Car Rental Limoges - Exploring Limoges

Here, in the agricultural heartland of France, the countryside is dotted with ancient cities, lovely valleys and opulent châteaux. The area is also well known for its wonderful provincial cuisine. Many of the farms, manor houses and châteaux offer accommodation, or simply a delicious meal.

Aubusson, to the east, is the centre for tapestry weaving, second only to the Gobelins in Paris. The Musée Départemental de la Tapisserie on avenue des Lissiers traces the history of Aubusson tapestries over six centuries. The Maison du Tapissier, in the 16th century home of a master weaver, teaches about local history.

Ussel lies on the southeastern edge of the plateau where the land begins its gradual descent to the uppermost reaches of the Dordogne valley, which is thickly wooded and cut by deep tributary valleys. The town is pleasant enough, with some attractive 16th and 17th century houses scattered about its centre.

One building worth a look is the Maison du Ducs de Ventadour (House of the Local Lords). Located behind the church, it has a very provincial Renaissance grandeur. The local Musée du Pays d'Ussel, half of which is dedicated to traditional crafts and trades of the region, is located in the 18th century Hôtel Bonnot de Bay.

Sitting on a hilltop overlooking two rivers, Poitiers is a country town with a unique charm that comes from a long history that is discernible in the winding lines of the streets and the architectural fashions represented in its buildings. Its pedestrian precincts, restaurants and pavement cafés (and some wonderful central gardens) make for comfortable sightseeing.

The town is basically of two parts: the tree-lined place du Maréchal-Leclerc, with its popular cafés and lively outdoor culture; and place Charles-de-Gaulle to the north, where a big and bustling food and clothes market takes place. Between the two is a warren of prosperous streets, including the half-timbered medieval houses of rue de la Chaine.