📍 France

LIMOUSIN SOUL: HISTORIC CASTLES, PORCELAIN AND GRACE

Porcelain kilns carrying on centuries of craft, fortresses carved from granite, chestnut forests sheltering peaceful villages. Limousin, true to itself.

≈ 3
Days
103
Km
3
Stops
📖 3 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Enter authentic Limousin. Explore Limoges historic center and porcelain. Discover Saint-Yrieix and its textile heritage. Visit Rochechouart and its fortress. Cross chestnut forests and rural villages.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Saint Yrieix La Perche

linen heritage countryside quiet

Saint Yrieix La Perche - Photo 1Saint Yrieix La Perche - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Departure from Limoges and journey to Coussac-Bonneval through the rolling landscapes of southern Haute-Vienne.
2
Guided tour of Château de Bonneval, medieval fortress inhabited by the same family for nearly a millennium.
🎯

Activities

→
Walk through the town of Coussac-Bonneval, with stop at the main square and view of the castle moats.
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Stroll through the local market of Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche, renowned for its local products and traditional madeleines.
→
Climb up the Tour du Plô to admire the medieval rooftops and the Limousin countryside.
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Next stop
Distance: 59 km
Travel time: 1h11
2
Day

Rochechouart

fortress stone carved dramatically

Rochechouart - Photo 1Rochechouart - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Route to Le Chalard, a fortified village dating from the 11th century, famous for its religious remains and mining past.
2
Visit to the Maison de l'Or, an interactive museum tracing the history of the Limousin gold mines.
3
Discovery of the Romanesque church of Le Chalard and the monks' cemetery with its sculpted tombs.
4
Stop at Château de Châlus-Chabrol, the emblematic place where Richard the Lionheart died in 1199.
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Activities

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Walk through the streets of Châlus and panorama over the valley from the castle ramparts.
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Crossing the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park via secondary roads, with photo stops in the hamlets.
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Next stop
Distance: 44 km
Travel time: 53min
3
Day

Limoges

porcelain workshops heritage shines

Limoges - Photo 1Limoges - Photo 2Limoges - Photo 3Limoges - Photo 4Limoges - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to Château de Rochechouart, housing the Museum of Contemporary Art of Haute-Vienne.
2
Walk through the old town of Rochechouart and discovery of the Rochechouart-Chassenon meteorite impact crater.
3
Route to Oradour-sur-Glane to visit the martyred village preserved in memory of the events of 1944.
🎯

Activities

→
Reflective walk through the ruins of Oradour-sur-Glane, classified as a historic site.
→
Return to Limoges through the Limousin countryside and end of the circuit.

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 2 and 4 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.