Limousin is located in the heart of France, south-southwest of Paris
on the right bank of the Vienne River. Limousin attracts visitors in search
of unspoiled countryside and has been named by poets "the land of a
thousand lakes". Its many lakes and the rivers of this area provide endless
possibilities for canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and other water sports.
Fishermen will also appreciate the abundant trout in the regions' streams and
brooks.Limoges is the birthplace of Pierre Auguste Renoir.
Limoges is the capital of the Limousin region. Hundreds of ancient village
churches dot the landscape as well as more imposing abbey churches and
fortresses. Limousin is also well known for the famous Limoges enamel and
porcelain, and tapestries from Aubusson.
Almost entirely covered by a thick carpet of vegetation, lit up by a large
number of rivers and lakes, Limousin is a haven of profoundly harmonious
landscapes. The whole region holds out an open invitation to peaceful
exploration of its natural attractions: the Millevaches plateau, the Vassivière
lake, and the Dordogne , Vézère and Vienne valleys… Its châteaux and
Medieval villages - Collonges-la-Rouge, Curemonte or Mortemart - and the little
Norman churches are just part of the rich historic and cultural heritage.
Finally, Limousin is a land of traditions which knows how to receive you. Come
and enjoy the convivial mood at meal times in guest houses, gîtes and farm
inns, savour the authentic and delicious local cuisine and local produce, passed
on in recipes from generation to generation.
The surviving parts of the two medieval towns, now merged into and overgrown
by the modern city, can still be recognized by their narrow winding streets that
are in contrast to the spacious roads of the newer neighborhoods.
Limoges boasts a ceramics museum [the Musée National de Céramique
Adrien-Dubouché] possessing a fine collection of ceramics and porcelain.
It was opened in 1867. The cathedral of Saint-Étienne is the city’s
most imposing structure. Its elegant, partly octagonal bell tower is
typical of the Gothic churches of the region. The church of
Saint-Michel-des-Lions has a 198 ft high tower with a spire surmounted by a big
bronze ball. The church also possesses an excellent 15th century
stained-glass windows. The 18th century Palais de l'Évêché now houses
the municipal museum, which has a large collection of old enamels.