What to do at Christmas in Saint-Léonard de Noblat?

Les Illuminations De Noel A Saint Leonard De Noblatvitrines Saint Leonard

What to do at Christmas in Saint-Léonard de Noblat?

Experience the magic of Christmas in Saint-Léonard de Noblat, a charming medieval town in the Haute-Vienne nestled between Limoges and the Lac de Vassivière. ☃️ In December, the town and its surroundings come alive for the festive season, offering a range of activities for young and old. ✨ Between the enchanting illuminations of downtown Saint-Léonard de Noblat, the warm Christmas markets, the nature hikes of Limousin, or unique cultural discoveries like Limoges porcelain or the majestic Moulin du Got exhibition, let yourself be seduced by the festive and friendly atmosphere of this area. 🎁 Discover our suggestions for an unforgettable Christmas in Saint-Léonard de Noblat! 🎄

At a glance

1. Stroll through the historic heart

Saint-Léonard de Noblat lit up for Christmas

Experience the spirit of Christmas in Limousin! Downtown Saint-Léonard de Noblat is decked out in a thousand lights to offer visitors an enchanting spectacle. Stroll through its narrow streets and marvel at the Christmas decorations that illuminate its historic heart, listed as one of France’s 100 Most Beautiful Detours. ✨

After detours through the streets, squares and secret passages, discover the majestic collegiate church, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France, sublimated by a festive lighting scheme. 🎄

With family or friends, you’re in the Limousin. Slow down and enjoy the festive season in a unique, unspoilt setting. 😊

2. Discover Paper Monsters

Last days of the Moulin du Got exhibition!

Tic, tac, tic, tac! Until December 21st, Monstres de papier is on show at Moulin du Got, the last remaining paper mill in Limousin. Don’t delay if you haven’t yet had the chance to see this monstrous exhibition! 👹

After the hour, it’s no longer the hour. The monsters return to inhabit our favorite fairy tales, and the Moulin du Got returns to its winter slumber, like Sleeping Beauty… All the better to prepare for the 2025 season with a new, even more majestic annual exhibition, but shhh, it’s still a secret! 🤫

But if you’ve missed the boat, your consolation prize is obvious: admire the mill’s exterior beauty on a bucolic hike along the Vienne river.💧

Exposition Monstres de Papier au Moulin du Got

3. Stroll through the Christmas market

à Saint-Léonard de Noblat

The Saint-Léonard de Noblat Christmas market is one of the last Christmas markets in Haute-Vienne. It takes place every year on December 23rd from 2pm to midnight ⌛

Immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas in the enchanting setting of the preserved historic heart of Saint-Léonard de Noblat! Stroll with your family among the stalls where you’ll find both local produce and unique artisan creations… Ideal for your last shopping and Christmas gifts! 🎁

Don’t miss Santa’s spectacular descent from the collegiate church tower at 3pm to delight your children’s eyes! Afterwards, enjoy a glass of freshly squeezed apple juice, savor sweet and savory treats, or warm up with mulled wine, all while enjoying the good-natured atmosphere in the heart of Limousin. 🦌

Please note: your children can meet Santa Claus, to say one last word to him. 🎅 But everyone’s been good this year, haven’t they? 😜

4. Try a family treasure hunt

...concocted by the school children!

Looking for something to do with the whole family in Saint-Léonard de Noblat over the Christmas vacations? Go on an adventure with your kids thanks to a free, brand-new treasure hunt! 🎯

Designed by students from Saint-Léonard de Noblat‘s nursery school, this 2 km-long interpretive trail invites you to discover 10 emblematic sites of this medieval city of Limousin, all while having fun. At each stop, planting trays, Limoges porcelain creations and little physical exercises add a playful, interactive touch to this family stroll. 👀

The key is a mystery word to piece together to win a little surprise, much to the delight of the children! A perfect activity to combine cultural discovery and conviviality during the festive season. 👨‍👩‍👦

Jeu De Piste En Famille A Saint Leonard De Noblatecole George Sand

Les Leonarts Vitrine Des Metiers Dartville De Saint Leonard De Noblat

5. Find gifts for art lovers

"Léon'Arts" crafts and art expo-sale

Are you a fan of local crafts and want to treat your loved ones? Don’t miss Léon’Arts! This major arts and crafts exhibition and sale takes place throughout December in Saint-Léonard de Noblat. ✨

The “Léon’Arts” boutique showcases the excellence of Limousin craftsmanship: Limoges porcelain, enamel, handmade paper, locally produced leather… Stroll among the unique pieces from our artisans and let yourself be seduced by objects that combine aestheticism, creativity and technicality. 🤩

Free admission… and guaranteed unique gifts for Christmas and the festive season! Support our local artisans while giving gifts charged with meaning. 🎁

