Limousin and Perigord

Bordeaux : Limousin & Perigord : Gascony : The Pyrenees

Car Hire (main collection points only) : Bordeaux Airport : Bordeaux Railway Station : Toulouse Airport : Toulouse Downtown : Toulouse Railway Station

Limousin is the centre for porcelains and enamels, know as the arts of fire. Still relatively unknown to tourists, the lovely region was neglected until the opening of the railway in the late 19th century.

The town of Limoges however is world famous for its china production, with over 30 porcelain workshops of all sizes in the town, may of which offering guided tours.

The Musee National Adrien Dubouche has a collection of more then 10,000 pieces of china ware from all periods.

East of Limoges, Aubusson is to tapestry what Limoges is to porcelain.

The Centre Culturel Jean Lurcat, which is named after the artist who revitalised the art of tapestry making from the 1930’s onward, includes a Musee de la Tapisserie which has a permanent exhibition of both contemporary and traditional tapestry work.

Situated in the middle of the Dordogne valley, lies the regions capital of Perigueux home to the Musee du Perigord which houses extensive collections covering all periods of history in the area.

The fascinating Cathedrale de St Front in Perigueux was originally built in the 12th century but suffered a total reconstruction in the 19th century which completely altered its character.

The former building was virtually razed, only the great bell tower was spared. The domed roof was rebuilt with five domes and 17 new towers and turrets. The resultant look is rather oriental, more like a large mosque than a Christian church.

From Sarlat to Bergerac lies the Dordogne valley, combining magnificent views with lovely castles.

Sarlat is a bustling market town that could be the stage for a film set in the Renaissance.

At Montfort begins the almost full circle bends in the river called ‘Cingles’. From Domme the road plunges down to the river and across the bridge, a few miles west the village of La Roque-Gageac is lodged on the steep slopes between the river bank and the cliff edge.

In this area you can obtain your hire car from Limoges Railway Station.