Brasserie Michard

Airy and welcoming family-run brewpub right on a main traffic circle/roundabout in central Limoges.

Inside is brick, exposed pipes, vintage posters, a long curvy bar and the brewing equipment right up front. Outside is a cluster of wrought iron tables on the pavement perfect for people watching and catching afternoon sun.

The range of beers is just four, and the styles predictable enough, but most deviate from the expected in some way, so they are at best innovative and surprising and at least solid and well-made. At e3 for a 330ml glass, reasonable, too. Bottles available for takeout.

The service is prompt, friendly and helpful. Food only in the evenings and seems to revolve around bar pizza-type creations called "flammekueches" - didn't try unfortunately.

For what one might expect to be a beer desert - west central France - any local beer would be a plus. The fact that this place is actually quite good makes it a total oasis.