(Leem-OGE with a soft g like garage)
Sister City Relationship Established 1992
Limoges is located 229 miles southwest of Paris and is recognized worldwide for its production of fine porcelain and enamels. The population of Limoges is approximately 250,000 people. The entire region surrounding Limoges, known as Limousin, has a population of approximately 750,000 people.
People settled in the region before the rise of the Roman Empire. When the Romans came they founded the city of Augustoritum in 10 BC. Eventually, Augustorium was sacked by barbarians. The people who survived formed two separate cities. One part grew up around an ancient cathedral and became the seat of a very powerful bishop. The other city called "Le Château" became a political center. The two cities untied in 1792 to become the Limoges we know today.
The area is the homeland of the troubadours of old and the city has a rich cultural history with many museums, symphonies and theaters that produce over 600 cultural events annually. The famous painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir was born at "Place de la Motte", a medieval section of Limoges. Other attractions include Roman ruins, historic churches and botanical gardens.
In 1768, the porcelain industry started to develop and many of the residents became employed in the porcelain sector, or in similar jobs such as lumbering. The discovery of Kaolin, a rich, fine, white clay used in making porcelain, spurred this growth in industry. Today over 50 percent of all porcelain made in France comes from Limoges. Other industries in the city and the region include ceramics, industrial ceramics, electronics, paper, leather and beef cattle.
The University of Limoges was founded in 1968 and is home to the Center for Sports Law and Economics, the only one in the world. Sports are very popular, and the city is particularly proud of its basketball club CSP Limoges, which won the European Champions Cup in 1993.
Things to Do and Sights to See:
The best way to reach Limoges is to take a train from Paris, which should last about 3 hours.
Limoges Cathedral: This national monument of France, has many examples of Romanesque art and is one of the few Gothic churches south of the Loire River. Make sure to check out the sculpted scenes of the Apocalypse surrounding the tomb of Bishop Jean de Langeac.
La Borie en Limousin: This idyllic chateau offers beautiful views, gardens and a glimpse into farm life in Medieval France. That said, the chateau is most known for its concerts and music festivals.
Le Moulin du Got: This gorgeous paper mill was recently restored. Now, visitors get the chance to make and design their own paper!
In the mood for an adventure? Ask around about Limoges' underground network of roads and tunnels. Some of these roads date back to the Roman Era, and many were especially helpful for the French during World War II.
Press Release for Limoges' 2012 international porcelain competition winners
Press Release for Limoges' UNIC Network receiving "cultural itinerary" status from the Council of Europe
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Relationship Timeline
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Charlotte, NC - Limoges, France Sister City Timeline on Dipity.
Additional information on Limoges:
Official Limoges Website(English, German, and French)