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Things to do in Limoges in the Summer

A View of the Fountain of the Gare de Limoges, (Art Nouveau train station at Limoges)

When you’re just a 35-minute journey away from the beautiful historic city of Limoges, a visit there in the summertime is a must! Let’s explore what this charming city in Central France has in store for you during the summer season. Discover the Porcelain Legacy Limoges is famed for its porcelain craftsmanship, a tradition that’s been woven into the fabric of the city since the middle ages. Step into the workshops of Ateliers Arquie or Bernardaud, for guided tours to witness the dedication and skill behind these exquisite creations. Keep your eyes peeled for delicate porcelain accents dotted around the entire city; on benches, road signs, and fountains, and head to the tourist office to take part in “The Porcelain Trail” which will guide you to spot them all.   Immerse yourself in Heritage and Culture With roots tracing all the way back to Roman times, Limoges boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture. We recommend a wander through the Old Town and its Cour du Temple, where time seems to stand still surrounded by quaint half-timbered houses as you sip on your coffee and watch the world go by. Dive into the local art scene at the Limoges Musée des Beaux Arts set amongst terraced gardens and overlooking the Vienne valley, or the Musee National Adrien Debouche, housing the world’s largest collection of Limoges porcelain. Savour the Flavours of Summer Indulge your senses at the Halles Centrales, where the bounty of summer is on full display with stalls offering colourful fresh produce, local honey, and craft beer. For a culinary adventure head to La Friche des Ponts, a bustling food market on the banks of the picturesque Vienne River where flavours from around the world are sold from a variety of pretty food trucks. Embark on Urban Adventures Explore Limoges’ vibrant streets aboard a tuk-tuk, allowing yourself to soak in the city’s unique energy. When you need a moment of tranquillity, head to the serene surroundings of the Jardin Botanique de Leveche, a sprawling botanical garden just a stone’s throw away from the wondrous Saint-Étienne Cathedral. Additional Highlights: Gare de Limoges: Marvel at the architectural beauty of Limoges’ train station, built in Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles, considered one of France’s most beautiful stations. Limoges Aquarium: Dive into the underwater world at the Limoges Aquarium, a fascinating attraction especially loved by our younger tourists! Quartier de la Boucherie: The butcher’s Quarter, one of the oldest parts of the city full of rustic 14th- century wooden houses. Nightlife in Limoges: As the sun dips below the horizon, Limoges comes alive with its vibrant nightlife scene. Explore the city’s many exciting bars and pubs, each offering a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can sample delicious cocktails and local wines. Many of these establishments boast outdoor seating, providing the perfect vantage point to watch the sun set while enjoying your favorite drink. Don’t miss the Michard Brewery with its terrace in the heart of the city, ideal for soaking in the evening ambiance. Or indulge in the delightful cocktail menu at Tokyo, where each sip is a taste of sophistication. Whether your thing is jazz, rock, or the latest trending hits, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Explore More: If you would like to know what else there is to explore in the beautiful city of Limoges, visit Destination Limoges for the latest news and events schedules.

Site update April 2024

We have had a busy summer of building work at the Wyndham Halcyon Retreat Golf & Spa Resort in France with multiple parts of the resort being worked on over the course of the past months.

Great Days out from the Wyndham Halcyon Retreat: Bellevue Park, Limoges

Great Days out from the Wyndham Halcyon Retreat- Bellevue Park As the Easter holidays approach, we thought it would be the perfect time to tell you about Bellevue Park which opens its gates for its 57th year this month! Bellevue Park has been entertaining children and families for over half a century and really is a hidden gem that captures the hearts of its visitors. This small and simple theme park may not rival Disney in scale or technology but shines brightly nonetheless with its own unique charm and warmth. What to expect? Bellevue Park primarily caters to children up to 12 years old offering a nostalgic escape from the high tech fast-paced entertainment found elsewhere. Its modest size and traditional feel evoke a sense of nostalgia, harking back to a time when simpler pleasures brought joy to families. You can anticipate a variety of attractions. From a modest yet engaging mini-golf course to a selection of rides including pedal boats, bumper boats, and a thrilling 6 track aqua slide, Bellevue Park provides uncomplicated entertainment. Classic amusements like little roller coasters, merry-go-rounds, giant inflatables and even a petting zoo will transport you back to a simpler era where you can get stuck into some good old-fashioned, simple fun. When the weather warms up, remember to bring along your swimsuits, so that you can have a go on the water shoots and rest on a lounger while the kids amuse themselves in the splash zone. One noteworthy feature of Bellevue Park is its all-inclusive approach. Apart from the go-karts (which are just 1 euro a go), all rides are included with admission, allowing kids to enjoy their favourite attractions as many times as they like! This setup feels like a carefree environment where kids can explore freely and without the constraints of any long lines or additional costs. So, in a world of flashy, high-tech theme parks, Bellevue Park stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of simplicity and family-oriented warmth. Bellevue Park Schedule 2024 30th March – 15th April Every day 26th April – June Weekends 1st July – 3rd September Everyday For more information check out the website here

