Limoges

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Limoges

Nestled among rolling hills and overlooking a river, Limoges has a rich history associated with top-quality porcelain and an even longer tradition of enamelware. The town's proud heritage is reflected in its many sights and attractions, which were made possible by the wealth generated by these industries. The impressive medieval buildings constructed of local rose-tinted granite are a testament to the prosperity that once flourished here. With its vibrant atmosphere, quality shops and restaurants, and countless things to do, Limoges is a place of endless discovery and style.

The City

At the center of this spread-out provincial capital are two separate Medieval quarters – the picturesque area of La Cité around the Gothic cathedral, and a few hundred meters away, the more vivacious Château (or Motte) quarter are organized in charming streets and lanes around the former marketplace. Modern boulevards and squares surround the old districts. The main square is the Place de la République.

Do & See

For anyone interested in porcelain, Limoges is the place to go – with shops and museums devoted to the subject. But Limoges cannot be reduced to this part of its history and also offers many surprises such as the palace looking 1920's railway station and the La Règle subterranean tunnels. Around the city is the Limousin, an unspoiled, rustic region of woods, green meadows and rough pasture, simple cottages, flocks of sheep and beefy Limousin cattle.

Dining

Many restaurants and brasseries serve hearty traditional meat dishes. The Limousin region is called Nouvelle-Aquitaine nowadays, people gives its name to russet-colored cattle famed for tasty lean beef, the main specialty. Around the city, there are plenty of sheep and pig farms that cultivate the tradition of butchery products. Local favorites are sausages, tripe and potée limousine (rich meat stew).

Cafés

Cafés and brasseries, which serve drinks and food, overlap, offering numerous places to relax, enjoy a drink and a bite to eat and watch the world go by during the day. Some cafés go along serving drinks and playing music in the evening.

Bars & Nightlife

With 20,000 students living in Limoges, there are dozens of late-night bars, clubs and discos around the city center. In addition, there are cabaret venues, concerts, classical dance and stage productions.

Shopping

Limoges is famous worldwide for its china, and walking in its curved streets, alleys and passages will not let you forget it. You can buy porcelain straight off the factory at Le Pavillon de la Porcelaine, or just wander in the Place Motte area and around the old medieval town where you will find most of the shops. Antiques shops are also found all over town.

Tourist Information