Agenda of the moment
Guided tours
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Shop and ticket office
The people of Limoges will tell you: the banks of the Vienne are the place to recharge your batteries without leaving the city. A must-see for a stroll, a jog, a picnic, or to enjoy the view of the two medieval bridges, this area has a little something refreshing and authentic. And every June, the neighborhood comes alive with the Fête des Ponts (Bridge Festival): water sports, a funfair, and fireworks are on the program. Come on, let's take you on a journey of discovery of this charming neighborhood!
The must-see places in the neighborhood
Restaurants around the banks of the Vienne
The highlight not to be missed
The must-see places in the neighborhood
01
The Saint Etienne Bridge
Built in 1203, the Saint-Étienne bridge connects the City to the left bank of the Vienne. 130 meters long, it was once used for driftwood passage intended for porcelain kilnsOn the right bank of the Vienne, the Saint-Étienne bridge was lined with half-timbered houses washing machines, which did the laundry for the inhabitants until the middle of the 20th century. (the houses are still visible around the rue du Rajat). Reserved for pedestrians, it offers a magnificent view of the cathedral and is part of the way of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle.
02
The Saint Martial Bridge
Located downstream, this bridge was rebuilt in 1215 on the foundations of a ancient Gallo-Roman bridge destroyed in 1182. It facilitated trade between the north and south of Gaul. With its seven pointed arches and its stone architecture, it is a testament to medieval ingenuity. The Saint-Martial Bridge is a remarkable example of medieval architecture and a must-see in the Vienne riverside district. These two bridges are classified Historical monuments.
03
Casseaux Oven
Located opposite the Limoges nautical base, a stone's throw from the banks of the Vienne, the Casseaux Oven Museum is dedicated to Limoges porcelain. Housed in a former industrial building from 1900, it houses a old porcelain oven 20 meters high classified Historical Monument. It was once able to cook up to 15 000 partsThrough display cases, archive photos and a rich scenography, the museum retraces the technical and social history of the porcelain industry.
The Ponts Festival, a highlight not to be missed
Calling all fans of outdoor entertainment and a festive atmosphere! Every year in June, the Fête des Ponts brings the banks of the Vienne to life for three days, with a packed program: demonstrations of flyboard, jet-ski baptisms, fishing competitions, large funfair, Urban Trail, concerts, gourmet stands and much more. And for the highlight of the show, go to Saturday night with the torchlight descent, the Saint-Jean fire, the firework traditional and the great popular ball.
Stroll along the banks of the Vienne
Fancy a break by the water? Take a stroll along the banks of the Vienne, on foot, running, by bike or with a stroller, by making a loop between the two medieval bridges. Along the way, enjoy lovely views of the Vienne, the cathedral below and the half-timbered houses lining the Pont Saint-Étienne on the left bank. about 1 hour for the complete tour.
To extend your walk, go through Auzette Park A small park located between the Pont-Neuf and the Pont Saint-Martial. Crossed by the Auzette River, which flows into the Vienne between two bridges, the park is decorated with shaded paths, children's play areas, and areas conducive to biodiversity, such as an insect hotel.
For the more athletic among you, a longer version exists: the Porcelain Loop, a hike of 9 km (Last approximately 2h30.) which follows in the footsteps of the pilgrims of Saint-Jacques de Compostela to the Palais-sur-Vienne.
Developments along the banks of the Vienne
The banks of the Vienne are designed so that everyone can find what they are looking for:
- The promenade is accessible to all (flat and completely usable with a stroller). Walkers, joggers, cyclists or families with strollers can enjoy it in complete peace.
- Wooden deckchairs are located all along the route to take a break, read a book or simply enjoy the scenery.
- Playgrounds for children and a large pétanque court are located in the Naveix port garden
- Picnic tables Rue de la Filature and in the La Font Pinot area allow you to take a gourmet break while listening to the lapping of the water.
Athletes, we haven't forgotten you:
- A sporting course rue de la Filature, behind the Saint-Martial bridge, for outdoor training
- A small skate park after the Nautical Base parking lot
- Ua climbing wall, left bank, right next to Bird Island, is freely accessible to experienced climbers with their equipment.
- For runners, the unmissable race Ponticaude takes place every year in March on the banks of the Vienne. On the program: 12 km solo or in relay
Fishing on the banks of the Vienne
Regulations
The banks of the Vienne are a delight for street fishing enthusiasts, with a long course set up in the heart of Limoges. It is also one of the most fish-rich areas of the Vienne. Fishing is of course permitted there provided you have a valid fishing license. Two types of regulations apply depending on the sector:
- Between the Saint-Étienne bridge and the Saint-Martial bridge, a “no kill” course (pardon) of 2 km is in place. Classified in 2nd category, this sector requires the release of predatory fish (pike, pikeperch, perch, brown trout) after capture. Signs remind the rules on site. Very popular with experienced fishermen, this section welcomes every year in June on the occasion of the bridge festival, an urban fishing competition (street-fishing).
