Les Illuminations De Noel A Saint Leonard De Noblatvitrines Saint LeonardLes Illuminations De Noel A Saint Leonard De Noblatvitrines Saint Leonard
©Les Illuminations De Noel A Saint Leonard De Noblatvitrines Saint Leonard|Vitrines Saint Léonard
What to do at Christmas in Saint-Léonard de Noblat?

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

Ajouter aux favoris

Experience the magic of Christmas in Saint-Léonard de Noblat, a charming medieval town in the Haute-Vienne nestling 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 alike. ✨ Between the magical illuminations in the town centre of Saint-Léonard de Noblat, the warm Christmas markets, walks in the heart of nature in Limousin, or unique cultural discoveries such as Limoges porcelain or the majestic exhibition at the Moulin du Got, 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! 🎄

1. Strolling through the historic centre

Saint-Léonard de Noblat lit up for Christmas

Experience the spirit of Christmas in Limousin! The city centre of 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 a few detours through the streets, squares and secret passageways, discover the majestic collegiate church, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of St James, sublimated by a festive lighting display. 🎄

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

2. Explore the oceans... on paper!

Last days of the event exhibition at the Moulin du Got

This year, it’s all about the oceans at the Moulin du Got! 🌊 The last remaining paper mill in Limousin invites you to plunge into an extraordinary marine universe. Take a deep breath and discover the incredible creations of a dozen artists who bring the seabed and its mysterious creatures to life. 🐋

A poetic exhibition, both magical and engaging, that will amaze young and old alike while reminding us of the fragility of our oceans. 💙

Before you leave, take a look around the mill’s shop: handmade paper, original creations, unique objects… Perfect for meaningful Christmas gifts! Don’t leave empty-handed. 🎁

And if you arrive after the exhibition? Don’t panic: the mill reveals its charms from the path that runs alongside the Vienne. A short, bucolic walk and you’ll still be amazed. 💧

3. Stroll around 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 is held every year on 23 December 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! Take the whole family on a stroll through the stalls, where you’ll find everything from local produce to unique handmade creations… Perfect for your final 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, savour sweet and savoury treats or warm up with a mulled wine, all while taking in the friendly atmosphere in the heart of Limousin. And don’t forget what’s new for 2025: a magic show at 5pm and a fireworks display at 8pm! 🦌

Please note: your children will be able to meet Father Christmas, to say one last word to him… 🎅 But everyone’s been good this year, haven’t they? 😜

4. Try your hand at 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 holidays? Go on an adventure with your children thanks to a free and original treasure hunt! 🎯

Designed by pupils from the Saint-Léonard de Noblat nursery school, this 2km interpretation trail invites you to discover 10 emblematic sites of this medieval town in the Limousin while having fun. At each stage, planters, Limoges porcelain creations and little physical exercises add a fun and interactive touch to this family walk. 👀

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

Psst, have you done it yet? The schoolchildren have come up with new riddles for 2025… with another surprise for your little detectives! 🗝️

5. Browse at

Arts and crafts exhibition and sale

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

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

Free admission… and guaranteed to unearth unique gifts for Christmas and the festive season! Support our local artisans while giving meaningful gifts. 🎁

Psst: the town centre is bursting with arts and crafts, follow the arrows on the ground to find them… not missing Uni’Verre & Cie where around ten local designers are exhibiting! 🎀

6. Attend a concert at the collegiate church

The magic of a Christmas concert under Romanesque vaults

Exceptional! On Saturday 13 December, the collegiate church of Saint-Léonard de Noblat invites you to reconnect with the spirit of Christmas and its benevolence. 🕯️ The choir of the Maîtrise de l’Institution Beaupeyrat and the Chœur Universitaire de Limoges join forces for a concert full of sweetness and spirituality. 🙏

Four exceptional voices – soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor and baritone – join forces with adult and children’s choirs in a programme celebrating the most beautiful of nights. Accompanied on the piano by Sébastien Sanchez, their voices will light up the Romanesque vaults of this magical place. ❤️ A joyous and spiritual moment under the thousand-year-old stones of the collegiate church!

The festive season has plenty of other musical surprises in store in Limousin: gospel, traditional songs, swing, harmony concerts… Enough to enchant your December evenings! 🎶

7. Recharge your batteries in nature

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

During the Christmas holidays, 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 Nature Park. Whether you’re a keen walker or a novice, you’ll find routes to suit all tastes, from short family walks to more challenging hikes.

From the historic centre of the medieval town, set off to discover the serene winter landscapes and the beauty of the surrounding countryside. It’s a great way to get some exercise 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 of Miaulétous, Raymond Poulidor. Whether you’re on foot or by bike, the area around Saint-Léonard de Noblat is the perfect place to end the year in style!

8. Savour the gourmet delights of Christmas

When cuisine tells the story of the region: golden marzipan, shiny porcelain and meats with character to savour together

In Saint-Léonard de Noblat, the festive season is celebrated with sweetness and indulgence. In the medieval streets, the warm smell of almonds wafts through the air: it’s the call of marzipan, the city’s emblematic biscuit. With its thin golden crust, soft, chewy centre and delicate flavours, each bite is a testament to the expertise that has been passed down for generations. Impossible to resist, so why try? 😋

Around the table, Limoges porcelain illuminates meals like a showcase for the finest dishes. Authentic recipes are shared, simmered with patience, and the unmissable Limousin beef, fine, tender and subtly marbled. Here, taste comes from the land, time and the pleasure of being together.

In the gîte, the family gets together to cook, laugh and reminisce. And if you prefer to let yourself go, our chefs will welcome you with generous, seasonal and comforting dishes, where you can feel the heart of those who prepare them… In Saint-Léonard, you can enjoy Christmas together. ❤️

9. Go on a treasure hunt

to tide you over until Christmas!

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

With this free activity, you’ll keep your kids pleasantly occupied this Christmas. Explore the hidden treasures of Saint-Léonard de Noblat with the medieval city’s geocaching trail! 🔍

Extend your adventure by solving the riddles of the Sages in the mysterious Épagne forest, following in the footsteps of the paper-makers along the Vienne river, searching for a dragon by night, following the trail of contemporary art at Lac de Vassivière, in the company of knights at the Châlucetfortress…

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 trainers, your water bottle and your smartphone ready, and set off on a quest to collect the mischievous Poï’z!

10. Visiting in low-carbon mode

Visiting Limoges or Eymoutiers by public transport

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

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

You’ll love travelling in an eco-friendly way while exploring the treasures of the Limousin. Savour the pleasures of the festive season in Haute-Vienne, combining discovery, pleasure and a commitment to the environment!