About
Haute-Vienne is a department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of west-central France. Its prefecture and largest city is Limoges, which gives the whole area its character and makes a natural starting point for a visit.
What draws visitors
The department is best known for its porcelain. Limoges porcelain has been made here since the 18th century, and the trade remains central to the local identity. For many visitors, the chance to see how fine porcelain is made, and to browse the pieces that have come out of Limoges over the centuries, is the main reason to come.
Beyond the city, the countryside is one of rolling hills, forests and lakes. It is a gentler landscape than the coasts that many travellers head for, and it suits a slower pace: walks, quiet drives between villages, and unhurried meals.
Planning a visit
- Limoges is the obvious base, with its porcelain heritage and the services of a regional capital.
- The surrounding countryside rewards a day or more away from the city, through forests and around lakes.
- Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a large region, so it is worth combining Haute-Vienne with nearby places in the same part of France.
Haute-Vienne suits travellers interested in craft, in the French countryside, and in places that are less crowded than the most visited parts of the country. Check current opening times and transport links before you set out, as these change.
