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Go on an adventure on the paths of Compostela via the Vézelay route, direction Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Before reaching your final destination, take a well-deserved break in Limoges, the largest stopover town midway. Take a few days to explore its historic districts, stroll through its charming streets and soak up its warm atmosphere. Here is all the practical information to prepare your pilgrimage!
Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela
A little reminder on the paths to Compostela?
The Routes of Santiago de Compostela constitute a network of four major pilgrimage routes, linking different regions of Europe to the city of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. These historic routes attracting pilgrims from all over the world each year are recognized as European Cultural Routes and included in the UNESCO World Heritage since 1998.
The Vézelay route
The Way of Vézelay also called “Via Lemovicensis” is one of the most important pilgrimage routes in France. It begins in Vézelay in Burgundy, a historic place where pilgrims have gathered for centuries, and ends in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, at the foot of the Pyrenees. On the way, we bypass the Massif Central, crossing breathtaking landscapes for 930 kilometers, including 170 km in Haute-Vienne. And at the heart of this adventure is Limoges, our charming city!
Stopover cities and itineraries
Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat, stage before Limoges
Nestled in the heart of Limousin 20 km east of Limoges, Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat is a medieval treasure that will charm you. Admire its Romanesque collegiate church classified by UNESCO, taste the Marzipan, a delicious local specialty and immerse yourself in the world of porcelain with'Carpenet company, labeled Living Heritage Company and Protected Geographical Indication. If you are curious, you can visit the Got mill, museum on stationery and printing. And don't forget to pay tribute to Raymond Poulidor, the most popular cycling champion in France, native of the city!
Limoges, stopover town
Crossed by more than 2000 pilgrims per season, Limoges remains the largest stopover town on the Vézelay Route. More than 150 scallops line the streets of Limoges from east to west to guide pilgrims towards Solignac then Aixe-Sur-Vienne, next stopover towns towards Périgueux. They invite pilgrims to discover the historic and unmissable districts (the Bénédictins station or the most beautiful station in France, the Boucherie district Central halls…). Take advantage of your trip to discover the city and its secrets…
2 possible itineraries in Limoges
Arriving at S DeckSaint-Etienne, pilgrims will have the choice between 2 itineraries:
- An intramural itinerary to discover the heritage of the city and passing through the tourism office.
- An alternative route more peaceful along the edges of Vienna to the Saint-Martial bridge. 20 porcelain shells Jean Louis Puivif, mark the route, celebrating the porcelain know-how from Limoges, UNESCO Creative City.
Practical information for your visit to Limoges
Find out more at the Limoges Tourist Office
Need advice? Stop by the tourist office! Our stay advisors will be delighted to offer you:
- Tourist brochures on Limoges (city map, practical guide) and the 2 path routes in Limoges center.
- Information on accommodation pilgrims or conducive to your welcome (and help you reserve your accommodation)
- Advice on transport in town and regional, timetables, line numbers, bus towards Aixe-Sur-Vienne.
- Information on tourist sites
- Luggage storage services (occasionally over 1 day)
Saint Leo's shell, a souvenir of your trip
Want a unique souvenir of your pilgrimage? Immortalize your extraordinary adventure with the Saint-Léo shell!
Handmade by Sandrine Rongier on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the inscription of the roads to Compostela by UNESCO, this unique biscuit object combines the nobility of porcelain, the vegetable leather of Bastin tannery and the paper Got mill.
On sale in our shop at the Limoges Tourist Office and Saint Leonard de Noblat.
The Association of Friends and Pilgrims of Saint Jacques Limousin – Périgord
Are you looking for information related to the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Limousin and Périgord? Let yourself be guided by the Association of Friends and Pilgrims of Saint Jacques Limousin Périgord.
The association carries out various actions such as:
- Knowledge of the pilgrimage towards Compostela.
- Promotion and dissemination of the path to a wide audience.
- Marking and maintenance of Jacquaire paths.
- Welcoming and supporting pilgrims on their journey.
- The establishment of a pilgrim reception network : associative, parish, municipal, private accommodation, etc.
- Sharing associative activities : walks, discoveries, signage, trips, conferences…
Where to sleep at a low price in Limoges?
Are you a pilgrim looking for economical and quick accommodation for a night in Limoges? Here are the different addresses likely to welcome you: Pilgrim lodges, budget hotels… Do not hesitate to contact them directly to reserve your night.
See all accommodation on the Vézelay route
- 15 rue Eugène Varlin, Limoges
- Phone : 05 55 30 39 79
- email: maisondiocesaine@diocese-limoges.fr
The Nuns (Parvis des Clarisses)
- Cathedral Square, Limoges
- Phone : 05 55 05 02 48
Budget hotels
2 stars Hotel
Where to eat in Limoges?
Restaurants near the office
Do you go to the tourist office to look for practical information and find something to eat? Here is a list of nearby restaurants.
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Typical restaurants in Limoges
Here is a selection of some typical restaurants to discover our local specialties: Potato pâté, galetous, apple pudding, feasts…
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where to sleep easily and inexpensively in Limoges?
All the practical information in this paragraph.
Where to get your credentials in Limoges?
- At Saint-Etienne Cathedral
- At the Catholic bookstore
Where to get your credential stamped in Limoges?
- At Saint-Etienne Cathedral
- At the Limoges Métropole Tourist Office
Where to gather in Limoges?
- Saint-Etienne Cathedral with a bust of Saint-Jacques
- Basilica of Saint Michael of the Lions
- Church of Saint-Pierre de Queyroix
- Saint-Aurélien chapel
Where can I find information on the Vézelay route?
Several online brochures are available to prepare your pilgrimage step by step with all the practical advice (advice, pilgrim accommodation, catering, stopover towns, etc.):
What are the stopover towns before and after Limoges?
Pilgrims pass through Saint-leonard-de-noblat and Saint-Just-Le-Martel before arriving in Limoges. They then continue their journey towards Solignac and Aixe sur Vienne towards Périgueux.
Visit Limoges
What if you took the opportunity to visit Limoges?
Between two spiritual stages, take a little gourmet and cultural break in Limoges, city of Art and History with unsuspected treasures. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of porcelain Adrien Dubouché Museum or push the door Arquié workshops to watch the porcelain makers work before your eyes. Marvel at the works of art at Museum of Fine Arts retracing the Gallo-Roman history of Limoges, the enamels and even the paintings of Renoir. Lose yourself in the picturesque streets of Bouc districtherie, smell the good smells of Central halls and specialties like potato pâté (a local meat and potato pie!) in one of the many typical restaurants At Alphonse's or the restaurant Les Petits Ventres.
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