What to do in Saint-Léonard de Noblat in the summer – The Craft and Food Night Markets
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What to do in Saint-Léonard de Noblat in the summer – The Craft and Food Night Markets

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©Office de Tourisme de Noblat

Your summer in Saint-Léonard de NoblatThe checklist of must-sees to tick off

Saint-Léonard de Noblat ’s 8 must-haves for this summer

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Looking for things to see in Saint-Léonard de Noblat this summer? 🌞 From a guided tour of the collegiate church to a hike along the local trails and an unmissable stop at the Moulin du Got, the town and its surroundings have plenty to offer.

Here’s our selection of must-see attractions in Saint-Léonard de Noblat, well worth keeping to hand. 🌟

Fancy exploring further and having all the practical information to hand? Download our guide, ‘My Summer in Saint-Léonard’. 🧭

At a glance

1. Town + collegiate church: a combination not to be missed

A journey through history, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

A well-preserved medieval centre, a collegiate church listed by UNESCO as part of the Way of St James, secret alleyways to explore, a protective patron saint, and a stone bridge spanning the River Vienne: Saint-Léonard de Noblat has it all. ⛪

Summer guided tours are a must if you want to uncover all its secrets:

Travelling with children? The Terra Aventura treasure hunt and the treasure trail devised by the pupils of Saint-Léonard de Noblat turn the stroll into a secret mission. Spoiler: they’ll love it. 🔎

(*) until 18th August (**) until 22nd August 2026

2. Le Moulin du Got, the must-see attraction that you simply mustn’t miss

Step inside the workshop of paper-makers past and present

The Moulin du Got, the last paper mill still in operation in the Limousin, brings to life the craft of papermaking and the Linotype machines of a printing works from a bygone era. ❤️

The artisans also create surprising new types of paper, including sheets made from vegetables! An annual exhibition rounds off the visit. 📜

Take the family to the “Les Mains à la pâte” workshop to make your own sheet of paper on Wednesday and Friday mornings in July and August*. 👨‍👩‍👧

(*) until 22nd August 2026

3. Get a breath of fresh air around Saint-Léonard

Whether it’s hiking, cycling or long-distance treks, the great outdoors is just waiting for you

Fancy a breather? A short walk in Saint-Léonard de Noblat is just what you need to recharge your batteries. 🥾

Are you a cycling enthusiast? Follow in the footsteps of Raymond Poulidor on the country roads around his adopted village. 🚲

Fancy something on a grander scale? The Way of St James, the GR® de Pays Monts et Barrages trail in Limousin and the Vélidéale will take you to new horizons, on foot or by bike. 🌲

4. Take home a souvenir that really means something

Artisans, porcelain and leather: handmade Limousin

Here, every object tells a story. In the workshops of Saint-Léonard de Noblat, and the surrounding area, artisans craft stained glass, enamel and pottery to create unique pieces. 🖌️

Come and browse their shops and the big summer exhibition and sale at the entrance to the historic centre! 🎁

Fancy a peek behind the scenes? Head to the family-run Carpenet factory to discover how Limoges porcelain is made. And in early July, visit the Bastin tannery, where leather is still tanned using traditional methods to craft the famous Weston shoes. 🧡

5. Swimming at Saint-Léonard de Noblat: no sea, but we’ve got something better

Swimming pools, large lakes, family-friendly beaches or hidden gems: the choice is yours

Swimming in the summer is a must! OK, the sea’s a three-hour drive away… but who needs salt in their eyes when you’ve VassivièreLimousin ’s largest lake just a stone’s throw away? 😁

Right in the town centre, the Espace Aqua’Noblat offers indoor and outdoor pools, fun activities and a relaxation area for parents who’ve really earned it. 👙

Travelling with young children? Lake Bujaleuf ticks all the boxes! 🏊‍♀️

Fancy a bit of peace and quiet? The lakes at Saint-Martin Terressus and Saint Julien offer a haven of tranquillity, far from the crowds. 💦

6. Two museums, one window: summer

For one season, step back in time in Saint-Léonard

The Gay-Lussac Museum opens its doors for the summer to offer a free insight into the life of the scientist who was born in this medieval town. With antique instruments, fun experiments and the cool atmosphere of a former convent, it’s a scientific interlude that appeals to young and old alike. ⚗️

Just a short walk away, the HistoRail® Museum brings out the child in the whole family with its miniature trains and models to explore at your own pace. To take it a step further, hop aboard the Limousin Steam Train, another summer-only attraction. 🚂

7. A summer packed with festivities in Saint-Léonard de Noblat

Activities to suit all tastes and all ages, all summer long

It’s impossible to get bored in summer in Saint-Léonard de Noblat! The season is punctuated by the medieval festival, which immerses us in the mysteries of days gone by 🎪, by concerts echoing beneath the vaults of the collegiate church (including the sophisticated InDoSile Festival) and by a wealth of exhibitions and shows. 🎶

Not to mention the foodie events: the ‘Nocturnes’ that bring the town centre to life, the local farmers’ markets on the banks of the Vienne… There’s something for everyone! ☺️

Whether in Saint-Léonard de Noblat, or the surrounding villages, in summer, we’re celebrating! 🥳

8. Enjoy a delicious meal at Saint-Léonard de Noblat

Marzipan, Limousin beef and local markets: a feast for the palate

You simply cannot leave the town without trying Saint-Léonard marzipan! Originating along the Way of St James, this almond biscuit is made by each of the town’s three bakers and pastry chefs according to their own secret recipe. 🤫

In the main square, a granite statue of a bull watches over the town: it serves as a reminder that Saint-Léonard is the birthplace of the Limousin cattle breed, whose tender, marbled meat can be savoured in our restaurants. 😋

Fancy taking some delicious local produce home with you? Pop into our little shops or visit the Saint-Léonard market every Saturday morning, where you’ll find local producers and craftspeople. 🧺