View of the Cathedral

From here, you have a lovely view of the cathedral’s bell tower. Its base, clearly visible from this spot, is Romanesque in style and dates back to the original cathedral built in the 11th century. Just behind you, in the large building behind the fountain, stands the Maison de la Région Nouvelle-Aquitaine,formerly known as the Hôtel de Région for the Limousin. Inaugurated in 1989, it sits right between Limoges’ two historic districts: the Château quarter and the Cité quarter. Today, it’s where many of the region’s administrative affairs are handled. And to your left, you might have noticed a modest entrance porch. That’s the Chapel of Notre-Dame de la Préservation, named in honor of the Virgin Mary’s protection over the people in times of war, disease, and natural disasters. While unassuming in appearance, the chapel is still in use today for mass and other religious ceremonies.