chancel.
Next to the cathedral, the gardens of the Bishop's palace spread out as magnificent terraces overlooking the River Vienne. A great place for a stroll and to admire the numerous plants of the botanical garden.
Adjoining the gardens, the Diocese municipal museum, located in the former Bishop's palace, is home to collections of Limousin enamels and Impressionist paintings.
Next stop are the streets of Limoges old town, in particular the Boucherie street, which offers a really picturesque setting with its charming Saint-Aurélien chapel dating from the 15th century and its old timber-framed houses. In the old days, numerous meat stalls used to fill this street. Today, the Butcher traditional house is open to visitors from July to September, and evokes the butchers' corporation of the Middle Ages. Every third Friday of October, the Boucherie street is home to an important gastronomic festival, the “Frairie des Petits Ventres”, during which the specialties of Limousin are presented. A culinary meeting not to be missed!
Close by, the Motte square is overlooked by the typically Limousin bell tower of the church Saint-Michel-des-Lions, and is particularly pleasant and lively with its café terraces. On this square, you can also admire beautiful covered market hall of the 19th century, decorated with a porcelain frieze, which are home to a market of local products.
To enjoy a magnificent view of the cathedral and the picturesque Saint-Etienne bridge spanning the Vienne River, walkers should go to the bank opposite to the old town.
Located in the heart of the region of Aquitaine, in the department of Haute-Vienne, Limoges is now the second most populated city behind Bordeaux. Nicknamed the red city or the Rome of socialism because of its tradition of votes to the left, the municipality was also recognized city of Art and History in the late 2000s.
Limoges, which takes place on the first foothills of the Massif Central, takes its name from the Lémovices, a tribe settled there during the Roman conquest. The ancient Augustoritum became Limoges only at the beginning of the 6th century, before becoming a great city of Aquitaine from the twelfth century. Becoming a French town in the 16th century, it was strongly affected by the Counter-reform of the 17th century, before experiencing a major industrial boom in the 19th century.
Nowadays, as a major tourist destination, the capital of porcelain highlights not only its architectural and cultural heritage, but also its exceptional natural sites. The city has also put in place an important campaign to renovate its most important sites.
Classified as Historic Monuments, the Saint-Etienne cathedral is located in the heart of the old quarter of the city. Gothic style radiating and flamboyant, it was built in the thirteenth century and saw its works extend until the XIXe century. Inside, one can appreciate the magnificent tomb of Bishop Jean de Langeac covered with sculptures of the Apocalypse inspired by the work of Dürer. In some chapels of the building are some paintings from the medieval period. The gardens of the Évêché, located not far away, extend as far as the Vienne to offer a very pleasant walk. Next to it, the old episcopal palace hosts a municipal museum rich in Impressionist collections, as well as Limousin enamels.
A fine example of a church-hall in the Plantagenet estate, the church of Saint-Michel-des-Lions, in Gothic style, owes its name to two Gallo-Roman lions who guard its entrance. Classified as Historic Monuments, it reveals a bell tower typical of the Limousin style, surmounted by a strange metallic ball. One can see in its interior stained glass windows and Pietàs of the 15th century, as well as a statue of Saint Valerie dating from the same time. Opposite, the market halls of the nineteenth century still shelter a market of the terroir, and have on their facade an interesting frieze in porcelain.
In the old town of Limoges, you will appreciate the half-timbered houses, as well as the chapel Saint-Aurélien dating from the 15th century. It houses the relics of Saint Aurelian, the patron of the butchers. From July to September, you can visit the house of the Boucherie which testifies of the activities of this corporation in the Middle Ages. The town also unveils beautiful mansions, such as that of Estienne de la Rivière (19th century) or that of Maledent de Feytiat, a 17th century building listed in the Historic Monuments.
Classified as Historic Monuments, the former Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Martial was an important place in art, law, science or technology in medieval times. Built in the IXth century on an ancient Gallo-Roman site, it houses a crypt welcoming the relics of Saint Martial and Saint Valerie.
