Limoges

Famous across the globe for producing the most exquisite enamel and porcelain products, Limoges is a busy town in the western portion of central France. This area is hailed as the region's economic capital and is popular with visitors both domestic and international.

Limoges is situated on the banks of the Vienne River and has grown out of a once divided town that was comprised of the Cite on the lower slope, and the town proper that was located at the summit of the area. These days the divide is all but gone and Limoges is a unified town offering visitors the chance to peruse those quaint narrow streets and enjoy the treasures they hide.

A walking tour of the city yields a variety of interesting sights such as the magnificent St Etienne Cathedral and the equally fine Church of St Michel-des-Lions. The town's history as a porcelain producer is captured at the National Museum of the porcelain (Musée National de la Porcelaine Adrien Dubouché) where more than 12,000 pieces of porcelain are available for viewing, telling of the town's humble roots and ongoing legacy as a centre for glass and ceramics.

The Massif Central, the agricultural region in which Limoges is situated, is a picturesque rural French area typified by its scenic valleys, regal chateaux and traditional old fashioned cities. Also worthy of mention is the region's cuisine, which is renowned for its culinary delights. Many of these are available for sampling at the farms, family-owned manor houses and chateaux to be found throughout the region. Aubusson, Nieuil, Le Puy-en-Velay and Vichy are listed among the region's most noteworthy destinations.

Getting to Limoges is a relatively uncomplicated affair on account of France's well signposted road network. From Paris Airport, expect the journey to take around two hours, while from Aubusson it's about an hour. Train services from Toulouse, Poitiers and Paris are all available and are fast and reliable.