You’re now standing on Place Stalingrad, named in memory of the fierce and devastating battle that took place during the Second World War. Right in front of you is the opera house—one of the largest in France, with seating for up to 1,484 people and welcoming around 50,000 spectators each year. It opened in 1963 under the name Grand Théâtre Municipal and was designed by architect Pierre Sonrel. The theatre was built on the site of a former circus-theatre from 1926, which could once hold up to 3,000 people. From the outside, the building may seem fairly modest, but step inside and you’ll find cutting-edge technical equipment that allows the venue to host top-quality performances. It’s home to opera, ballet, theatre, concerts, and comedy shows, making it the cultural heart of Limoges. Now continue walking to your right, and just ahead you’ll come to the striking Limoges post office building. Built in 1909 in a neoclassical style, it was designed by Jules-Alexandre Godefroy, the architect for the Ministry of Posts and Telegraphs. Its impressive lantern tower gives it a monumental presence, reflecting the city’s status and aiming to appeal to the local bourgeoisie. In recognition of its elegant architecture, it was awarded the “20th Century Heritage” label in 2002. Directly across from it you’ll see part of the prefecture building, which we’ll get to shortly. For now, turn right and walk along the side of the prefecture to learn more about its history. You’ll also notice a street branching off to your left from the square—that’s Rue Jean Jaurès, one of the city’s main shopping streets. It’s lined with beautiful historic buildings, so if you feel like browsing or picking up a few things, it’s a great place to start.