How To Plan The Perfect Trip To Limousin, France

If you are planning to recharge your happiness in Limousin, find out where to go, where to stay, and what to eat. This guide will suggest the must-see places to enjoy those moments of calm. So grab your camera and follow the guide stating Limousin travel tips for first-time visitors. 

Discover the hidden gems of France, which boast everlasting beauty with their country towns, lush forests, and rolling hills. One such treasure is LIMOUSIN. So, we are revealing everything about this place…..keep reading!!! 

Top attractions in Limousin, France

Limousin is a gem of France. Here we are uncovering its beauty and enlisting things to do in Limousin, tips, accommodations, and more …!!! Plan your next adventure with FRANCE VISA ASSISTANCE. 

The Mortemart – 

A part of the Plus Beaux Villages de France, Mortemart is famous for its vibrant architecture. The outstanding nobleman’s mansion showcases the wealthy heritage of the town. You will find two convents here, the Couvent des Carmes and Église Saint-Hilaire. 

The town was created around an old castle, the Chateau des Ducs (Home to Dukes). In the center of the city, you will also find an old market hall, which is now used for open markets.

The Wobbly Stone – 

One of the biggest Limousin travel tips for first-time visitors is not to miss the Wobbly Stone. Just head for Saint-Léger la Montagne, where you can discover an amazing view in the Haute-Vienne. 

This rocky formation at an altitude of 650 m allows the visitors to catch sight of the market town of La Jonchere-Saint-Maurice. A little higher is Puy de Sauvagnac, which is a famous highest point of the Monts d’Arnbazac.   

Tourbiere des dauges – 

The Dauges peat bog is a reserve that can be enjoyed on a trail in Saint-Léger-la-Montagne. Being here, you will walk close to peat bags, moors, and those beautiful marshes. 

The peat bog is a stunning depression that began to deepen 3 million years ago. Interestingly, cold and humidity saved the plants here from decomposing, which resulted in a fertile deposit called ”Peat”. This trail boasts 200 hectares of flora and fauna, which has 300 species of butterfly, 200 species of beetle, distinctive species of bird, lichens, etc, and plants. 

The Arboretum – 

This remarkable natural site began in 1884, and this was originally a nursery. The creator brought all sorts of gigantic trees, including redwoods and purple beeches. In 1990, the ONF became the manager of this natural site, and later, this area was transformed into an arboretum. 

One of the Limousin travel tips for first-time visitors is that you must add this place to your itinerary. Just stroll through its 7 hectares to catch a glimpse of old trees, rich biodiversity, and a beautiful heritage of 1884. 

Impressive in its landscape and natural setting, it’s a must-see place for nature lovers! 

The Chateau de montbrun – 

Among the Limousin travel tips for first-time visitors, we suggest visiting this military fortress. This military fortress was built on the banks of a small river in the 12th and 15th centuries. This vibrant structure stands at the bottom of the valley, 7 km from Chalus. 

The Chateau de Montburn was destroyed in 1385, and it was rebuilt in the 15th century by Pierre Montburn. It was much destroyed by the fire in 1917, but it retained its towers, including the “Grand Jacques”. From here, you can even catch sight of “motte castrale”, the original fortification. Undoubtedly, this Chateau is a beautiful monument in Limousin, so make sure to visit this. 

The Viaduc de rocjerolles –

If you are a nature lover and walker, then here is a Limousin travel tips for first-time visitors. Located in the commune of Bersac-sur-Rivière and Folles, there is a railway bridge, i.e., the Viaduc de Rocherolles. This bridge is 54.60 metres high and 180 metres long, with 12 arches spread over 2 levels, so you can imagine how stunning it looks. 

Created with the skill of 2000 workers, this bridge was designed and architectured graceful. An interesting fact is “The first train crossed the bridge on June 24, 1856”. 

Indeed, this place is full of botanical discoveries, so make sure not to miss this one! 

Limoges –

Whenever travelers look for Outdoor activities and nature spots in Limousin, Limoges is often mentioned. This is a rich cultural heritage where you can admire the beautiful historical monuments and stroll the cobblestone streets. 

