The Portsmouth-Caen overnight ferry gives you a fresh start before the 6 hour drive on some of Frances quieter autoroutes and the chance to take in the Loire Valley en route. Alternatively take an early morning Eurotunnel which allows you to drive down via Paris and arrive late afternoon.
Fly to Limoges or Bergerac, both about 75 minutes away, with RyanAir and Flybe, or to Brive from London City with CityJet.
Or enjoy a rail trip on the Eurostar and TGV from London St Pancras to Limoges via Lille or Paris...