There are plenty of seasonal markets, flea markets, antique salons and smaller events taking place throughout the year. There are also music festivals large and small, including traditional, classical and even Cuban music. 

March

The Carnival in Limoges takes place over Mardi Gras weekend, with all the spirit of festival but none of the crush! The crowds enjoying the spectacle are full of children dressed up for the occasion eating crêpes, candyfloss and throwing confetti. There are over a staggering 2000 participants with floats, bands and dancing troupes from all over Europe. The Carnival climaxes with the winning float being “drowned” to the cheers of the spectators.   A great day out for grown-ups and children alike.

Easter Festivities

The Easter market takes place in the centre of Limoges, and features Easter egg hunts and baby animals for children to pet.

For more serious chocolate lovers there is the Salon du chocolat held in the beautiful enamelled Pavillon du Verdurier in Limoges. You can try all manner of chocolate and enjoy watching chocolatiers at their trade. The smell alone is heavenly!

Traditional services are held in churches, and you can easily buy the privet crosses to be decorated and blessed, and then placed in your home for the coming year. In this area, they are decorated with meringue as an incentive for children at church!

May

The famous Gendarmes et Voleurs race is held in Ambazac with runners from all over Europe taking part in this gruelling cross-country run covering 32 km, with a difference in altitude of 850m between the highest and the lowest point of the course! It is regarded as equivalent to a marathon. The race is started by the runners pursued by gendarmes on horseback in traditional dress.

There is a huge Brocante market held in Ambazac with serious pieces, junk and some real bargains to be had. 

June

The Sauviat sur Vige wine festival is held in the picturesque town, with both champagnes and wines to taste – the old inn is opened for lunches to soak up the tastings or enjoy oysters and mussels in the open air – a great day out!

July

Bastille Day fireworks are a must, and Limoges and St Leonard de Noblat always has an impressive display, and festive atmosphere.

The Pompadour Dressage Championship is held at the once national stud, the beautiful and impressive stables, and is a must for all equestrians.

August

The Limousin Beef festival is held on the last weekend of the month. It is an agricultural fair, where you can see up close magnificent prize-winning Limousin cattle, enjoy lunch or dinner (dinner should be booked in advance) in an enormous marquee (not for vegetarians, this one!) where the theme is most definitely beef and wine! There is also wine tasting and local produce on sale, and a brocante.

August also sees the sales in the porcelain factories – well worth a visit for a bargain – and often equipped with a beer/wine tent for tired shoppers.

September

The Grande Foire des Puces is held on the second weekend of the month. It is the biggest antique/brocante market held in Limoges, and set up in its usual venue in the streets around the cathedral. You can grab lunch from one of the outdoor stalls, or relax with a bottle of wine and a paella. 

Lac Saint-Pardoux holds the Randonnez-vous week in the first week of the month. There are three distances to walk (10, 18 and 32 km) around this pretty lake with water and snacks provided. There is also music and beach games.

The Journée du Patrimoine is a national day celebrating French heritage. Many museums and galleries have free entry  for this weekend and sites of interest and private Château/houses not normally open to the public can be visited. In 2005 the grounds of Château de Ribagnac were open to the public for the first time.

December

The Christmas market is held in the centre of Limoges, and is a lovely festive affair, with tempting food to stock up on and huge mugs of mulled wine to enjoy!

The Christmas season is generally a long and highly visible celebration. Many villages decorate their community with Christmas lights and garlands to blend with a crisp frost or the occasional fall of snow, turning the countryside into a very brief but amazingly picturesque fairytale scene.

What’s on in Limousin

http://www.frenchentree.com/france-limousin-events/