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Our must-do activitiesThere's so much to do, the hardest part is choosing 😉

Top 10 things to do in Limousin

There isn’t enough time in a lifetime to cover all the things we’d like you to discover in our beautiful department of Haute-Vienne 🤗

In town, on the water, on foot, by bike or in the great outdoors…there’s no shortage of things to do!

To help you, we’ve put together a top 10 list of must-do activities and visits in Limousin ✨

Solo, duo, with family or friends, follow the guide! 🙋🏼‍♀️

A quick of a view

1. Visit the Musée National Adrien Dubouché

Cité de la Céramique - Sèvres & Limoges

Right in the heart of the world capital of the arts of fire, come and discover the Musée de la Porcelaine through a journey of discovery of the techniques involved in creating ceramics ✨

The tour begins with the various stages of porcelain manufacture, then reveals the great moments in the history of ceramics from Antiquity to the present day, ending around Limoges porcelain. A true journey through time!

Did you know? The museum boasts the world’s richest public collection of Limoges porcelain. Its prestigious collections contribute to the international renown of the ceramic arts and to the promotion of the exceptional skills for which the city of Limoges is famous 😇

2. Savour the madeleine of Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche

Soft and fragrant

Golden, pot-bellied cakes shaped like scallops.

Makes you hungry, doesn’t it? 😋

In terms of history, a journeyman confectioner popularized it in Saint-Yrieix in the mid-19th century, and “La Maison Bijou” gradually established Arie’s expertise in this area throughout the Limousin and beyond.

The traditional madeleine from Saint-Yrieix is made with quality ingredients and no preservatives. It is distinguished by its incomparable softness and bitter almond aroma.

The gourmet address we recommend for tasting it:

📍Le Croquembouche

9 Rue Emile Frange, 87500 Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche

3. Come aboard

Go back in time

During the summer, from July 14 to September 10, board an authentic steam train from the 50s 🚂

Seated in out-of-date passenger carriages, you’ll enjoy a unique journey thanks to L’association du Chemin de Fer Touristique du Limousin-Périgord.

Ready to embark? Let us guide you! 🤗

The Limoges-Eymoutiers route offers plenty of sights for travelers of all ages. In a preserved setting, you’ll discover numerous viaducts, tunnels and many exceptional glimpses that will follow one another to the rhythm of the locomotive. Don’t forget your camera for some great souvenir photos of the Vienne gorges 📸

Take advantage of your stop in Eymoutiers at the Cité des Pelauds, to discover this magnificent Petite Cité de Caractère 💐

Our little tip, go for a picnic in the Pré Lanaud park, visit the town on a Terra Aventura and discover the Contemporary Art collection at the Espace Rebeyrolle 🍃

4. Unusual dog sledding getaway

A day in the life of a musher

Your new friends are at the end of the road… the sled dogs are already wriggling, so are you ready to embark? 🐾

In the company of Théo, a professional and passionate musher, you are invited to board a cani-kart accompanied by his Greenlanders for a unique and unforgettable experience for two! ✨

The joyful barking guides you at top speed through a forest trail at the foot of the Monts de Blond on a 4 to 8km route to discover the beauty of the Haute-Vienne countryside, the strength of the team and their will to work.

The wind in your hair, the fresh air on your cheeks, the crack of the twigs, the smell of the undergrowth… We can assure you that you wouldn’t give up your place for anything in the world: a real nature bath!

Château de Losmonerie

5. Taste walk

Guaranteed amazement

The gardens of Château de Losmonerie, a bucolic, restful visit conducive to daydreaming ✨🍃

Three gardens are arranged around the château:

A formal, flower-filled garden around the historic buildings
A gourmet garden, with France’s largest collection of raspberries to enjoy on a stroll
A wild garden, an exceptional site on the banks of the Vienne with its wicker hut

An invitation to take an unusual stroll through the gastronomy of Limousin.

For the little gourmets, ice creams, jams and fruit jellies made from their fruit are sold in the boutique! 😋

History: the Château de Losmonerie was built in 1540 by Jean Chantais, in the spirit of a Renaissance country house. In the following century, Jean de Lubersac built the entire courtyard and enriched the interior with numerous pictorial decorations. In the 18th century, the Texandier de Losmonerie family, officers of the Limoges Finance Office, brought 18th-century refinement to the interior.

