Living in Limoges: A hidden gem in the Heart of France

Tucked away in central-western France, Limoges is a city that’s often overlooked by those dreaming of a life in Provence or Paris — but it shouldn’t be. With its charming old town, excellent transport links, growing expat community, and surprisingly affordable property prices, Limoges is fast becoming a sought-after destination for those looking to relocate to France. So, what makes this historic city so appealing?

Where is Limoges?

Limoges is the capital of the Haute-Vienne department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. It sits roughly halfway between Paris and Toulouse and is surrounded by beautiful countryside, lakes, and forests. It’s part of the Limousin area, a region known for its rural beauty, porcelain heritage, and relaxed pace of life.

How big is Limoges?

With a population of just over 130,000, Limoges offers a good balance between urban living and small-town charm. It’s large enough to provide all the essential amenities, shopping centres, hospitals, universities, and cultural attractions, but small enough to avoid the hustle, traffic, and costs of major French cities.

Transport Links and Accessibility

Limoges is surprisingly well-connected for a mid-sized city:

By train: The main station, Limoges-Bénédictins, is one of the most beautiful in France and offers direct rail links to Paris (approx. 3.5 hours), Toulouse, and other regional cities.

By road: The A20 motorway runs through Limoges, making it easy to drive north to Paris or south to Toulouse. It’s a major route and toll-free in much of the Limousin region.

By air: Limoges International Airport (LIG) offers flights to the UK (London, Manchester, Bristol, East Midlands) and other European destinations. The airport is just 20 minutes from the city centre, making weekend travel easy and accessible — a big draw for expats and second-home owners.

What’s it like to live in Limoges?

Limoges has a reputation for being calm, friendly, and full of character. The city combines medieval charm, think cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, with modern convenience. It’s big on green space, too, with parks, river walks, and easy access to outdoor activities.

It’s also known for being affordable. Property prices are much lower than in most parts of France, and you can often find large houses with land for the price of a small flat in Paris or Bordeaux. This affordability, combined with a laid-back lifestyle, has made it increasingly attractive to retirees and remote workers alike.

Healthcare, education, and local amenities are all easily accessible, and the city has a strong cultural identity, with music festivals, art galleries, and a long tradition of porcelain-making, which is celebrated in several museums.

Popular areas in and around Limoges

City Centre (Centre-ville): For those who love being in the heart of things, the old town offers beautiful architecture, shops, and restaurants.

Vigenal and Montjovis: Residential areas within easy reach of the centre, ideal for families and those looking for a quiet yet connected neighbourhood.

Landouge and Beaubreuil: More suburban, with good access to green space and larger properties.

Nearby towns: For those preferring village life, there are many picturesque spots within commuting distance — Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat, Ambazac, and Aixe-sur-Vienne are popular with expats and French locals alike.

Why are people moving to Limoges?

There are several reasons why Limoges is growing in popularity among those relocating to France:

Affordable property: You get more for your money here compared to the south or the cities.

Quality of life: A good work-life balance, low crime, and clean air appeal to families and retirees alike.

Accessibility: Despite its rural surroundings, Limoges is well connected to major French cities and the UK.

Authenticity: It still feels very French — a huge draw for those looking to immerse themselves in the culture.

Growing expat community: You won’t feel isolated. The area has a growing number of international residents, particularly from the UK and Netherlands.

Anything to be aware of?

Like many provincial French towns, Limoges is quieter than the big cities, especially in winter. Some may find the pace a bit slow, particularly if you’re used to a buzzing metropolitan lifestyle. While English is increasingly understood (especially among younger people and in tourism), speaking at least some French will greatly improve your experience.

The job market can also be limited in some sectors, so remote workers, retirees, or those able to start their own business tend to fare better.

Final Thoughts

Limoges offers a rare combination of history, charm, practicality, and affordability. Whether you're looking for a family home, a retirement haven, or a base for remote work, this underrated French city has a lot to offer. It may not be the first name on most relocation lists, but for many, that’s exactly what makes it so appealing.

If you’re considering a move to France and want to explore a city that offers real value, a slower pace of life, and an authentic French experience, Limoges might just be the perfect fit.