Souterrains de la Règle

It might not look like it, but right beneath your feet lies a hidden world that’s been here for centuries. You’re standing in front of the entrance to the Règle Underground Galleries, a fascinating site that’s absolutely worth visiting if you get the chance. To explore it, you’ll need to book a guided tour through the Tourist Office. These underground tunnels were originally dug in the Middle Ages, mainly as storage spaces and shelters for the townspeople, though some parts go all the way back to Roman times. They were used to store food and sometimes to direct water into the city. Today, it’s estimated that there are somewhere between 40 and 80 kilometers of tunnels beneath Limoges. Thanks to the objects found inside, we know they were still being used well into the 20th century—but many of their past uses remain a mystery. If a tour’s coming up soon, don’t miss the chance to experience this unique and mysterious part of the city.