Limousin is one of the more rural areas of
France and a pleasant undiscovered place to visit. The region
is
lush and green and has many lakes - 400 in total - and rivers.
Walking opportunities are available with many
planned, official walks through this beautiful area. The lakes and
waterways provide a variety of opportunities for water sports.
Other sports are well catered for - horse-riding and trekking - cycling
- and for
the golfer there are a lot of golf courses. For the less
energetic, the Limousin region is a delight to explore. The
restaurants are good and hotels and holiday rental properties excellent
value. Limousin is the home of Charrolais cattle and Limoges porcelain. Limoges is the
region's capital and was established by the Romans and there are a
variety of villas and other Roman remains to see there. There are
also many medieval towns and villages
Departments
and Main Towns
Departments:
- Corrèze (19) Capital Tulle , Creuse (23)
Capital Guéret and Haute-Vienne (87) Capital Limoges.
The Corrèze Department has a famous "son" - the President of Frace,
Jacques Chirac. In 2000 the Musée du
président Jacques Chirac opened and on display are all the gifts given
to him by other countries.
Limoges in Haute-Viennehas produced pottery and
enamels for over a thousand years. Limoges porcelain was born in
1771
Wine
The region is not a great wine producing
area however there is Vin de Pays
de la Corrèze and Vignerons de Branceilles - both these are expensive
but are good. Limousin is better known for its production of Oak Barrels
which are used to add flavour to other drinks.
Liqueurs of the region are Brive-la-Gaillarde and Collonges-la-Rouges
which are distilled in Limoges.
Cheese
Surprisingly in view of the many
cattle in the region, in the main, Goats Cheeses abound and there are
LA FEUILLE DU LIMOUSIN - Goats Cheese and PAS DE L'ESCALETTE which is
from cow's milk.
Specialities
Chestnuts
- used to make the local Pâtés interesting and also for a delicious,
creamy soup.
Ceps de Creuse
- Mushrooms such as these Cepes and other woodland fungii.
Foie Gras
Clafoutis
- which are a batter case filled with black cherries
Apple falugnarde
Charcuterie,
Pâtés
Paté de Terre- potato
cake wrapped in thin pastry
Porcelain
Limoges has
traditionally produced the most exquisite porcelain and enamels.