Along with this, you can even admire the creative side of the city by heading to the Maison Haviland porcelain manufacturer, the museum, and the fine arts museum. In this place, the most famous monument is the Cathédrale Saint-Etienne. Apart from this, there are the Jardins de l’Evêché, Pont Saint-Etienne bridge, Rue du Temple, etc. So, you can imagine how enjoyable this place is.  

Saint-Leonard de Noblat – 

This medieval town is just stunning…!! This preserved center takes you on a beautiful journey filled with cobblestone streets & alleys. The Quarter de Noblat riverside district is just fabulous as it boasts old mills and the 13th century bridge. 

Take the Chemin du Pave and be right here. And yes, don’t miss the incredible UNESCO-listed Collegiale de Saint-Leonard, a stop on the Chemin de Saint Jacques pilgrimage. 

In July, don’t miss the Fête de la Saint Martial which takes place in the Quartier de Noblat. This festival will definitely add a charm to your trip, as you can enjoy a food market, traditional emals, dancing, fireworks, and much more. 

Collonges-la-Rouge

Amidst walnut orchards, meadows, and rolling hills, Collonges-la-Rouge is one of the Plus Beaux villages de France. This place delights you with its vibrant cobblestone streets, old buildings, and alleyways. 

Many buildings here date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. The cottages, noblemen’s mansions, and houses are created from red sandstone, enhancing the beauty of these buildings. And the grape vines add a charm to this place, making it more beautiful. A must-see place in Cllnges-la-Rouge is the Église Saint-Pierre, which was built in the 11th and 12th centuries. 

A week-long itinerary for exploring Limousin

This guide enlisting the Limousin travel tips for first-time visitors, also mentions a 5-day travel itinerary which begins from Paris.

DAY-1 

Depart from Paris in the morning and drive to Limoges. Explore the old town and the famous cathedrals in the city. Then you can visit the museums too. 

DAY-2 

Visit the town of Oradour-sur-Glane and the martyr village. From there, head to the town of Brive-la-Gaillarde. Then you can head back to Limoges at night. 

DAY-3

In the morning, you can explore the town of Tulle and the famous attractions, including the Cathedral of Notre-Dame. From here, head to the town of Uzerche and catch sight of its famous bridges. 

DAY-4

You can spend your morning in the town of Aubusson, famous for tapestries. In the afternoon, you can visit the town of Gueret and the stunning wolf park. From here, you can return to Uzerche and spend a peaceful night. 

DAY-5 

Then, last but not least, explore the Plateau de Millevaches and its famous natural sites. Then Drive back to Paris in the afternoon. 

DAY-6 and DAY-7

Paris is undoubtedly the most sought-after destination in France, so being here, you can end your trip at its best. 

A week-long budget trip to Limousin could cost around $700 to $1500 per person, excluding flights and accommodation, depending on your spending habits

*** After preparing your itinerary, it is advisable to go through Limousin travel tips for first-time visitors, which makes your trip easy and organized. So, you can read the tips section of our guide! 

Monthly Weather in Limousin 

The weather in Limousin from May to September is generally warm and comfortable, with average temperatures ranging from 21°C to 27°C. 

• Warmest month: August (27°C)
• Coolest max.: February (8°C)

Where to stay in Limousin

An idyllic part of south-central France, Limousin is a land of pretty villages. This underrated region invites travelers looking for relaxation and peace. Whether you are here for weekend breaks or exploration, you might be looking for wonderful stays. So, we are enlisting the best place to stay in Limousin. 

Chateau de la Grèze 

An 18th-century Chateau, which is just wow. The large rooms featuring traditional designs and cosy space make your stay memorable. The beautiful garden, outdoor pool, and terrace blend perfectly with a countryside tour. Also, you can try the regional dishes here! The bookings start from from $86….!!! 

Chateau de la Cazine

A spectacular 18th-century chateau, in a beautiful setting. The rooms are designed gracefully and have antique furniture to enhance their look. Being here, you can enjoy the delicious cuisine too. Bookings start from $104…!!!

La Chapelle St Martin

The stay is set up in a stunning 35-hectare park which boasts a swimming pool, a private lake, and outdoor sports facilities. The rooms have a sophisticated interior and are spacious for relaxing. Booking starts from $113…!!!

