car hire limoges
Pick up your hire car at Limoges airport and head for the home of cognac and porcelain. Book car hire limoges now
the 60-second guide to Limoges
in its own head
"We've been making the finest china and porcelain in the world since the Middle Ages and we've got the largest Gallo-Roman amphitheatre in the Gallic world. And our cathedral rocks!"
but more realistically
Indeed, if you're looking to kit out your kitchen with crockery, head for Limoges. Also check out the magnificent railway station.
the vibe
Limoges has a quiet, sleepy feel about it, but it is quite a popular university town, so there's a decent buzz about the place, too.
the natives
Toursim is growing in Limoges, hence you should find the locals friendly and eager to please.
the weather
It's relatively mild all year round, even during the winters, and the summers are nice and warm.
the local speciality
The area is very famous for its cognac. Pick up a bottle in a porcelain decanter and you've got Limoges's two specialities rolled into one.
the celebrity
The enormously popular Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir was a Limoges man.
did you know?
Richard the Lionheart was killed near Limoges in 1199.
they say
"Limoges has been producing fine chinaware since the early 1770s, when kaolin deposits were discovered nearby." - www.justtourfrance.com
5 to see in town...
- 1. Cathedral of St Etienne
- 2. Le Pont St Etienne
- 3. Eglise St Michel des Lions
- 4. Royal Limoges
- 5. Jardin Botanique de l'Eveche
You're in France, so the chances are that at some point you'll fancy checking out a Gothic church with big carved doors and great views. Look no further.
where to park?
There's metered parking at Place de l'Eveche, or you can use the car park at the Societe Auxiliaire d'Exploitation de Parcs in Rue Charles Gide.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Cathedral of St Etienne
- 2. Le Pont St Etienne
- 3. Eglise St Michel des Lions
- 4. Royal Limoges
- 5. Jardin Botanique de l'Eveche
This glorious bridge over the River Vienne boasts eight arches and some lovely views. Proof that bridges aren't just about getting from A to B.
where to park?
The nearest car park is at the Societe Auxiliaire d'Exploitation de Parcs in Rue Charles Gide.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Cathedral of St Etienne
- 2. Le Pont St Etienne
- 3. Eglise St Michel des Lions
- 4. Royal Limoges
- 5. Jardin Botanique de l'Eveche
Not just a church, this is also the home to the skull of St Martial (from the 3rd century), which apparently has magical powers.
where to park?
Park your hire car at the Ste Auxiliaire D Exploitation De Parcs in Place Motte.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Cathedral of St Etienne
- 2. Le Pont St Etienne
- 3. Eglise St Michel des Lions
- 4. Royal Limoges
- 5. Jardin Botanique de l'Eveche
The area is famous for manufacturing porcelain, so why not go and visit one of the factories and stock up in the shop? This is one is the oldest, and one of the best.
where to park?
You can park at Parking Place Republique in Place de la Republique for €3 a day.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Cathedral of St Etienne
- 2. Le Pont St Etienne
- 3. Eglise St Michel des Lions
- 4. Royal Limoges
- 5. Jardin Botanique de l'Eveche
This lovely garden, which is totally free to get into, offers a magnificent view of the Vienne River, and over a thousand different kinds of plant.
where to park?
There's a car park at Place Franklin Roosevelt that costs €3 a day.
and 4 to drive to...
- 1. Chateau de la Borie Saulnier
- 2. St Leonard de Noblat
- 3. Chateau de Chalusset
- 4. Oradour-sur-Glane old town
Just a few miles from Limoges is this rather brilliant building which has the look of a farmhouse on steroids.
how to get there?
Take the N21 out of Limoges and head south-west. It should take about an hour and a half to get there.
and 4 to drive to...
- 1. Chateau de la Borie Saulnier
- 2. St Leonard de Noblat
- 3. Chateau de Chalusset
- 4. Oradour-sur-Glane old town
Not far from Limoges is this quaint little market town, with its cute narrow streets and old-fashioned vibe. Great for a Sunday afternoon.
how to get there?
Head east on the N141. It's a half-hour drive.
and 4 to drive to...
- 1. Chateau de la Borie Saulnier
- 2. St Leonard de Noblat
- 3. Chateau de Chalusset
- 4. Oradour-sur-Glane old town
You can't go to France without visiting one of the amazing castles, and this one won't disappoint - it's as big and sensual as castles get.
how to get there?
Head south on the N20/D704, then take the D32. It'll take you about half an hour to drive to the castle.
and 4 to drive to...
- 1. Chateau de la Borie Saulnier
- 2. St Leonard de Noblat
- 3. Chateau de Chalusset
- 4. Oradour-sur-Glane old town
This very quiet little village, known as the village of the martyrs, saw thousands meet their deaths during the Second World War. It has a peaceful but rather eerie quality.
how to get there?
It's a 30-minute drive to Oradour-sur-Glane. Head northwest on the E603, then onto the N141.
ask a Limoges cabbie!
Local taxi driver Luc Muscat on car hire in Limoges: "There is not much public transport so you are going to need a car, especially for the more remote area like Oradour-sur-Glane. There is no train or bus service into Limoges from the airport, so it's best to arrange for your hire car to be waiting for you at the airport. For busier parts of the city centre and around the Cathedral, it is more convenient to park you hire car and set off on foot."