After enjoying cosying up with a sumptuous Chocolat Chaud and admiring the beautiful winter scenery that engulfs the Chateau and grounds, it’s time to feel into the festivities and what better way than to wrap up warm and explore some of the many fantastic Holiday events the area offers?
In the Limousin region of France, you’ll find small and quaint local village markets, wonderous ornate displays at historic Chateaux and everything in between. Our local historic sites and villages, already full of charming character, take on a whole new magic when they glow under strings of twinkling fairy lights, and fill with the aroma of steaming mulled wine and roasted chestnuts!
Here, we give you our top picks for some of the best local Christmas activities, where you can be sure to soak up the festive atmosphere.
Limoges
The historic capital of the Haute-Vienne, with its narrow cobbled streets, becomes a Holiday dream for the entire month of December. You’ll find children’s workshops, musical events and a host of community get-togethers. Across the Republic Square and St Peter’s squares, you’ll find animated window displays with moving cuddly toys, a Santa’s workshop, and an ice rink encircled by 60 stalls selling seasonal wares that make perfect holiday gifts. Check the busy schedule of musical shows and children’s entertainment and workshops here.
La Souterraine
Our very own local town boasts the largest Christmas market in the Creuse region. Condensed into just one day, you’ll experience all of the festivities in one place. The streets that welcome 10-20,000 visitors each year are lit up and filled with over 160 stalls! You’ll find entertainment for all ages, including giant inflatables, street entertainers, musicians and fireworks. Keep your hands warm with a cup of hot cider, and enjoy the merrymaking!
Chateau Chambord
It’s a little further afield, but we think the spectacular 16th– century Chateau Chambord, once home to Louis “The Sun King”, is worth driving to any time of year, especially so in December.
The Chateau is dressed with thousands of lights and ceiling-high Christmas trees, while outside, its magnificent gardens are lined with illuminated firs and stunning light displays. Nights of theatre and music are on the agenda all month, as well as visits from the famous Pere Noel himself!
La Celle-Dimoise Festival of Lights
A tradition dating back to the age of celts and druids, the festival of lights means illuminating the night skies on the longest night of the year. In the little village of La Celle-Dimoise, you can join in by lighting candles or walking along as part of the procession, which ends at the church with a musical concert and a very welcomed warm drink.
Candlelight Christmas Concert
Taking place at the beautiful Church of Saint-Michel des Lions in Limoges, this intimate candlelit concert organised by 1001 Notes includes a repertoire of Christmas carols that are traditional to France as well as carols from other parts of Europe. The creator and Mandolinist, Vincent Beer-Demander, will be accompanied by the Limoges String Quartet and by the Limoges University Choir.
