Compare car hire deals in Limoges, France

Why rent a car in Limoges?

Limoges is a delightful place to visit, especially for those who appreciate decorative arts. The wealth generated by the ceramics and enamelware industry in Limoges is reflected in its sumptuous medieval buildings made of rose-coloured granite. Even the main train station, Gare de Limoges-Bénédictins, built in art-deco style and completed in1929, is an impressive sight to behold. It is considered one of the most beautiful stations in Europe.

Its position in west-central France is ideal for extending your trip by visiting other desirable tourist destinations with a Limoges car hire, which you can pre-book before arriving.

How to get to and around Limoges?

Flights to Limoges will arrive at Limoges-Bellegarde Airport, and in 15 to 20 minutes, with a Limoges hire car, you will be in the town centre.

Limoges is ceramics lovers’ dream. The high-quality decorated porcelain manufactured here came to be known as ‘Limoges porcelain’. The The Musée National Adrien Dubouché houses one of France’s two outstanding ceramics collections (the other one being in Paris). A walk through its medieval town centre of Limoges with its cobbled streets, timber-framed houses, and medieval buildings is like a time travel. Underneath the town’s old quarter, lie hidden a series of underground tunnels called La Règle.

Half an hour away from Limoges, you will find Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat with an 11th century church, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site. The town has always been a pilgrimage centre around the tomb of Saint Leonard, which, according to legend, helps women wanting to be blessed with a husband and children. North of Limoges on the N147 is Bellac, a medieval town with, hometown of French writer Jean Giradoux. The town has stunning Romanesque architecture, especially the 12th church of Nortre-Dame-de-Bellac, which combines Romanesque and Gothic architecture.

What brands are available?

You can hire a rental car from one of the following companies:

Must-sees within an easy drive of Limoges

With a Limoges hire car, there are a number of day trips you can make from Limoges. In under three hours drive to Toulouse, well-known for its traditional country cuisine, such as the cassoulet, and an impressive architectural heritage that earned the city World Heritage site status. Four hours on the A89 will take you to Lyon, also popular for its gastronomy and historical sites.

La Rochelle, a three-hour drive, in southwest France, is a port city on the Bay of Biscay. The port was used in the past as a fort against invaders, and its entrance is guarded by two impressive medieval towers, Tour Saint-Nicolas and Tour de la Chaîne.

Paris is less than four hours on the A20 and the A10. If you were impressed by the ceramics collection in Limoges, it may be worthwhile completing the tour with a visit to the Sèvres Ceramics Museum, considered by many to be the finest ceramics collection in the world.

Tips and tricks for driving in France

You must be over 18 to eligible to drive in France. Driving licences issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted. Drive on the right, overtake on the left. Mobile phones cannot be used while driving, even with headphones. Exception is made for devices used with wireless Bluetooth.

The speed limit on French motorways (‘autoroutes’) is 80mph, but when it rains, it falls to 68mph. All motorways are prefixed with an A and charge a toll. If you prefer not to pay, find alternative directions avoiding the autoroutes. ‘Gazole’ is not petrol/gasoline in French but diesel. Nonleaded petrol is ‘san plomb’.

French motorways are under private management. If you have a breakdown you cannot call your own breakdown assistance company immediately. Using the orange emergency telephones, which can be found every 2km in motorways and main roads, ask the police or the official local breakdown service for help. If you cannot find an orange phone, dial 112 for emergency services.

Ready to plan your Limoges city break?

Feeling inspired to start exploring Limoges and other parts of France? Check out this city guide and use the Expedia search tool to help you find the best car hire, flight and hotel deals and research the best attractions and activities.