the town is built on high ground overlooking the River Vienne, with a small, attractive city centre enclosed by modern boulevards. The cathedral stands directly above the river, with the main commercial streets behind it. The magnificent gare des Bénédictins and neighbouring gare routière (tel 05.55.45.10.72) lie slightly off to the northeast, connected to the chestnut-shaded place Jourdan by avenue de Gaulle. The tourist office is on place Wilson (mid-June to mid-Sept Mon–Sat 9am–7pm, Sun 10am–6pm; mid-Sept to mid-June Mon–Sat 9am–noon & 2–7pm; tel 05.55.34.46.87, www.tourismelimoges.com).The nicest places to stay are the conveniently central and atmospheric Hôtel de la Paix, in the quietest corner of place Jourdan (tel 05.55.34.36.00, fax 05.55.32.37.06; €30–40), and the more upmarket Jeanne d'Arc on avenue de Gaulle near the gare SNCF (tel 05.55.77.67.77, [email protected]; €55–70; closed at Christmas). Between these two, at 11 cours Jourdan, the Orléans Lion d'Or (tel 05.55.77.49.71, www.orleansliondor.com; €30–55; closed two weeks at Christmas) provides a reliable alternative. Otherwise try one of two well-priced hotels in a quiet back street near the station: the spotless Familia, at 18 rue du Général-du-Bessol (tel 05.55.77.51.40, fax 05.55.10.27.69; €30–40), and the more modest Mon Logis next door (tel & fax 05.55.77.41.43; under €30; closed weekends Dec–Feb). Cheaper still, the Foyer des Jeunes Travailleurs at 20 rue Encombe-Vineuse (tel 05.55.77.63.97), on the north side of town, offers hostel accommodation, but you need to book well ahead. The nearest campsite is the Camping municipal d'Uzurat (tel 05.55.38.49.43, fax 05.55.37.32.78) about 5km out of town in Limoges' northern suburbs; take bus #20 from place Jourdan.
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