Psst: the downtown area is bursting with art artisans, follow the arrows to find them… not missing Uni’Verre & Cie where a dozen local designers are exhibiting! 🎀

Craving for crafts at Léon'Arts

6. Attend a concert at the collegiate church

The magic of a candlelit Christmas concert

Exceptional! In the run-up to Christmas, the collegiate church of Saint-Léonard de Noblat hosts a candlelit Christmas concert. 🕯️ On December 15th, let us take you on a musical journey from Venice to Buenos Aires, where Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” meet Astor Piazzolla’s passion for tango. 💃

This revisited concert highlights the talent of violin soloist Romuald Grimbert-Barré, accompanied by the Orchestre de Chambre de la Nouvelle Europe, in a magical, intimate setting. ❤️ An unforgettable concert of classical music under the candlelit vaults of the majestic collegiate church. Will you be there? 🎻

And to extend the musical experience, other Christmas concerts are planned: carols with the choir, gospel, musical harmony… A whole host of festive evenings to enrich your end-of-year celebrations in Limousin! 🎶

Concert De Musique Classique Dans La Collegiale De Saint Leonard De Noblat Avec Les Homards Indosilesnathalie Moiroud

Allee de hêtres longeant l'étang des Landes à Saint Paul en Limousin

7. Recharge your batteries in nature

on foot, by bike, on horseback... or by sleigh! 🧑‍🎄

During the Christmas vacations, take advantage of the many hiking trails around Saint-Léonard de Noblat to get a breath of fresh air in Haute-Vienne, on the edge of the Millevaches Regional Natural Park. Whether you’re a keen walker or a novice, you’ll find itineraries to suit all tastes, from short family strolls to more challenginghikes.

From the historic center of the medieval town, discover the serenewinter landscape and the beauty of the surrounding countryside. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a hearty Christmas meal, while enjoying the peace and quiet of the countryside in Limousin.

And for cycling enthusiasts, take the “Dans la roue de Poupou” circuit, a route dedicated to the most famous inhabitant of the city, the cyclist icon Raymond Poulidor. Whether on foot or by bike, the area around Saint-Léonard de Noblat is the perfect place to end the year in style!

8. Behind the scenes at Porcelaine de Limoges

Slip into the Porcelaines Carpenet workshops

Looking for an originalChristmas activity? In Saint-Léonard de Noblat, you can immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Limoges porcelain by visiting the family-run Porcelaines Carpenet factory. 🧐

This artisanal factory offers a unique experience with an intimate tour of the workshops. You’ll get an up-close look at every stage of production, from raw material to finished product: delicate porcelain pieces finely hand-decorated in Limousin. 🖌️

With this tour, you’ll witness the exceptional skills of porcelain craftsmen as they work at their workstations, perpetuating this emblematic Haute-Vienne tradition. We promise you a captivating immersion in a craft that combines precision, innovation and passion. Be warned, you may be tempted to leave with a unique piece to give as a gift or add to your collection! 😉

Discover Porcelaines Carpenet

9. Go on a treasure hunt

to wait for Christmas!

During the Christmas vacations, we also like to go on adventures with Terra Aventura. Who hasn’t heard of this geocaching game? Terra Aventura is a modern treasure hunt that combines walking, discovery and fun! Try it and you’ll love it! 🥰

With this free activity, you’ll keep your kids pleasantly occupied this Christmas (or rediscover your childlike soul! 😁). So set off to explore Saint-Léonard de Noblat’s hidden treasures with the medieval city’s geocaching circuit! 🔍

What are our other favorite Terra Aventura caches nearby? We also love solving the riddles of the Sages in the mysterious Épagne forest, following in the footsteps of the paper makers along the Vienne river, by night in search of a dragon, on the trail of contemporary art at Lac de Vassivière, in the company of knights at the Châlucet fortress…

In short, Terra Aventura is a fun way to wait for Christmas presents to be unwrapped, while exploring the Limousin as a family. So get your sneakers, water bottle and smartphone ready, and set off to conquer the Poï’z!

10. Make low-carbon visits

Visiting Limoges or Eymoutiers by public transport

But isn’t our planet our most precious treasure ? So to preserve it, we’re opting for public transport to get around at Christmas! We suggest two day trips to Limoges or Eymoutiers, two charming cities both accessible by train or bus from Saint-Léonard de Noblat in just 30 minutes.

In Limoges, capital of the arts of fire, immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas with its large daily Christmas market, funfair, giant toboggan run, Santa’s chalet and sound and light show.
In Eymoutiers, Petite Cité de Caractère© nestled on the banks of the Vienne river, enjoy an intimate and authentic atmosphere in the medieval streets, sublimated by the Christmas lights.

Would you like to travel in an eco-responsible way while exploring the treasures of Limousin ? Savor the pleasures of the Haute-Vienne holiday season by combining discovery, pleasure and ecological commitment!