Limoges Bellegarde Airport is located 4 miles north west of Limoges; the administrative capital of the Limousin region in west-central France. With good access to nearby main roads, a rental car is the ideal way to begin exploring the surrounding area.
The city of Limoges is known for its medieval enamels on copper, 19th Century porcelain, and for its oak barrels which are used in the production of Cognac.
Things to See and Do in Limoges
Take a tour of one of the many porcelain factories. Limoges has become a generic name for the porcelain that was produced between the 18th and 20th Centuries in Limoges and is still considered the finest hard paste porcelain in the world.
Pop over to the Cathedral St-Etienne de Limoges. Dating from 1273, construction only finished in 1888. It is noted for a fine rood loft built in 1534 and for the partly octagonal bell tower. Tour the cathedral grounds and view the historic architecture on offer.
Take a short drive in your hire car just outside of the city and you will come to the remains of the 12th Century Castle of Chalucet. During the Hundred Years' War it was used as a base by the pillagers who ravaged the country and has historic links to Richard I and many French noble families.
Visit one of the many museums in Limoges including the Musée de la Resistance, which covers the events of the Second World War and German occupation of France, and the Eveche Municipal Museum which is a fine art museum.
Pay a visit to the Botanical Gardens of Limoges. Set over 19,000 square metres, the gardens present a sumptuous setting with thousands of plants coming from the five continents.
Day Trips From Limoges
Bordeaux lies to the south west of Limoges within easy reach with a hire car. Bordeaux is the world's major wine industry capital with production dating as far back as the 8th Century.
Poitiers is located to the north west of Limoges. The town centre is picturesque with historical architecture; especially religious architecture from the Romanesque period. Nearby attractions include the theme park Futuroscope, Poiters Cathedral, and the Palace of Justice.
Drive south and you’ll reach Brive La Gaillarde. Its medieval town centre is home to the commercial district where you can find various retail shops, cafés and restaurants. There are also several museums, nearby castles, and picturesque villages that all make a visit here worthwhile.
