Originally from Pompadour, this Corrézian, who has lived in Haute-Vienne since the 1970s, appreciates the encounters these guided tours provide him. It was while reading an article in Air France magazine on his return from his trip that the world traveler proposed his candidacy. “It would be fashionable to say that I am passionate about Limoges and that I would like to let the whole world know this, but it is not so. notes First of all, I enjoy traveling and meeting people. For me, it’s a way to bring people here and meet them. »
He is one of ten greeters (from English, to greet: to welcome, editor’s note) volunteers who help people discover the city in a different way. These volunteers know their subject inside out and love to share little stories. Like this big blue ball overlooking the bell tower of the Saint-Michel-des-Lions Basilica. “As it was full, the wind caught it and over the years it began to damage the structure of the building says Jean-Paul. It was withdrawn and a debate ensued between those who were in favor of returning the ball and those who were against it. The decision was made in October 1914, people had other concerns; it was decided to place an openwork ball so that the wind could pass through them. » It is with this type of little-known anecdote that Jean-Paul enhances the visit.
“Two City Hearts”
He decided to introduce tourists to the two hearts of the city, the town and the castle. “Historical Limoges is not one but two, I manage both and adapt to people’s motor skills. We go down to Vienne, then we have to go back up, sometimes it surprises people. » The Limougeauds know that the topography stresses the joints!
A guided tour can take 2.5 hours for a group of five to six people. Departure is set in front of the tourist office. Head to the cathedral, whose bell tower does not have a tower, and admire its Romanesque and Gothic architecture. At the back, the gardens of the Bishop’s Palace look like a colorful palette. The typical Rue de la Règle leads to the Saint-Etienne bridge with a postcard photo (or selfie) capturing the medieval bridge and the cathedral in the background. “I’m talking here about the porcelain industry, but not only that, and about the character of Ponticauds, even if the district has gone mad.” notes.
The butcher’s quarter, which may have been demolished in the early 1970s, is one of the most popular tourist locations.
The climb towards the city center starts at the Place des Bancs and then the Place de la Motte, where the castle of the Viscounts of Limoges stood. We appreciate the porcelain frieze at the top of the central halls and the opposite trompe l’oeil. “Rue de la Boucherie, just next door, is always popular with tourists, as are the cathedral, the cathedral courtyard and the gardens of the bishopric. As for visitors, they are people who travel, retirees, many families, people who are interested in the city. » At Bénédictins station, which was voted the most beautiful in France this year, he invites people to go there because it is far from his circuit. He also mentions the town’s two museums, Fine Arts and Adrien-Dubouché, the Casseaux furnace, and encourages them to go to Oradour-sur-Glane. At the end of the visit, he will send them a focus on these locations.
The retiree makes around ten visits a year, depending on his schedule, and appreciates doing them in English, every other time, or in Spanish. “It allows me to speak because I had trouble learning these languages, it helps me when I go on a trip or a cruise.” He has started learning Italian but feels he is not yet ready for a guided tour. “And since Italians speak English, it’s not a problem. »