Things To Do in Limoges, France

Limoges Things to Do

Located in southwestern France, Limoges is known worldwide for its traditional porcelain and rich medieval heritage. There are plenty of attractions for tourists to see while visiting Limoges and below we have highlighted just a few of the main attractions this French city has to offer.

Limoges Porcelain

Produced throughout the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, Limoges has become the catch-all name for the famous hard paste porcelain that is produced exclusively within this city. Limoges porcelain is considered to be the very best hard paste porcelain the world can offer. It is specially produced with a unique blend of all natural ingredients, is processed through a very intense firing procedure, and is artfully crafted by an abundance of talented artisans living within Limoges. The Limoges porcelain that still exists today that was created more than 100 years ago still shows no signs of wear or cracking. This is mostly due to the impenetrable glaze that is painted over the porcelain during the firing process. When visiting Limoges, take the opportunity to browse the various porcelain that is available throughout the city.

Port Saint Etienne

Limoges is a very historic city located by the forde of the Vienne river. The port to the city offers several things for tourists to see and do. Visitors can travel to the famous tomb of the martial Saint Etienne. The tomb has attracted several pilgrims over the centuries. Or, visit the medieval Holy Bridge Etienne that dates from 1210. The famous bridge consists of 8 different ribbed arches. The port is located in downtown Limoges on the river side.

Chateau de Bourdeilles

The chateau is a unique conglomeration of two different castles that were built side by side during two very different time periods.  The first castle has medieval roots dating between the 13th and 14th centuries. Visitors can see the medieval tower and are even permitted to climb the tower in order to gain some fantastic views of the city and surrounding area. The second part of the chateau is a 16th century Renaissance era construct. The Renaissance portion of the chateau features very extravagantly decorated rooms that visitors can tour through. There are also extensive furniture collections that visitors can see.

Les Halles covered market

This iron and glass covered building has been in operation since the 19th century. Inside, the market is set up just an outdoor market would be with aisles separating the various vendors that set up their shops inside. Most of the vendors in this space are selling delicious French foods and the smell permeates the entire indoor market. Breweries are also quite popular in the indoor space.  In 1940 there were 49 different breweries in Limoges alone. Today, the real ale is still produced and available for purchase within les Halles.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about popular things to do when visiting Limoges, France.