Site update February 2024

We have had a busy summer of building work at the Wyndham Halcyon Retreat Golf & Spa Resort in France with multiple parts of the resort being worked on over the course of the past months.

Discover the Magic of Autumn in Central France

Here in the heart of Central France, where autumn is painting our world with its pretty warm, rustic colours, it’s the perfect time for families to come together and make beautiful memories. We’ve got a little something for everyone- serene nature walks, farm delights, and of course, a sprinkle of Halloween fun! Read on for some of our top recommendations for exploring this magical season and the wonders that make our part of the world so special this time of year. Sedelle Arboretum This botanical garden is home to over 400 species of trees from all over the world and is recognised by the Ministry of Culture as one of France’s “Remarkable Gardens.” It offers a delightful stroll alongside the Sedelle River where you’ll spot all kinds of trees, plants, and flowers, and even a unique eco-friendly house. One of its stand-out features is the abundance of maple trees that turn a beautiful fiery red this time of year. The Monts de Gueret Considered a paradise for outdoor adventurers, this site is a playground with a huge range of activities, including mountain biking, climbing, and orienteering. As you explore, you’ll come across colossal monoliths shaping the landscape, tranquil lakes, dense woods, and breathtaking panoramic views. The best part? You can rent mountain bikes and have an instructor guide you through all the activities that cater to everyone’s fitness levels. The Ruins of Chateau de Châlucet Atop the heights of Briance, the Chateau de Châlucet has been a fascinating piece of history for nearly nine centuries. Although this medieval fortress now rests in ruins, its ancient stones echo the tales of a rich past, all brought vividly to life today through immersive visits and fantastic digital tools. Using the smartphone app “Haute-Vienne Explor Games®” you can take your pick from 5 activities, that range from leisurely guided walks to fun interactive games. Ferme des Claustres A visit to the Ferme des Claustres is always a lovely family experience that strikes the perfect balance of an educational farm and animal park. The (approx) 2 km course, which takes around 2 hours to complete offers a shaded path that’s accessible even with a pushchair, complete with benches along the way if you need a quick stop. As you wander through spacious enclosures, you’ll find a wide variety of animals moving freely and peacefully and children, in particular, will cherish the opportunity to interact with camels, goats, alpacas, and more. Verges de L’Aumaillerie For a quarter of a century, Marie Claire and Laurent Jaudinot have lovingly tended to their orchard cultivating an array of fruits; strawberries, raspberries, cherries, pears, and more. In the autumn, you can revel in the joy of handpicking your own apples, each tree bearing a different variety for you to explore. There’s a charming creperie on site, where they serve mouth-watering crepes crafted with all the local, homegrown ingredients. The combination of orchard-fresh fruits and yummy crepes is sure to be a hit with the entire family on a crisp autumn day. Halloween Thrills Our list of autumn magic wouldn’t be complete without a list of spooktastic Halloween activities! Here are a few of our favorites: Musee National Adrien Dubouche: The witch Barbotine in the kitchen Themed event with games and surprises (November 5, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m) Colette Gardens in Varetz: Decorated Gardens, treasure hunts, pumpkin decoration, face painting and more Limoges City Centre: Fun workshops in the underground caves, arts and crafts workshops run by the Town Hall Chateau Rochecouart: Fun and games Haunted Labyrinth of Gueret: All the usual fun of the maze but with a spooky twist!

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