Traveler Heavens has got you covered for your trip to Limousin, Europe! Whether searching for the best places to visit in Limousin or planning a grand tour across Europe, we’ve got all the information you need to make the most of your journey. From bustling cities to charming small towns and majestic mountains to dazzling beaches, Limousin has something for everyone.
So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the best of Limousin! France’s Limousin region is known for its earthiness and rough edges. Limousine’s appeal lies in its wilderness, crumbling fortresses, green meadows, and gorgeous old villages rather than refined châteaux and gardens. The landscapes, blanketed with fresh birch woodland, boast thousands of streams whose clear, pure water is one of the region’s main economic assets.
Let’s look at the best things to do in Limousin based on its artisan crafts, whether slate-making in Aubusson, tapestry weaving in Limoges, or porcelain in Limoges.
Limoges
Limoges is one of the best places to visit in Limousin. Designated a Ville d’Art et d’Histoire (City of Art and History), the capital city of Limousin has a rich cultural heritage. The Cathédrale Saint-Etienne is the most important monument in Limoges and its only Gothic building. Begun in 1273, the cathedral continued to be renovated throughout the centuries.
Behind the cathedral are the Jardins de l’Evêché (Gardens of the Bishop), and to the east is the eight-arched Pont Saint-Etienne bridge built in the 13th century. Visitors should also stroll through the city’s historic quarters along the Rue de la Boucherie and the Rue du Temple, which lead down to the River Dordogne. The Pavilion de la Porcelaine – Haviland showcases decorative dinnerware created by Maison Haviland, a prestigious manufacturer of fine artisanal porcelain since 1842.
The museum also has a boutique that sells Haviland dinnerware items. The Musée National Adrien Dubouché highlights the beauty and variety of porcelain, the famous art form of Limoges. This museum displays the world’s most extensive collection of Limoges porcelain and pottery, faïence, and glassware. There is also the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Limoges to explore the city’s artistic heritage.
In the former episcopal palace (a classified Historical Monument), the museum exhibits a diverse collection of fine arts and archaeological artifacts, including Gallo-Roman and ancient Egyptian objects, medieval and Renaissance painted enamels and Impressionist paintings.
Aubusson
Since the 15th century, Aubusson has been renowned for its intricately patterned tapestries. During the Middle Ages, the city was a center for the handcrafted tapestry industry, producing gorgeous tapestries to decorate French castles. For six centuries, it has been a center for the weaving process.
Today, Aubusson is still considered the world capital of tapestries. In 2009, UNESCO inscribed the Aubusson tapestry on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Visitors may visit tapestry workshops throughout the city, such as Espace Tapisseries Aubusson (32 Rue Vaveix), which renovates historic tapestries and has an art gallery that displays artistic tapestry pieces, and La Maison du Tapissier (63 Rue Vieille), a 17th-century tapestry workshop where visitors can watch a traditional weaving demonstration.
In addition to preserving the conventional tapestry savoir-faire creation and supporting professional training in the craft, the Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie (Rue des Arts) also supports professional training. In addition to many 17th-century masterpieces, the center has a museum that features tapestries dating back to the 15th century.
Old Oradour-sur-Glane, Haute-Vienne
If you’re ever in the Haute-Vienne region of France, visit the beautiful town of Oradour-Sur-Glane. This small town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of France’s most beautiful and harrowing places. Oradour-Sur-Glane was once a thriving town with a population of over 2,000. On the morning of June 10, 1944, the city was attacked by a group of German soldiers.
The town was defended by only a few dozen men, most of whom were young conscripts. The Germans arrived in buses and began to fire on the townspeople. Within minutes, the town was destroyed. Most townspeople were killed, and over 100 women and children were taken captive and gassed to death. Today, the city of Oradour-Sur-Glane is a lonely and haunted place.
The town’s ruins are still visible, and visitors can still hear the screams of the women and children killed during the attack. If you’re lucky, you may even see a ghost.
Uzerche
Uzerche is renowned for its scenic setting and beautiful historic buildings, with many architectural treasures, including impressive old towers, atmospheric vaulted passages, and elegant hôtels particuliers. This medieval fortified town is well worth a visit, especially for its Abbatiale Saint-Pierre d’Uzerche – a magnificent Romanesque church dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries.
Esplanade de la Lunade is a pedestrian walkway that overlooks the Vézère River and the rolling hills surrounding the town. During the summer, outdoor markets and cultural events entice visitors. A medieval festival, the Jours de Fête, entertains crowds with music, circus acts, and burlesque shows.
In August, music lovers flock to Uzerche for the Journées Musicales d’Uzerche, le MUZ’, which presents a wide variety of concerts, from classical music to traditional folk ensembles and jazz. Hiking and nature walks are easy to enjoy just outside of Uzerche in the countryside.
Abbaye de Moutier-d’Ahun
Abbaye de Moutier-d’Ahun is one of the best places to visit in Limousin. The Abbey of Moutier-d’Ahun is one of the most beautiful and historic monasteries in France. Situated on the banks of the River Ahun, the abbey is surrounded by lush gardens and boasts some of the most impressive architecture in the country.