- Outside this sector, classic regulation applies along the banks of the Vienne.
Obtain your fishing license
Before you take out your fishing rod, you need to a valid fishing licenseThis is issued by an Association Approved for Fishing and the Protection of the Aquatic Environment (AAPPMA). If you don't have one yet, consider requesting it via the Haute-Vienne Fishing Federation, which manages the rivers and bodies of water in the Limoges area. Namely, there are several types of fishing cards depending on your practice: by the day for an occasional outing, by the year for enthusiasts or even special packages for children and beginners.
This summer, it’s time for canoeing!
In complete autonomy
In summer, direction the Limoges nautical base to rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard and enjoy a walk in complete freedom over 700 meters, between the Saint-Étienne bridge and Bird Island. A great way to discover the banks of the Vienne in a different way, this time on the water!
On a guided tour on the water
For a unusual experience, take part in the summer guided canoe tour “Along the water” accompanied of a guide-lecturer City of art and history. At nightfall, leave the Limoges nautical base for a 2-hour visit Discover Limoges from a different perspective. You can admire the view of the medieval bridges, the bridge district, the Casseaux oven, and the cathedral, all bathed in the evening light.
- Reservation and payment required before the visit, online or directly at the Limoges Tourist Office.
- Programming available at the end of June
Want to explore further?
heading for the Palais-sur-Vienne nautical base (15 minutes from Limoges) or that of Saint-Victurnien (30 minutes) for longer, half-day or full-day trips.
And for water sports or swimming enthusiasts (wakeboarding, swimming pool, beaches, etc.), opt for our lakes in Haute-Vienne, Lake Saint-Pardoux (30 minutes from Limoges) or Lake Vassivière (1h).
Bars and restaurants on the banks of the Vienne
We walk, we walk, but it makes us hungry! To take a break with a drink or a good meal, here are some addresses of bars and restaurants on the banks of the Vienne :
- The Bistro of the Taste Buds (at Pont Saint Martial): a traditional bistro offering homemade dishes made with fresh produce, in a warm and friendly setting, ideal for a gourmet break on the terrace with a view of the Vienne.
- The Saint-Étienne Bridge (at the Saint-Etienne Bridge): a beautiful restaurant offering gourmet sweet and savory cuisine from Chef Sylvain Antony in a charming half-timbered building facing the bridge of the same name. Perfect for a refined lunch or a quiet dinner.
- The Dropkick Bar (Next to the nautical base) : A friendly bar on the banks of the Vienne River, perfect for afternoon tea, aperitifs, or a lively evening. It features a large terrace, regular concerts, sports broadcasts, darts and billiards, craft beers, original cocktails, poutines, and burgers.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Where can you park for free to access the banks of the Vienne?
- Parking at the Limoges nautical base – Naveix Port Street.
- Place Paul Parbelle – near the Saint-Martial Bridge.
Are there public restrooms along the banks of the Vienna River?
- Auzette WC, near the Auzette park
- Naveix toilets, in the garden of Port du Naveix, on the right bank, right next to the Pont Saint-Etienne.
Where can I find drinking water fountains?
Follow the link below to locate all the water fountains in Limoges and the banks of the Vienne.
Is the route suitable for families and strollers?
Yes! The path is flat, well-maintained, and stroller-friendly. Playgrounds are also available in the Jardin du Port du Naveix and the Parc de l'Auzette.
Can you cycle along the banks of the Vienne?
Absolutely, the banks of the Vienne are suitable for cyclists. Just remember to share the space with pedestrians, especially on weekends.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, dogs on leashes are allowed. Please respect the area and clean up after them.
Are there any places to picnic?
Yes, several picnic tables are installed:
- Font Pinot sector
- Spinning Street, right bank after the Saint Martial bridge
Is fishing allowed on the banks of the Vienne?
Yes, fishing is allowed, provided you have a valid fishing license with an Approved Association for Fishing and the Protection of the Aquatic Environment (AAPPMAThe banks of the Vienne are particularly popular with street fishing enthusiasts, with a long route set up in the heart of Limoges.
Two types of regulations apply depending on the areas:
- Between the Saint-Étienne bridge and the Saint-Martial bridge, a “no kill” course (pardon) A 2 km section is in place. Classified as a 2nd category, this sector requires the release of predatory fish (pike, pikeperch, perch, brown trout) after capture. Signs remind the public of the rules on site. Very popular with experienced fishermen, this section hosts an urban fishing competition (street-fishing) every year in June during the bridge festival.
- Outside this sector, classic regulation applies along the banks of the Vienne.
Discover the route
Learn more about fishing in Limoges
Obtain your fishing license with the Haute-Vienne Fishing Federation