The architecture of Limoges is not lacking in charm, as evidenced by the remarkable places of the city. You will be seduced by the red brick buildings of the place Denis-Dussoubs, or by the courtyard of the Temple and its mansions of the seventeenth century. One can admire Italian galleries and Renaissance staircases.
Several museums are also present as the Adrien Dubouché Museum on porcelain, earthenware or glass, the Museum of Fine Arts, or the Resistance which reveals the history of the Second World War in Haute-Vienne.
The town of Limoges has a significant natural heritage and is awarded four flowers in the Contest of Flower Towns and Villages in France. Be sure to visit the Jardin d'Orsay, the oldest green space in the city, to admire the vestiges of a Gallo-Roman amphitheater, a playground and a botanical garden. The Champ de Juillet and its statues, the Victor-Thuillat park and its classified trees, or the park of Auzette and its green castle are equally remarkable.
Sixteen markets take place from Tuesday to Saturday in the morning. A Christmas market is held in December. An artists' market takes place at the beginning of September.
Every two years, the contemporary dance biennial of Limoges unveils its shows in January. The next edition will take place in 2018.
A popular literary festival, Reading at Limoges is organized between the end of March and the beginning of April. Ranked among the ten biggest literary events in France, it offers dedications, meetings and other conferences.
In May, the festival Coquelicontes offers shows and readings in its various libraries.
Every year in June and September, the different green spaces of Limoges host thematic exhibitions honoring flowers and plants.
Urb'aka, a free urban festival, takes place every year in June.
The urban day takes place in the Jardin d'Orsay in July. The event proposes to discover street art, urban art, battles with many artists.
During the summer season, open-air cinema projections are offered.
Every third Friday in October, Limoges hosts a gastronomic party in the Rue de la Boucherie, the Frairie des Petits Ventres.
In November the jazz festival Eclats d'Email offers concerts.
LAVITRINE Invite Trois Artistes du CAC23bis, Jean Bonichon, Aurélien Mauplot, Marjorie Méa - Limoges
- From 16 march to 3 may 2024
- 4 Rue Raspail
- Based in Limoges since 2003, the LAVITRINE (lac&s) association is a key player in the Limousin contemporary art scene. Its activities revolve around supporting the presentation, production and mediation of works by artists whose creative and research approaches are rooted in the present day. - For this exhibition, LAVITRINE (lac&s) has invited three artists from CAC23bis, Jean Bonichon, Aurélien Mauplot and Marjorie Méa. The opening will take place on March 16 at 6pm. - The venue is open to all, free of charge and without reservation.
Le Petit Train Touristique de Limoges - Avril-Mai-Juin
- From 1 april to 30 june 2024
- 12 boulevard de Fleurus
- April - May - June - Departure at 11am - 2:30pm - 3:30pm - Every day during school vacations (all zones) including public holidays. Does not run on Sundays. - Outside school vacations, only runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays. - Lémovice tour : - Hôtel de région, Cathedral, Pavillon du Verdurier, Hôtel de Ville. Rue de la Boucherie, Les Halles, Musée national Adrien Dubouché, Place Denis Dussoubs and Gare des Bénédictins. - Duration 50-55min. - In addition to the Petit-Train, you can discover an electric Tuk-Tuk ! And a Benedictine (ideal for people with reduced mobility). - Information and reservations by phone or on the website (link).
Les Printemps Sportifs Nature
- From 2 april to 14 june 2024
- 35 boulevard de Beaublanc, Palais des Sports
- The Printemps Sportifs program gives people over 50 (who are not licensed in their chosen discipline) the opportunity to practice one or more physical activities adapted to their level of fitness in a friendly atmosphere over eight sessions - Participants can choose from a wide range of activities : aquagym, padel, outdoor yoga, getting back into - And discovery of electric-assist bicycles, pétanque, boules lyonnaises, stand-up paddle, walking - 6 km max, rowing, walking soccer, clay tennis, golf, hiking, - Canoeing. - Information and registration on the website (link).
