Agenda of the moment
Guided tours
Groups and events
Shop and ticket office
The emblematic heart of Limoges, the Cité district is one of the two historic medieval districts of the city with the Upper Town and its famous quarter1st of the Butcher's Shop. It's easy to stroll through its typical alleyways, half-timbered houses, and pretty Bishop's Garden. The Saint-Étienne Cathedral, which overlooks the area, invites you to explore museums, underground passages, and natural spaces. And every second Sunday of the month, the Cité flea market invites you to the neighborhood, the perfect opportunity to browse and wander!
The must-see places in the neighborhood
A bit of history
The Cité district has a long history. Limoges was once divided into two distinct districts : the city around the Saint-Étienne cathedral led by the bishop, and Castle Controlled by the Viscount and the Abbey of Saint-Martial, the Upper Town was now the site of this area. These two districts, only 200 meters apart, merged during the French Revolution to form Limoges as we know it today, hence its two historic centers. To learn more about the history of Limoges, download the brochure “Limoges, through the city” below.
Explore the Cité district on foot with our brochures
Want to explore the Cité district on foot? Follow this 2-hour route from the Cité district to the station district to delve into the history of iconic monuments. It is available in the brochure “Limoges through the city” to find:
- in digital brochure
- or in paper brochure (FR/ENG/ES) to be collected from the tourist office at opening hours, 12 boulevard de Fleurus.
The must-see places in the neighborhood
The Upper City Square
Just behind the cathedral, in the small cobbled streets, is the Upper City Square : a charming little corner with antique dealers and old bookstores, must-see bars like the Irish (a real local classic) and some restaurants like the Cathedral Creperie ou the Cloister Kitchen, with its courtyard and breathtaking view of the cathedral. Perfect for strolling, enjoying a meal and sipping a drink in the sun!
Some restaurants and bars in the area
Saint-Etienne cathedral
At the center of the district stands Saint-Étienne Cathedral, surrounded by the Bishopric Gardens. Its bell tower, visible from afar, allows you to see it from different vantage points in Limoges. After more than 600 years of construction to be completed, this Gothic building is listed Historical Monument since 1862. Inside you can admire the largest black madonna in the world measuring 1,17 meters, made by Léa Sham's and Alain Duban in Limoges enamel. In other words, “Our Lady of Full Light” will amaze you! If you're lucky enough to be there in summer, organ concerts are organized. A great opportunity to enjoy the sound of this magnificent instrument while admiring the place.
The gardens of the Bishopric
After your visit to the cathedral, take the time to stroll through the Bishopric gardens, a little corner of nature in the city center. Created in the 13th century during the construction of the episcopal palace, the gardens extend over 5 hectares and 6 terraces and run along the Chapel of the Rule. You will find French flowerbeds, a botanical garden, an ecological space and a beautiful view of the Vienne. Perfect for improvise a picnic as soon as the good weather arrives!
Beaux-arts museum
At the foot of the cathedral is the Museum of Fine Arts, which is definitely worth a look. Located in the former episcopal palace et classified as a Historic Monument (just that), it houses different collections on three floors on the Gallo-Roman history of Limoges and Ancient Egypt passing through a remarkable enamel collection, internationally renowned expertise. On the Fine Arts side, you will discover paintings from the Italian Renaissance to the great names such as valadon et Renoir (born here in Limoges). For children, the visit is rhythmic of fun activities to explore the museum while having fun. Themed tours are also offered for children and adults throughout the year. Find all the practical information on the museum's website.
The Resistance Museum
Housed in a former 17th-century convent, the museum traces the history of the Resistance, the Occupation and the Deportation in Haute-Vienne during Second World War, key basin of the Resistance. Member of LRE network (Liberation, Resistance, Deportation), it immerses you in the daily life and courageous actions of the Resistance fighters on 1 m² across nearly 400 rooms (testimonies, objects, documentaries). The museum also regularly offers guided tours and activities.
The Rule's Undergrounds
Did you know that the only underground passage accessible to the public is located right next to the cathedral? Located under the former abbey of the Rule, the Règle underground passage allows you to explore the hidden heritage of Limoges. Used in the Middle Ages like the majority of 60 km of galleries, they helped to expand the city and store goods.
The Museum of the Companions of the Tour de France and the MOF
Behind the Abbey of the Rule, the Companions Museum houses a permanent exhibition of masterpieces of the Compagnons and Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (MOF). It immerses you in the history of the Ccompanionship and its traditions, a tribute to these exceptional professions and to those who have passed on their know-how and excellence. If you have a little hunger just a stone's throw from the museum, let yourself be tempted at lunchtime by the Table of Companions, a certified restaurant White Hat of Limousin which showcases good local products in tasty and generous cuisine.
Rajat Street
Halfway between the Cité and Ponts districts, the small rue du Rajat charms with its winding cobbled streets and its stairs leading to the Vienne. Formerly under the authority of the Abbey of the Rule, it has kept its modest half-timbered houses, once inhabited by washerwomen, those women who washed clothes in the river. Its name, which means “ravine” in Occitan, fits perfectly with its very steep relief!
City fleas
Attention bargain hunters and lovers of great finds! Every 2nd Sunday of the month, 8h to 18h, the City fleas transform the historic district of the City en one of the largest flea markets in central France. More than 200 exhibitors await you with antiques, vintage furniture, jewelry, retro decor, and other curiosities. A must-see for 40 years to unearth that rare gem!
