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Limoges is Famed for its Beautiful and Durable Porcelain

Limoges is often known as a centre for fine porcelain. In the past Limoges was known as 'the red city' because the many porcelain kilns would be fired up twenty four hours a day colouring the night sky with their flames. The history of the porcelain industry goes back to 1766 when a very pure kaolin was found near Saint Yrieix-la-Perche, roughly 30 km away from Limoges and following this discovery the region enjoyed a golden age.

The Industry remains strong to this day. There are so many outlets in and around Limoges that this article is in no way exhaustive. The factories and shops listed in this guide are those that I have visited so far in my quest to find local china for my Bed and Breakfast, Les Trois Chenes. We are situated approximately 45 minutes away from the city of Limoges and enjoy the pleasures and tranquility of rural Limousin, knowing that we are only an easy drive away from all the amenities of Limoges.

 

Buying porcelain from factory outlets

If you are shopping for that special present, you will have no trouble finding something to suite your taste and your pocket. You can buy beautiful vases three feet high, or tiny thimbles or ornaments barely measuring a centimeter. You can spend thousands, or a euro or two. You can buy one precious item, or buy by the kilo. You can buy from bijoux boutiques in the centre of Limoges or see if you can bag a bargain in one of the many factory outlets both in and around Limoges. In some of these factories you can watch the porcelain being made, visit kilns and see displays of materials and the history of porcelain.

Maison de la Porcelain 14 avenue du president Wilson, Aixe-sur-Vienne -

Situated about 15 minutes from Limoges, Aix-sur-Vienne is a pretty town built on the banks of the River Vienne. It consists of a factory which you can visit, and a shop where you can buy Limoges Porcelain.

The Shop

The shop windows have attractive displays, but it is only as you enter the shop that you can see just how large the shop is, and how extensive the range of pottery on show. They have over 100,000 articles on display in 1000m2 of shop floor arranged on three levels. There are over 200 complete dinner services from which to choose.

 

The building itself has been beautifully restored and it is a pleasure in itself to admire the magnificent fireplace, the polished wooden doors and floors, the natural materials that complement the pottery so well. In the basement you will find white ware and 'seconds', although it is often difficult to see the faults. On the ground floor the displays are arranged in groups of different colours, designs and styles; every taste is catered for. There are traditionally decorated items and services of course, but there are also very contemporary designs. You will also see glass ware and other kitchen and dining room accessories. Pick up a hand-woven basket and enjoy browsing and choosing, but make sure you set aside plenty of time.

The factory

You can see the porcelain being made and meet the staff on a guided tour of the factory. You will be told of its history and the techniques are explained. The factory is run today in much the same way as in the last century. Everything is still made entirely by hand.

 

Parking

There is parking behind the shop and on the opposite side

Details

The shop

Open all the year round 9.30am - 7pm. Open Sundays in December.

April 1st - September 30th Open 7 days a week including public holidays. Sundays and public holidays open 10am - 1pm and 3pm - 7pm

Closed May 1st, November 1st, December 25th and January 1st.

Factory

Times of guided tours

Free guided tours of the factory all the year round. Monday - Friday 10am and 3pm

July and August additional visits at 11am, 4pm and 5pm

Prior group bookings necessary.

Closed Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.

Contact

+33 (0)5 55 70 14 68 e-mail: info@maisonporcelaine.com www.maisonporcelaine.com

 

La Vie en Rose, Le Bas Moulin, 87203 av Corot Saint Junien -

La Vie En Rose factory shop is situated on the banks of the River Glane very near the favourite painting spot of the celebrated French artist Camille Corot. One glance at this remarkable river with steep wooded river banks, huge, picturesque boulders and level riverside walk and you can see why Corot found it so attractive. This makes a visit to the porcelain shop doubly attractive as you can stroll along the river, see Corot's little cabin, recently restored, picnic at one of the many picnic tables and have a pleasant swim. You can then walk back along a path at the top of the banks, arrive back at the start of the walk and then take your car back along the road to Saint Junien, calling in at the porcelain shop on your way back; a perfect day out.

The Shop

When you enter the shop you walk into a dimly lit room at the foot of the stairs leading into the main display area, and you will be charmed to see a number of lamps made from translucent white porcelain. The porcelain is crafted in such a way that light shines through the thinner areas of the pot and a pattern is revealed. In other lamps the pattern is cut into the clay creating a porcelain lace of light.

From here you walk up the stairs and you arrive in the enormous showrooms filled with a wide selection of porcelain including hand painted Limoges boxes, dinner services, ceramic jewellery and apothecary jars. There is also attractive display of water colour paintings of the river by local artist Patrick Rougier.

Parking

There is ample parking opposite the shop, however little parking further down near the river and the Site de Corot.

Details

Open 10am - 6.30pm Monday - Friday

During summer, 1 July - 31 August open every day

Contact

33 (0)5 55 02 36 37 e-mail: lavieenrose@cegetel.net

www.lavieenrose-limoges.com

 

story writtan by Barbara Walton who runs Les Trois Chenes Bed and Breakfast in Haute Vienne

 

Read Part 2 here

 

 

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