Hostellerie La Bergerie

A farmhouse that offers private villas and is set up in 5 acres of garden. A guest who loves outdoor activities would love this place as it boasts a swimming pool, tennis court, and much more. The interior is cosy and classy, offering the guests comfortable seating. The bookings start from $92…!!!

Limousin travel tips for first-time visitors

France is a great destination that promises an amazing experience to travelers. Whether it’s beaches or streets, this amazing nation is perfect for first-time visitors. Here to leave no space for complexities, we are enlisting Limousin travel tips for first-time visitors. 

• Learn some basic French: Although French people speak English, you must know a few French phrases to communicate easily. 

• Local cuisine: Being here, you must savor the traditional French cuisine. Pastries, wine, croissants, etc., should not be missed. 

• Arrange Your Schedule: France has amazing attractions to explore, from the Eiffel Tower to rural villages. So, preparing your itinerary is a must! 

• Cultural Etiquette: Being in this country, you must learn about French manners and etiquette. For example, say “Bonjour” while entering cafes, etc. 

• Travel Essentials: Make sure you know about the use of transport during your stay in France and have travel insurance. 

*** With these Limousin travel tips for first-time visitors, your trip will definitely be stress-free. The only thing you need to fix your travel plan is a France visa, and you can easily initiate your visa with FRANCE VISA ASSISTANCE! 

Best restaurants and local food to try in 

Limousin

Recognised as one of the best settings in Limoges, the La Cuisine du Cloître takes visitors on a next-level journey. Surprisingly, there is no menu! Yes, because the chef Guy Queroix offers the best of season. 

On the square, the Hôtel Bistrot Le Marceau has been popular. For the steak dinner, you can head to La Boucherie, next to the Hôtel Campanile. For the sightseers, Le Bistrot Jourdan is perfect to catch a glimpse of this city. 

In this guide about Limousin travel tips for first-time visitors, we tried to cover every aspect of a trip. Apart from the above places, if you want to dive into the taste of the food of Limousin, then visit the Halles centrale de Limoges. 

La Table d’Olivier in Brive-la-Gaillarde is a paradise of authentic taste. The chef is known as “Pierre”, and the most recommended is the  L’Atelier du Moûtier.   

Best time to visit Limousin

If you go through Limousin travel tips for first-time visitors, then it is always recommended to visit in the best season. 

The best time to visit Limousin, France, is the season of late spring (May) and early autumn (September). These months have moderate temperatures (13°C to 22°C or 55.4°F to 71.6°F), making this season ideal for discovering the beauty of attractions. 

Travel to Limousin transportation

As per Limousin travel tips for first-time visitors, there are various methods to go from the UK to Limousin, France. Travelers can choose from different ways, including bus, train, car, or plane. The most efficient options are: 

TRAIN: 

Take the Eurostar from London St. Pancras – Paris Gare du Nord. Then you have to transfer at Gare de Lyon to Limoges. This is indeed an environmentally friendly option. 

BUS: 

BlaBla Car bus and FlixBus also offer a route from the UK to France. Although this way is a bit slow, but yet budget-friendly. 

CAR: 

You can even drive from the UK to Limousin. You need to cross the channel first via ferry and then drive through France. This journey is about 7-8 hours, and it is ideal for travelers. 

AIR: 

If you are looking for the fastest way, then airways are the best. The main airport is Limoges – Bellegarde Airport (LIG), and nearby airports include Brive–Souillac or even Poitiers. Several airports in the UK also offer direct flights to Limoges. 

*** So, once you get the France visa appointment, make sure to keep the tickets for your transportation, as it’s a crucial document required during the appointment at the visa center. Get more guidance from FRANCE VISA ASSISTANCE and sort all your queries!!! 

Also Read: Best Places to Visit in France

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you want to dive into the real charm of France, then visit Limousin. Filled with lush green forests and enchanting villages, this region offers a chance to explore unique side of France. Our guide about Limousin travel tips for first-time visitors covered everything from attractions to transportation.

Being an excited traveler, you must visit this region and see the reasons behind its beauty. So, if you have added this destination to your France itinerary, then make sure to go through everything before visiting. The France visa from UK process, accommodations, restaurants, transportation, and more. Enjoy!! 

Frequently Asked Questions