Car Hire Limoges

Limoges Mini Guide

What can you Tell me About Limoges?
Limoges is a city in the Limousin region of the west of central France. It’s most famous for its ceramics with Limoges porcelain being one of the top names in the world, the enamels painted onto copper and for the production of new oak barrels for the Cognac industry made of Limousin Oak. It has a cathedral that must have been one of the longest construction projects in history lasting over 600 years. It’s also the birthplace of the artist Renoir and the site of the death of the English king, Richard the Lionheart.



How do I get to Limoges?
There are several ways to get there. Limoges-Bellegarde Airport is less than four miles from the town and served by budget airlines from several airports in the UK. Ryanair is the main operator there with five UK routes. Transport from the airport to the city involves either a bus ride, a taxi ride, car hire or a shuttle with a fixed fare that will take you to the city’s main station. Bordeaux is also a popular arrival point as the airprot is well connected and with car hire Bordeaux Airport readily available, the 150km journey is well within reach.

Are there Alternative Ways to get to Limoges?
Limoges Station is another great arrival point for the city. Imagine the spectacle of a journey from London St Pancras to Paris and then on to Limoges. The journey is around seven hours through some of the most beautiful parts of France. Rather more enticing is the rail fare from Paris at around €45. The station is almost a monument in itself with a huge copper domed roof to the station’s bell tower. It was constructed nearly a hundred years ago and is only ten minutes’ walk from the centre although cars can be hired there too.



What Should I See or Do in the City?
Many of the sights of Limoges revolve around ecclesiastical buildings with a number of ancient churches and of course, the cathedral. The cathedral is notable for taking 615 years to complete and has an unusual design for its bell tower and an important carved Renaissance rood screen. Elsewhere you should take a guided tour of a porcelain factory in the city that produces over half of France’s porcelain products.

What Should I Buy in Limoges?
It’s almost obligatory to purchase a piece of Limoges porcelain but much of the giftware sold in the factories is either overpriced or factory seconds. A far better bet is to go into the city and the shops around the medieval part of Limoges and hunt out classic pieces from antique shops. You’ll leave the city with something of value and of a unique nature.

What is There to Eat That is Unique to Limoges?
The city and the region make great use of oxtail and tongue accompanied by marron glace, the sweet chestnuts grown there. The region makes a delicious version of wholegrain mustard called violet mustard on account of its colour gained from black grape seeds and which is delicious served with duck. Finally, you have to try the delicious sweet cherry tart called clafoutis Limousin.