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The Location... |
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Located to the west of the Auvergne Mountains in south central France, Limousin is noted for its unspoiled countryside and its abundance of ancient churches, abbeys and fortresses. Green hills, hedgerows, ponds and shady meadows make this the quintessentially rural seat of France. Its many lakes and rivers offer travelers a variety of water sports, including canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and fishing. Limousin is also well known for its hearty local cuisine. Many of France’s greatest artists were drawn to the area to capture its unique cast of colors, the gentle landscapes and scenes of rural life.
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Limousin / Auvergne |
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The region's name is derived from the Lemovices, a Gallic tribe native to the area during the pre-Roman and Roman period. The area was controlled by Romans from about 50 BC. In 918, Limousin became a fief of Aquitaine, and during the Middle Ages it became well known for its troubadour poetry. Beginning in the 12th century, French and English kings vied for the control of Limousin, and during the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) France gained control of the area. King Henry IV annexed Limousin to the French crown in 1607. In 1790 the province was divided among the present-day departments of Corrèze, Creuse, and Haute-Vienne. |
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Chateau de Chabannes |