USRA Olympics
A sporting and convivial day in Saint-Yrieix, featuring various competitions and activities for all ages.
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Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche
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ℹ️Practical info — Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Don't miss the Collégiale Saint-Yrieix and its medieval architecture; the lighting is best in the late afternoon.
- Visit the historic Tour du Plô, a remnant of the town's defensive past.
- Kaolin, the key ingredient for Limoges porcelain, was discovered here; look for local artisan shops selling exquisite ceramics.
- Try to catch the traditional Friday morning market for a lively display of regional Limousin produce.
- Wear sensible shoes when exploring the old town's slightly uneven, historic streets.
🍽 Food
🍽
Madeleines
Taste the famous shell-shaped sponge cakes the town is known for, best bought fresh from local bakeries.
🍽
Limousin Beef
Look for traditional French restaurants in town serving high-quality, tender local beef.
🍽
AOP Limousin Apples
In autumn, try these crisp local apples or delicious apple tarts from a patisserie.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Limoges Porcelain
Browse artisan boutiques for exquisite ceramic pieces made with the regional kaolin clay.
🛍
Friday Morning Market
Explore the stalls for regional Limousin produce, from cheeses to fresh vegetables.
🧘
Lac d'Arfeuille
A serene lake just outside the town, great for a peaceful afternoon stroll or fishing.
🧘
Parc du Moulin du Mas
Relax in this welcoming green space located conveniently close to the historic center.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
10
Secours Populaire Summer Sale
Browse for bargains at the large summer charity sale in Saint-Yrieix, featuring a wide variety of items at great prices.
Saint-Yrieix Fair
Experience the traditional atmosphere of the Saint-Yrieix fair, featuring local products, crafts, and regional specialties.
Esquisse Celebrates 30 Years: Art Festival
A special anniversary in Saint-Yrieix celebrating art in all its forms through exhibitions and creative encounters.
Conference: Cross-perspectives on Limousin – Art and Legends
Discover the Limousin region through the eyes of a geologist, blending art, legends, and the significance of water.
Flea Market at the Old Swimming Pool
Search for antiques and curiosities at the flea market held by the former Saint-Yrieix swimming pool.
Photo Exhibition: Domestic Animals
A charming exhibition in Saint-Yrieix showcasing the best entries from the photo contest dedicated to domestic animals.
Château de Bonneval: Improvisational Theatre
Enjoy an entertaining evening at the Château de Bonneval with the Kremlimpro troupe and their spontaneous acting.
Early Bird Festival: Plastic Arts Exhibition
As part of the Early Bird Festival, this exhibition showcases contemporary works by local and regional artists.
Limousin Apple Route: Orchard Visit
Discover the secrets of the famous Limousin apples during a guided tour through the region's flourishing orchards.
Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche, set in the Haute-Vienne department, is a town that forever changed the French luxury industry. In 1768, the accidental discovery of kaolin deposits here paved the way for the world-famous Limoges porcelain industry. The town's skyline is defined by the collegiate church of Le Moustier, a massive structure housing the relics of Saint Yrieix, a 6th-century monk. Geographically, the town sits on a plateau at the crossroads of Limousin and Périgord, offering a rich mosaic of landscapes. Beyond its industrial fame, Saint-Yrieix is a haven for foodies, celebrated as the capital of the French 'Madeleine' cake, with traditional bakeries like Bijou operating since 1845. The town remains an active center for agricultural excellence, particularly for Limousin cattle breeding. Its medieval core, featuring the 13th-century 'Tour du Plô', and its proximity to the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park make it a prime destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
- Location: Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
- Top sights: Collegiate Church of Le Moutier · Tour du Plô · House of Porcelain
- Nearby: Condat-sur-Vienne (31 km)
- Population: ~7.216
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 18 | 20 | 20 | 17 | 12 | 7 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 83 | 59 | 76 | 80 | 88 | 73 | 56 | 62 | 54 | 74 | 83 | 84 |
Geography
Facts
- Current population: 7,216 residents
- Kaolin discovery year: 1768
- Major landmark: Le Moustier collegiate church
- Max elevation: 498 meters
- Home of Bijou Madeleines (est. 1845)
- Postal code: 87500
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche (4)
Frequently asked questions
What is Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche famous for?
The town is famous for Madeleine biscuits and the discovery of kaolin for porcelain production.
Can you visit the porcelain history sites?
Yes, the Marcognac kaolin quarry shows how the raw material for Limoges porcelain was mined.
What is the Saint-Yrieix Collegiate Church?
An impressive Romanesque-Gothic church housing the head reliquary of Saint Yrieix.
Are there local markets?
Major markets are held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, attracting many visitors.
Where can you buy Madeleines?
There are several traditional bakeries in town, such as the famous Maison Bijou.
Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche: where is it located?
Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche is located in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France.
Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche: what is there to see?
Highlights include Collegiate Church of Le Moutier, Tour du Plô, House of Porcelain.
Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche: why is it worth visiting?
Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche, set in the Haute-Vienne department, is a town that forever changed the French luxury industry.
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