The abbey was founded in the 8th century and has since been home to a number of important monks, including St. Benedict of Nursia and St. Romain of Moutier. Today, the abbey is a popular tourist destination and is known for its impressive architecture, beautiful gardens, and interesting history. Among the abbey’s most notable features are its beautiful Gothic architecture, its extensive gardens, and its collection of art, including paintings by Cranach the Elder and Peter Paul Rubens.
The abbey is also home to a number of important historical artifacts, including the remains of St. Benedict of Nursia. If you’re interested in visiting one of France’s most beautiful and historic monasteries, the Abbey of Moutier-d’Ahun is definitely worth a visit.
Château de Val
This medieval feudal fortress, with its grandiose Gothic rooms, is one of the best places to visit to discover the ambience of another era. Unlike many French castles, the Château de Val is sumptuously furnished with period pieces, creating a good picture of what it was like to live and entertain here. There is a tranquil garden planted with many flowers on the castle grounds.
The Saint-Blaise Chapel, which dates from the 15th century, is located in the castle’s main courtyard. There are many quiet spots on the property where visitors can enjoy nature under a shady lime tree, near a fountain, or near the old stables. You can also fish or boat on the Bort-les-Orgues Lake, or take a bike ride around the estate.
There are outdoor music concerts held in the courtyard on Wednesday evenings during the months of July and August at the Château de Val. Visitors can visit the château from February through early November. The Château de Val also offers spacious overnight accommodations in the modernized Royal Suite, which has a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and an outdoor terrace that overlooks the lake. The hotel offers fresh croissants for breakfast.
Address: Les Fontilles, 15270 Planorbe
Parc Naturel Régional de Millevaches en Limousin
Parc Naturel Régional de Millevaches en Limousin France If you’re looking for a natural wonderland, you’ll love Parc Naturel Régional de Millevaches en Limousin France. The park covers an area of over 1,600 hectares, and it’s home to some stunningly beautiful scenery.
One of the park’s main attractions is the Pont du Gard, a beautiful Roman aqueduct that still stands today. Along the banks of the Gardon River, you’ll find plenty of beautiful trees and wildlife, including deer, leopards, and bears.
If you’re looking for a place to relax and take in the natural beauty, Parc Naturel Régional de Millevaches en Limousin France is definitely the place to go. The park is open all year round, and there are plenty of activities available, including hiking, biking, and nature observation.
Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat
Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat is one of the best places to visit in Limousin. The quaint medieval town’s historic center has been preserved. Wandering through its cobblestone streets and narrow alleys transports visitors back in time. Much of the town has not changed since the Middle Ages. The Quartier de Noblat riverside district is especially atmospheric with its old mills and 13th-century bridge.
Tourists can visit this charming area by taking the Chemin du Pavé pedestrian path. It is a charming place to stroll. This town’s Romanesque collegiate church, a UNESCO-listed monument, is not to be missed. In addition to being a pilgrimage stop on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage trail, Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat is also known for its gastronomy.
A traditional market of regional food products takes place at Saint-Martial near the Vienne River during the Fête de la Saint Martial in July. Those with a sweet tooth should try the local specialty called “Massepain de Saint-Léonard,” a little almond cookie that is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. A Mediterranean recipe, it was brought to the town by pilgrims returning from Saint-Jacques de Compostela in Spain.
Curemonte
Prepare to fall in love with Curemonte France! Located in the south of France, this picturesque town is a must-see for travelers. With winding lanes and picturesque squares, Curemonte is a charming place to wander. The town’s history is steeped in art, with many impressive churches and palaces.
If you’re looking to explore more than just the town center, take a walk to the nearby villages, each with its own charm. There are plenty of things to do in Curemonte France, whether you want to explore the town center or take a hike in the nearby forests. If you’re looking for a place to relax, take a walk along the river or explore the charming cafes and restaurants.
There’s no need to spend a fortune in Curemonte France – the town has plenty of affordable eateries and shops. Plus, the weather is always perfect, so you can visit any time of year. If you’re planning a trip to this enchanting town, be sure to add Curemonte France to your list of destinations.
Les Pierres Jaumâtres, Toulx-Sainte-Croix
Les Pierres Jaumâtres, Toulx-Sainte-Croix is one of the best places to visit in Limousin. The Les Pierres Jaumâtres in Toulx-Sainte-Croix, France, are a series of large, flat, polished rock formations that are well known for their beauty. The formations are said to have been formed over a period of some 500 million years, and are made up of various different types of rock.
The Les Pierres Jaumâtres are located in the Haute-Garonne region of France, and can be found just outside of Toulx-Sainte-Croix. The formations can be accessed by car, or by taking the train to the nearby town of Sainte-Croix-de-Médoc. The drive to the Les Pierres Jaumâtres is well worth it, as the scenery is simply stunning.
The Les Pierres Jaumâtres are open to the public from May to September, and it is recommended that visitors visit during this time period as the formations are at their best. The rocks are also quite photogenic during this time of year. If you are interested in visiting the Les Pierres Jaumâtres, be sure to research the location ahead of time as the formations can be quite crowded during peak tourist seasons.
The Les Pierres Jaumâtres are a great place to enjoy a scenic drive, or to take in the beauty of the rock formations on a sunny day.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading our list of the Best Places to Visit in Limousin. We hope you have enjoyed learning about all the fantastic attractions and destinations available in this beautiful region of France. As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions, so please feel free to share your thoughts on our blog or social media channels.
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