©Aerial view from the Tour du Plô in Saint Yrieix la Perche, one of the 100 Most Beautiful Detours in France in Limousin.|© M. REIX - OTI PSTY

The Most Beautiful Detours in France in LimousinGlimpses of history, medieval art and architecture

A Limousin tour of the Most Beautiful Detours in France Ajouter aux favoris

Looking for the most beautiful villages around Limoges for a relaxing break on the way to your holiday destination? 🕵️‍♀️ The Haute-Vienne is home to two medieval nuggets that rank among France’s 100 Most Beautiful Detours. 🚐 Off the beaten track and easily accessible by motorhome, these charming towns combine a remarkable heritage with a gentle way of life. 🍃 Stroll through the old town of Saint-Yrieix la Perche, admire the collegiate church of Saint-Léonard de Noblat and hear the story of the old stones of Limousin. ⛪ Here, medieval architecture meets arts and crafts and local flavours. With your guide in hand, set off on a heritage walk through Limousin, where every turn reveals a surprise and is well worth a visit. 🌟

Quick overview

©Watercolour exhibition and Tour du Plô in Saint Yrieix la Perche, a medieval town in the Haute-Vienne region|© OTI PSTY

1. Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche

One of the Most Beautiful Detours in France, at the gateway to Corrèze

One of the most beautiful villages around Limoges, Saint-Yrieix la Perche boasts southern charm and well-preserved medieval architecture. From Place Attane, the majestic collegiate church and Tour du Plô tower over the old town. Climb the hundred steps of this keep to take in the view of this pearl on the Richard the Lionheart Road. 👑

Then stroll through the cobbled streets of the Marché-Poterne district, admire the white stone mansions, then treat yourself to a gourmet break in the Moulinassou gardens: the famous Saint Yrieix madeleine awaits you there! 😋

It was also here in 1768 that kaolin was discovered, the white clay that made Limoges porcelain famous the world over. 👈

2. Saint-Léonard de Noblat

A medieval village in Limousin on the road to Compostela

Nestling between Limoges and the Lac de Vassivière, this unspoilt medieval town reveals its treasures to lovers of old stone. The collegiate church of Saint-Léonard de Noblat, a UNESCO-listed Romanesque masterpiece, has been guiding pilgrims to Compostela for centuries. Its century-old vaults house the relics of a saint venerated since the Middle Ages. ⛪

The medieval architecture of Saint-Léonard can be explored like an open book: round and square towers, half-timbered alleyways, secret passages, medieval facades, geminated bays of the consuls’ house, former convent… 🎯

A stroll through the historic centre reveals the soul of a village where craftsmen and gourmet traditions perpetuate age-old know-how. Fall for the marzipan of Saint-Léonard and admire unique creations in paper, leather, Limoges porcelain… Here, time suspends its flight in a gentle Limousin style! 😊

©Collegiale De Saint Leonard De Noblat Unesco Medieval City Among The 100 Most Beautiful Detours In France In Limousin|© VisitLimousin

Visite guidée de Saint Léonard de Noblat — ©Visite guidée du cœur historique de Saint Léonard de Noblat : place de la République, avec une vue sur la tour ronde et le clocher de la collégiale |Office de Tourisme de Noblat

3. The Michelin Guide to the 100 Most Beautiful Detours in France

Your free travel companion

Published for 27 years with Michelin expertise, this slow tourism bible reveals France’s most beautiful medieval villages and towns to curious travellers. 🧳

Available free of charge in member towns, this 175-page guide is packed with ideas for getaways. The introductory map of France helps you spot the 100 destinations on your itinerary, from Limousin to Alsace, Brittany, the Dordogne… 🧭

Have you spotted a town on your holiday route? ➡️ Each one is presented alphabetically with its heritage highlights, a map of the historic centre and all the useful addresses: accommodation, restaurants, public transport, car parks, motorhome parks. The perfect tool for discovering France in a different way, taking your time. 🧘

Forget soulless motorway service areas for these authentic stops where heritage, crafts and local produce come together in harmony. 🍃