Don’t miss the raspberry festival on July 1 and 2! 🎉

On the banks of the Vienne

6. Apéro sunset in guinguette mode

Strolling, dancing and eating

How about a sunset aperitif in guinguette style? 😎

From May 31 to September 2, come and party at the Friche des Ponts, an event that has become a must over the years on the banks of the Vienne.

Come and enjoy a unique experience 🤗

Your mouth watering?

On the program: themed evenings, karaoke, blind tests, disco evenings, traditional balls…

Food-wise, don’t worry, there’ll be something for everyone, with numerous food trucks on hand to delight your taste buds.

Exclusive to this year’s event is a tapas shack 😉

Lots of surprises await you, so don’t hesitate to stop by.

Let the evening begin!

7. Stroll through one of our "Most Beautiful Detours in France".

Discovering Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat

Head for Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat, awarded the “Plus Beaux Détours de France” label ✨

Stroll through a preserved medieval town, rich in know-how and gourmet cuisine 😋

Our little tip: stroll through its typical little streets, discovering the Romanesque collegiate church dedicated to Léonard, the town’s founding saint. Psst…go through the portal to discover the interior!

For those with a sweet tooth, open the doors of the town’s patisseries and bakeries to discover their specialty: Massepain, a cookie that’s crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s hard to resist!

For the more inquisitive, discover the secrets of Limoges porcelain manufacture with a guided tour of the Carpenet workshop!

8. Go back in time at Château de Bonneval

An exceptional heritage, rich in history

Discover the Château de Bonneval and relive the history of France through the Bonneval saga 🏰

Believe us, there are some fascinating anecdotes and adventures to listen to…There’s even an impressive suit of armor that seems to be watching you from the back of the gallery!

The château has belonged to this family for a thousand years!

Notto be missed: the eastern facade with its central square tower and double drawbridge, the inner courtyard with its Renaissance colonnaded gallery, the elegant western facade and the terrace.

A little anecdote: the château is home to a wealth of furniture and tapestries from Aubusson and Fontainebleau.

Would you like to come and experience it for yourself? Join one of our expert guides and discover the history of Château de Bonneval, explore its incredible interiors and get to know the notable members of the family through the centuries.

Psst…You might even get the chance to see the marquis and marquise in person when you visit the château 😇

9. Stroll in Limoges

Take a stroll and discover its typical alleyways

We’ll take you on a tour of the not-to-be-missed spots in Limoges 😉

The Boucherie district, a typically medieval place that owes its name to the many butchers who settled in this part of the city.

La cour du temple, a magnificent square set between half-timbered buildings. A fairly secret spot, it can be reached via a porte cochère or a small covered passageway. Don’t hesitate to stop for a drink in the tearoom.

Les halles centrales, the perfect place to buy and eat local specialties. Its orange brick exterior walls and beautiful frieze of 328 Limoges porcelain tiles embellish and enhance the Place de la Motte.

The Cathedral of Saint-Etienne, in the heart of the city’s historic quarter, is set amidst half-timbered houses, beautiful renovated cobbled streets and a host of small boutiques.

Nearby, we suggest a stroll through the Jardin de l’Évêché, a privileged moment in the heart of nature, a peaceful place that exudes tranquility in the middle of the day.

Tour of Lake Vassivière by bike

For lovers of green and wild spaces

Fancy a superb mountain bike ride along the shores of Lake Vassivière in Limousin? 😉

So get on your bike and let’s go! 🚲

This itinerary around the lake offers you an easy, signposted route on quiet, safe back roads to enjoy with family or friends.

Just follow the signs and let us guide you along the way. It couldn’t be simpler!

Our little tip: after passing the dam, head for the Auphelle beach, ideal for a picnic break, a dip in the sea or a well-deserved snack!

Did you know? This cycling loop is famous for having seen many cyclists compete in the time trials of the Tour de France, and was Raymond Poulidor’s training circuit, which bears his name today!

The spot we recommend, the island of Vassivière: a place for walks and discoveries, including the Centre International d’Art et du Paysage.

An exotic journey, as unusual as it is authentic, through the magnificent landscapes of the Millevaches plateau, which we’re sure you won’t find indifferent 🤩

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