1. The Adrien Dubouché National Museum
The tradition of porcelain is celebrated at the Adrien Dubouché National Museum, named after one of its patrons. The museum houses the world’s largest collection, comprising 18,000 pieces.
Through an educational tour that begins with a presentation of the various stages of porcelain production, the museum traces the history of ceramics from antiquity onwards. 5,000 pieces from the collection are on permanent display. The building also houses the original collection of the library intended for students at the École nationale des Arts Décoratifs in Limoges, as well as a documentation centre and a space for temporary exhibitions featuring a programme of events.
2. The Bénédictins railway station
It is one of Limoges’ most iconic buildings. The Bénédictins railway station is a source of pride for the city, ranking amongst the most beautiful stations in France and Europe. The design of the building, begun in 1924, is the work of the architect Roger Gonthier, who decided to raise the height of the structure. The sculptor Henri Frédéric Varennes, meanwhile, created the decorations carved from limestone, which can be seen both inside and outside the station.
In tribute to Limoges’ status as the capital of the arts of fire, two immense statues representing porcelain and enamel stand by the main entrance. The stained-glass windows by master craftsman Francis Chigot allow natural light to flood into the station concourse, situated beneath a 31-metre dome topped with a copper cupola. To one side, a bell tower rises to a height of 61 metres, featuring four large clocks visible from both sides of the city. If you’re travelling by plane, Limoges Bellegarde Airport is only about fifteen minutes’ drive from Les Bénédictins station.
3. The underground passages of Limoges
The medieval city of Limoges is criss-crossed by underground passages beneath its cobbled streets. This hidden heritage is preserved by the Tourist Office and the ‘Ville d’Art et d’Histoire’ service. However, some sections of these caverns are open to the public. A guided tour takes you through the underground passages of the Abbaye de la Règle, where the vaulted cellars bear witness to the craftsmanship of medieval builders.
Beneath the Place de la République, a crypt built in the 9th century over the tomb of Saint Martial, the evangeliser, was rediscovered in 1962 during excavations carried out prior to the construction of a car park. Although it had disappeared during the reign of Napoleon I, the Saint-Martial crypt is now part of Limoges’ historical tours, offering a different perspective on the lives of the Abbey’s monks.
4. The Boucherie district and its chapel
In the heart of Limoges, treat yourself to a stroll through a world untouched by time. In the Boucherie district, the narrow streets invite you to wander amongst the half-timbered houses. Timber frames and carved stone adorn the façades of this street.
Shops run by designers and interior decorators, as well as the Canal Gallery, sit alongside the renowned restaurants of La Boucherie, which bear witness to life in days gone by. This historic quarter takes its name from the trade that was once based there. Generations of butcher families have lived here.
The Chapel of Saint-Aurélien stands in the neighbourhood’s central square. This medieval building is recognisable by its bell tower, clad in chestnut shingles. Inside are many remarkable features, including a relic of the patron saint, Aurélien.
5. The Casseaux Kiln
Listed as a historic monument, the Four des Casseaux museum is dedicated to Limoges porcelain. This inverted-flame kiln was built in the 1900s. It is 20 metres high and 8 metres in diameter. This imposing workshop could hold up to 15,000 pieces, bearing witness to the city’s arts and crafts industry.
The building has been converted into a museum and houses a rich collection of archives. Through the photographs on display, visitors can gain an insight into the work of the porcelain factory workers.
6. The Central Market Halls of Limoges
On Place de la Motte, in Limoges’ pedestrianised quarter, stands another building listed as a historic monument. With its impressive steel framework, the Central Market Halls of Limoges naturally bring to mind the work of Gustave Eiffel. Two of his disciples were behind the building’s design: the engineers Pesce and Lévesque.
The structure is imposing, measuring 50 metres long and 35 metres wide. The metal blends with the Burgundy bricks and the glass roofs. But the market halls are also renowned for their porcelain frieze, comprising 368 tiles depicting animals and fruit. And with good reason. Inside, it is the ideal place to discover local culinary specialities.
7. Saint-Étienne Cathedral and the Bishop’s Gardens
Among Limoges’ architectural gems, Saint-Étienne Cathedral is a true masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Six centuries elapsed between the start and completion of its construction, which began in 1273 and was finished in 1888 with the addition of the original Romanesque bell tower to the nave. Built of granite, it remains one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in the south of France.
Furthermore, Limoges is one of the greenest urban areas in France. The Jardin de l’Évêché, which adjoins the cathedral, offers a variety of landscapes across some 5 hectares. A stroll is a must to explore its French-style garden, its ecological area and its botanical garden.