Limoges, France

Limoges, France
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Author: croucrou


Limoges is a medium-size city of about 200,000 people in France. It is the capital of Haute-Vienne district and the Limousin région. Limoges is a city famous for Limoges porcelain, Limousin oak - used for the production of Cognac - and Limoges enamels.

The area around Limoges has been a Gaulish settlement during ancient times. The Romans established a city here by the name of Augustoritum in around 10 BC.

Around AD 250 Limoges was visited by Saint Martial, who with two companions evangelized to the population. An abbey to Saint Martial was built in the 9th century.

Limoges Town Hall
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Author: Aratar


By the 13th century Limoges had become a prosperous town. It comprises a town proper, controlled by a bishop, and a castle with the Abbey of Saint Martial, controlled by the abbot. The town and castle were merged as one in the late 18th century. During the French Revolution, the Abbey of St Martial fell victim to being considered a symbol of the Ancien Régime, and was razed. The crypt holding the tomb of St Martial was rediscovered in 1960.

The discovery in 1768 of kaolinite, a clay mineral, helped Limoges develop its porcelain industry. Today Limoges holds a lion share of porcelain made in France, more than 50% of total production.

Going to Limoges

Limoges International Airport (Aéroport International de Limoges) is the main gateway to the city. Upon arriving at the airport, you have the option of a shuttle service (only in summer), taxis and car rental. The shuttle service is only in operation between 15 June to 30 September. You can ask the Airport Information Desk about it at Tel: 05 55 43 30 30 or email diralb@limoges.cci.fr.

There are taxis to the Limoges Bénédictins Railway Station. The charge is €20 during the day and €26 at night. For locations elsewhere, the charge is determined by the meter.

Avis, Europcar, Hertz and National/citer are some of the car rental companies operating at Limoges airport.

Exploring Limoges

Within the town centre of Limoges you may explore the sights on foot, but for greater distance a rented car would be more practical.

Places of Interest in Limoges

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