What if Limoges could be discovered to the rhythm of your pedals? Hire a bike in Limoges and you'll be on your way to the Quartier de la Boucherie with its timber-framed houses, Saint-Étienne Cathedral and the Jardins de l'Évêché, then plunge down to the banks of the Vienne. Follow the river in the shade of the trees, meet a fisherman, stop on the Saint-Étienne bridge to watch the reflections on the water. The bike invites you to take a detour: pause at the market for a snack, take a leisurely climb up to the Jardin d'Orsay, or take a detour to admire the Benedictine railway station, an Art Deco jewel that's well worth a look.

The city is certainly rugged, but it's an opportunity to alternate smooth descents and gentle climbs to wake up your legs, without hurrying. You'll want to take advantage of the riverbanks and quiet streets in the center of town, and take the time to explore the porcelain workshops and squares where it's nice to sit down. Cycling offers this simple freedom: stop whenever you like, wherever the scent of lime blossoms and the light are beautiful.