Situated at the foot of the Massif Central, Haute-Vienne is best known for its expertise in the finest tableware. Around its capital, Limoges, you can discover villages full of character and a succession of meadows, forests and lakes that promise endless hours of leisure and pleasure.
Limoges, French savoir-faire
Limoges offers a wide range of cultural and gastronomic discoveries.
Thanks to its porcelain, which graces the world's most prestigious tables, Limoges has been recognised as a ‘UNESCO Creative City’. Its museums are full of unusual treasures. - The Musée National de la Porcelaine Adrien Dubouché (Adrien Dubouché National Porcelain Museum) is home to some unique and previously unseen pieces. - The Musée des Beaux-Arts boasts an exceptional collection of enamels, from the Middle Ages to the present day. - The Musée de la Résistance tells the story of the local heroes who fought against Nazism: you can see sabotage equipment and even a very unusual Italian aircraft.
The city centre is well worth a visit, especially the Boucherie district, famous for its half-timbered houses, small restaurants and old shops. Nearby, the Cité district is home to the most recognisable cathedral. Another architectural curiosity: Limoges station, with its tower rising like a lighthouse, is the city's best-known monument.
When it comes to shopping, you can choose between porcelain and enamel, as well as locally-produced shoes from the famous Weston fashion house or the luxury gloves made in Saint-Junien and worn by the ‘grandes dames’ of the world.
To the delight of even the most discerning gourmets, the region is famous for its Limousin beef. A real delicacy! Make the most of your visit to Limoges to discover the Haute-Vienne. We recommend a walk around the Lac de Saint-Pardoux.
Lake Saint-Pardoux: sandy beach, aquatic centre and activities for families
Just 25 minutes by car from Limoges, this 330-hectare man-made lake in the heart of a protected natural site is the ideal place for outdoor activities, on your own, with friends or as a family.
All year round on the Lac de Saint Pardoux, the second largest lake in the Haute-Vienne region, you can enjoy a variety of walks with panoramic views over the lake and the Limousin countryside. Depending on what you fancy, you can also play golf, climb trees or learn to sail, in the heart of an unspoilt natural setting. The lake offers 192 hectares reserved for sports and leisure activities, 88 hectares for water sports and 50 hectares for fishing, so there's something for everyone!
D. Guillemain - Hiking around Saint Pardoux lake
For treasure-hunting enthusiasts, the Lac de Saint-Pardoux offers a geocaching adventure ‘In search of the crocodile’ with the Terra Aventura application. Ideal for the whole family (but also for older children)!
Lake Vassivière, an exceptional place to relax and discover
Just 50km from Aubusson and 60km from Limoges lies Lac de Vassivière, an ideal spot for a day out with the family.
Situated in the Millevaches Regional Nature Park, its 1,000 hectares, 47 kilometres of shoreline and 5 beaches make it one of the largest man-made lakes in France.
It has 250 kilometres of footpaths suitable for walking, cycling or horse-riding, a wide range of water sports and fishing activities, a zip-line park and a skate park. Indeed, the fine sandy beaches of Lac de Vassivière and the marinas abound with water-based activities, from sailing to leisurely cruises. Or enjoy the majestic forests by exploring secluded trails on foot, mountain bike or quad bike.
Marco Polo CRTNA - Hikers on Lake Vassivière
A land of legends
This green land of valleys dotted with cows, lakes and forests is home to the mythical River Dordogne, the Vallée des Impressionnistes in Creuse, the Millevaches Regional Nature Park, Lake Vassivière and markets where you can buy directly from local farmers. The Millevaches plateau, at the centre of the area, takes its name from the Germanic word ‘batz’ (fountain), making it ‘the land of a thousand fountains’.
Its blend of contemporary artistic creation and local traditions makes it a land of legends. We particularly recommend a visit to the lake island, where you can see the Centre International d'Art & du Paysage, a unique space dedicated to contemporary art.
Find out more about Haute-Vienne:
Plan your stay in Haute-Vienne
Plan your stay in Limoges
By The editor
The editorial staff of France.fr follows the trends and news of destinations to bring you stories from France that reveal its innovations and traditions that make you long to (re) discover its territories.
