Limousin Holiday Guide

Limousin Holiday Guide

French Holiday Property Home > Holiday Guides > Region Guides > Limousin

Easy to access with much to offer the holidaymaker

The Limousin region is famed for Limoges porcelain, for Limousin cattle, for fabulous fishing and leisure lakes and for its unspoilt, green countryside. Ease of access from the UK with TGV lines and Ryanair's economy service to the capital Limoges, has meant that British holidaymakers have begun to discover and appreciate the attributes of the region, and are enjoying holidays there in ever increasing numbers.

Top 5 things to see and do in the Limousin

1. Fish

The Limousin, with its dedicated fishing lakes and proliferation of rivers, is a Mecca for fishermen. Whether you want to spend an entire holiday with fishing rod in hand, or whether you just fancy an odd day out trying your luck beside a lake, the region is bound to have something to suit. Permits are available from tabacs, or book a "rights and permits included package" with an operator.

2. Discover the heritage

The capital city and many historic towns and villages are at your disposal in the Limousin so that you can trace the history and enjoy the glorious architectural and natural heritage of the region. Oradour sur Glane paints a different picture of the past, with the village that was a site for one of the worst Nazi atrocities in France being preserved as a memorial site.

3. Camp

The gentle landscapes and mild climate of the region, in addition to the expanses of unspoilt countryside and wealth of outdoor sports on offer, make this a brilliant choice for families to enjoy a camping holiday. There are campsites all over the region, some offering facilities such as swimming pools and lively entertainment, while others are simply peaceful places to pitch your tent and enjoy the tranquillity.

4. Vassivière Lake

Lake Vassivière, with an expanse of water measuring 1,000 hectares, is the largest lake in the Limousin. Sandy beaches and a background of beautiful woodlands give Vassivière a picturesque aspect, and the variety of water sports on offer is an additional reason to visit.

5. Feeriland Museum

If you have youngsters with you on holiday, you need to balance your visits to heritage sites and similar grown up pleasing activities with things that will keep the kids happy, if you want a peaceful and successful holiday! Children will love you for taking them to this magical model museum at Veyrac. With lifelike model villages, chateaux and more, this Lilliputian world will delight and charm even adults.

Top 5 towns and cities in the Limousin

1. Limoges

The Haute-Vienne's capital (and also that of the region of Limousin) is the lovely city of Limoges. Known for its fine porcelain tradition, the Ceramics Museum is a must see in town, and there are many shops where you can purchase your very own pieces of Limoges porcelain and pottery. That aside, Limoges has a wealth of history, heritage and beauty to offer, so set aside plenty of time for your visit, or better still, make time for a three-day city break. Sights include the Gothic Cathedral of St Etienne, the delightful botanical gardens of the Bishop's Palace, the atmospheric old town with traditional, half-timbered houses and a 19th century market hall. Limoges also is home to a huge variety of great eateries, to suit all tastes and pockets.

2. Aubusson

Famed, of course, for its tapestries and carpets, Aubusson is also a gorgeous old town, bursting with charm and period buildings and features. Riverside houses, ancient bridges, a ruined castle, clock tower and tapestry museum are just some of the attractions waiting to greet you. The main attraction, though, is the Tapestry Museum, where you can discover just why Aubusson tapestries are so prized.

3. Collonges la Rouge

The clue is in the name, but even if you are expecting a red-coloured town, Collonges la Rouge may take you by surprise with its fairytale beauty. In fact, it is officially listed as one of the most beautiful towns in France, and who would argue, once you have seen the magical pink turrets, the rosy sandstone houses and the 11th century church. In fact, the entire village (as well as being a classified "most beautiful") of Collonges la Rouge is also a listed historical monument as well as being possessed of many individually classified monuments. Take time to enjoy a thorough exploration, there's a lot to take in. And to get the best out of your visit it's also best to avoid peak summer if possible, as it is one of the most visited villages in the region and can get rather busy.

4. Oradour sur Glane

The story of this village is tragic and shocking, but a visit to Oradour sur Glane is also fascinating and educational. In June 1944, the Nazis arrived in this formerly peaceful, rural village and enacted a terrible reprisal for what they perceived as resistance activities by the villagers. All the inhabitants, men, women and children were massacred, and the village has been maintained exactly as it was left after that terrible day. It is thus a real monument to the martyrs who died there, and a piece of history brought vividly to life.

5. Rochechouart

The old town of Rochechouart is full of charm, with winding streets, picturesque buildings and a superb castle. The castle houses a good modern art museum, well worth a visit, but the town has a rather unusual claim to fame in addition to its beauty and historical buildings. Some 214 million years ago (how's that for historical interest?!), a meteorite struck the ground at the place that is now known as Rochechouart, creating a massive crater. This crater can still be seen today, and the town also has an excellent little museum tracing the story of this astrological accident.

Food and drink in the Limousin

Limousin is an agricultural region, and the farm produce of beef (from the acclaimed Limousin cattle), duck and lamb, fruits, vegetables and goats' cheeses form the basis of a delicious gastronomy. Other specialities include chestnuts, Clafoutis (a pastry flan with red cherries) and the unusual violet mustard from the town of Brive.

How to get to the Limousin

You can fly into Limoges airport with Ryanair, or take the TGV if you prefer train travel. Driving to the region is an enjoyable experience, and the journey time is very predictable (at around eight hours) thanks to the excellent toll road system.

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