Car Hire Limoges - Mini guide to Limoges

Limoges, in west central France, is world famous for its exquisite porcelain and enamel. You can still see and experience the wonderful enamel work being done in the city that is considered the economic capital of western France.

Lying on the banks of Vienne River, the city historically consisted of two parts - the Cite, with its narrow streets and old houses on the lower slope, and the town proper at the summit. Although very little of the divide remains today, you can still stroll through the narrow streets and enjoy window-shopping or a pastry at the many cafés.

Explore the compact city on foot, enjoying the wonderful architecture of the St. Etienne Cathedral and the Church of St. Michel-des-Lions. To see the largest collection of Limoges porcelain, visit the Musée National de la Porcelaine Adrien-Dubouché. The museum has over 12,000 pieces on display and illustrates the history of glassmaking and ceramics.

Limoges is located in the Massif Central, also known as the agricultural heartland of France. Here the countryside is dotted with ancient cities, lovely valleys and opulent chateaux. The area is also well known for its wonderful provincial cuisine. Many of the farms, manor houses and chateaux you will drive by will offer accommodation, or simply a wonderful meal. Cities and towns in this area worth visiting are Aubusson, Vichy, Le Puy-en-Velay and Nieuil.

France is easy to navigate by car, as roads and motorways are well signposted. The drive from Aubusson to Limoges along the D941 west takes about 1 hour. Périgueux is 93kms distant and Paris almost 400kms. Train services to Limoges are excellent from most regional French cities, with direct services from Toulouse, Poitiers and Paris. The journey from Paris takes about 2.5 hours.