Limousin: porcelain, tapestry and red villages
A martyred village, Limoges porcelain, Aubusson tapestries, the Vassivière lake and the red sandstone of Collonges.
- Distance
- 271 km (168 mi)
- Driving
- 3 h 44 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- France
- Updated
- August 23, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 271 km (168 mi) with 7 stops, from Oradour-sur-Glane martyr village to Turenne. About 3 h 44 min of driving in total.
More road trips in France
Route description
Begin at Oradour-sur-Glane, where the ruined village has been preserved as a memorial to its 643 victims. Continue to Limoges for its porcelain museum, the old butchers’ street and the monumental railway station.
The D941 heads east through rolling bocage to Aubusson, whose Cité internationale de la tapisserie shows the UNESCO-listed craft. Turn south onto the Millevaches plateau to the Lac de Vassivière, with beaches and an island of contemporary art.
Cross the plateau south-west to Uzerche, stacked on a rock above the Vézère, then continue to the Corrèze border with Quercy. Collonges-la-Rouge is built entirely of red sandstone, and neighbouring Turenne climbs to a castle tower with a wide view over the countryside.
This is one of France’s quietest regions, ideal for a slow trip with easy parking and simple lakeside campsites. From Turenne it is a short drive to the Dordogne valley.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Oradour-sur-Glane martyr village
HistoryOradour-sur-Glane, FranceThe ruins of a village left untouched since 643 people were massacred here on 10 June 1944. Enter through the memory centre; the silence of the streets stays with you.
- 226 km
Limoges
France - 389 km
Aubusson
France - 436 km
Lac de Vassivière
NatureBeaumont-du-Lac, FranceA large reservoir on the Millevaches plateau with beaches, a lakeside path and an island of contemporary art reached by footbridge.
- 560 km
Uzerche
France - 651 km
Collonges-la-Rouge
France - 77 km
Turenne
France
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Oradour-sur-Glane martyr village → Limoges · 26 km · 0 h 22 minOvernight nearby, for example: Aire de camping-car de Solignac - Stade Raymond Breuil (9 km); Aire de camping-car de Chaptelat (11 km).
- Day 2: Limoges → Lac de Vassivière · 125 km · 1 h 44 minOn the way: Aubusson.Overnight nearby, for example: La Presqu'ile (3 km); Camping les Pitouilles - Centre de vacances de Broussas (3 km).
- Day 3: Lac de Vassivière → Uzerche · 60 km · 0 h 50 minOvernight nearby, for example: Aire d'accueil de camping-cars de Vigeois (7 km); Camping naturiste Aimée Porcher (8 km).
- Day 4: Uzerche → Turenne · 59 km · 0 h 49 minOn the way: Collonges-la-Rouge.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping-Car Park Martel (13 km); Le Marchadial (6 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Limousin: porcelain, tapestry and red villages?
4-day road trip of about 271 km (168 mi) with 7 stops, from Oradour-sur-Glane martyr village to Turenne. About 3 h 44 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Limousin: porcelain, tapestry and red villages?
We suggest 4 days: about 3 h 44 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Limousin: porcelain, tapestry and red villages start and end?
It starts in Oradour-sur-Glane martyr village and ends in Turenne.
Which countries does Limousin: porcelain, tapestry and red villages pass through?
France.
Where can you camp along Limousin: porcelain, tapestry and red villages?
OpenStreetMap lists 150 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Aire Camping-Car Oradour-sur-Glane, Camping municipal de Cieux and CAMPING-CAR Park Saint-Junien (Haute Vienne).
When is the best time for Limousin: porcelain, tapestry and red villages?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
