The church of St Michel is one of Limoges' most interesting historical sights, located in the old…read morepart of the town, close to the site of the old castle (near Place Motte). The church was built largely in the 14th and 15th centuries in the Late Gothic style, and contains the relics of St Martial, who brought Christianity to the Limousin area in the 3rd century, and those of St Loup. From the outside, much of the church is obscured by adjacent buildings, and the best vantage point is Place St Michel, from where the tower and steeple - surmounted by a golden ball - can best be appreciated. The tower was begun in 1383 and is just under 200ft high. The portal onto the square is flanked by two stone lions, from which the church derives its informal name of St Michel des Lions. Inside, the space is a good example of a hall church, with a nave flanked by aisles of the same height, with chapels opening from each bay of the aisles. The slender, elegant clustered columns of the arcade lean at some alarming angles, but recent restoration work has provided additional (hidden) support to the vaults. The chancel space is simply the end of the nave and aisles, and has an impressive 19th century carved reredos, the central part of which (behind the altar) holds the brass casket (1809) containing St Martial's relics. These were brought here after the destruction of the nearby Abbey of St Martial in 1790. There are altars either side which, while technically separate chapels, actually form one continuous piece of sculpture. Of greatest interest are the two east windows to the north and south of the central window, which both contain 15th century stained glass: that above the altar of St Loup depicts the Virgin and child, surrounded by medallions of the life of the Virgin. That above the altar of St Valerie depicts St John the Baptist, again surrounded by medallions depciting his life. The rest of the church is also filled with stained glass, mostly from the 19th century and of varying quality, although there is no denying the dramatic overall effect. Other furnishings include the familiar 18th and 19th century baroque altarpieces in the chapels, some 16th and 17th century statuary and 19th and 20th century enamels.

From the owner: Deux lions de granit montent la garde Eglise de style gothique construite du XIVème au XVIème…read moresiècle. Elle doit son nom aux deux statues de lions qui veillent à ses pieds. Le clocher est surmonté d'une boule creuse anti-foudre. A l'intérieur un autel abrite la châsse de Saint-Martial, le saint-patron de la ville.

St Pierre-du-Queyroix is one of Limoges' most historic landmarks…read more Built to replace an earlier Romanesque church on the site between the 13th and 15th centuries, the exterior is not especially remarkable, although the late gothic west facade, with its tall gothic tower, is handsome enough (but looks as though it has been rather over restored). The interior of the church, on the other hand, is well worth a look. It is dark and atmopheric, thanks partly to some very dark stained glass, but also because of its size: the wide nave of this gothic church is flanked by twin aisles and has only the most modest of clerestories, so light struggles to penetrate. The ceiling is vaulted throughout, supported on a veritable forest of sturdy round piers. The windows, for the most part, have decorated gothic tracery, and one stained glass window of note, Jean Pénicaud and dating from 1510. The church has a number of chapels and altars, containing some elaborate baroque altarpieces, and a 13th century carving of Christ.

From the owner: Patrimoine religieux C'est la plus ancienne église de Limoges. Ravagée par un incendie, l'église…read moreprimitive fut rebâtie à partir de 1213. Le portail est de style roman, le reste de l'édifice fut construit du 13ème au 16ème siècle. Le clocher-porche est un bel exemple de l'architecture religieuse en Limousin.