Décors de Saison Boucles d'Oreilles en Porcelaine - Atelier Chamothé - Limoges
- From 8 april to 8 may 2024
- 6 Place des Jacobins, Atelier Chamothé
- From 10 am to 6 pm. - For Mother's Day, come and create a pair of porcelain earrings ! During a 1h30 session, you'll cast, engrave and color the porcelain to create your jewelry. After firing, she'll be able to wear them ! - For ages 6 and up, please reserve by e-mail (link). - 35 ? For your creation, mounted in 925 sterling silver.
Exposition Jardin Immuable by Mathilde Sauce - Limoges
- From 10 april to 4 may 2024
- 15 Rue du Canal, Galerie du Canal
- April 10 to May 4. - Jardin Immuable presents a series of sculptures on a variety of scales, in mineral, plant, aquatic and carnal forms. Mathilde Sauce's creations invite immersion in a mysteriously gentle and joyfully intriguing world. Each piece evokes the curiosity and discoveries of childhood. Her world, vibrant with color, reminds us that the world is full of wonders that can be explored through art. - The vernissage will take place on Wednesday April 10 from 6.30pm. - Free admission. General public - Information by phone (link). - Open during Canal Gallery opening hours (below).
Expo Céramique Jardin Immuable de Mathilde Sauce
- From 10 april to 4 may 2024
- 15 Rue du Canal, Galerie du Canal
- The exhibition Jardin immuable plunges the viewer into a singular universe, where mineral, plant and aquatic forms, often carnal, reveal the strangeness and beauty of living things
Les Printemps de l'Art - Pavillon du Verdurier - Limoges
- From 16 to 28 april 2024
- Pavillon du Verdurier, Place Saint-Pierre
- Association A.R.T. exhibits works by 35 artists, including Martina Segler, at the Pavillon du Verdurier. - The exhibition features paintings, sculptures, ceramics, enamels, fusing, stained glass and poetry. - Free admission
Ateliers Escalade Vacances Scolaires - Climb Up Limoges
- From 16 to 26 april 2024
- 25 Rue de Douai, Climp Up Limoges
- Introduce your children to climbing at the Ateliers. - From 1h to 3h of climbing and games to climb, progress and have fun at heights. - - Ateliers Bout ? Chou (4-5 years) 1h supervised activity - From April 16 to 19 and from April 23 to 26. - - Children ? S workshops (6-8 years) 2h of supervised activities - April 16 to 19 and 23 to 26. - - Ateliers Jeunes (9-16 yrs) 2h30 of supervised activities + Snacks - April 16 to 18 and 23 to 25. - Don ? T hesitate to book your slot now to make sure you have room. - Reservations can be made online on the website or at the reception desk. - For further information, call 09 80 74 89 28.
Visites Guidées au Four des Casseaux - Limoges
- From 19 april to 9 may 2024
- 1 Rue Victor Duruy, Musée du Four des Casseaux
- The Casseaux kiln museum invites you to take part in a 1h30 guided tour of this unique 19th and 20th century heritage site, which traces the history of the porcelain industry. - Book by phone or e-mail (link).
Le Super Petit Chaperon Rouge - Comédie de Limoges
- From 23 to 27 april 2024
- 1 Rue de la Cité, Comédie de Limoges
- At 3:33pm - Duration 50min. - What if Little Red Riding Hood had more than one trick up her sleeve ? - Little Red Riding Hood has to visit her grandmother, who lives in a little house deep in the forest. - On her mother's advice, she mustn't dawdle on the way ? But that's without taking into account a lost princess, a hungry wolf, novice musicians and other colorful fairytale characters. Will she make it to her grandmother ? - Ages 3 and up. - Bookings via the website (link).
