Limousin

I

Introduction

Limousin, administrative region, central France, surrounded by the regions of Centre to the north, Auvergne to the east, Midi-Pyrénées to the south, and Aquitaine and Poitou-Charentes to the west. Limousin comprises three departments: Corrèze, Creuse, and Haute-Vienne and has a total land area of 16,942 sq km (6,541 sq mi).

II

Physical Geography

Much of Limousin is upland, with an average elevation of above 350 m (1,148 ft); the highest point is Mont du Bessou (977 m/3,205 ft). The south-east of the region is characterized by a series of low, rolling plateaux that are part of the Massif Central. The north-west is typified by bocage countryside—a combination of woodland, farmland, and fields lined with hedgerows. The Dordogne River flows south-westwards across the south-east of Limousin, forming part of the border with Auvergne. Other important waterways include the Corrèze, Creuse, Vézère, and Vienne rivers, which rise on the vast Millevaches Plateau, which extends across much of the east of the region.

III

Population

Limousin is the least populated of the French mainland administrative regions, with a population of 727,000 (2007 estimate). The average population density is 42 people per sq km (109 per sq mi). The provincial capital and largest city is Limoges (population, 2005 estimate, 135,100). Smaller towns include Brive-la-Gaillarde (2005 estimate, 49,700); Tulle (1999, 15,553); Guéret (1999, 14,123); and Saint-Junien (1999, 10,666).

French is the official language, although the regional language Limousin is also spoken by up to 20 per cent of the population. The University of Limoges (1808) is the region’s leading institution of higher education. French Impressionist painter Pierre Auguste Renoir was born in Limoges in 1841 and many of his works are on display at the city’s art gallery. The 11th-century Romanesque church in Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat forms part of the French Routes to Santiago de Compostela World Heritage Site, designated by UNESCO in 1998.

IV

Economy

The region is predominantly rural and depends largely on agriculture. The distinctive Limousin breed of beef cattle originated in Limoges in the mid-19th century and is still bred locally. Dairy farming is also important. Limousin is a major timber producing region; the region’s other leading manufactured products include firearms, electrical equipment, automobile parts, leather goods, and paper. Limoges is the chief centre of ceramic production in France and is world famous for its porcelain, made from locally mined kaolin. Tulle developed as an important centre for the production of textiles; the silk net fabric known as “point de Tulle” originated in the town.