Limoges, a Real English City
Limoges is the administrative capital of the Limousin region located in the west of central France. With a 2,000 year history, the city benefits from a diversity of architecture ranging from ancient remains to Art & Deco. Limoges is famous for its Arts of Fire, a unique heritage of a craft industry producing enamel, porcelain, and stained glass windows.
But why is Limoges the specialist of porcelain in France?
Founded by the Romans in 10 BC, it is now one of the chief manufacturing towns of France. It has made porcelain to perfection as well as enamel, oak barrels (for Cognac production) and stained glass. Through the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, Limoges has become the generic name for the hard paste porcelain that was produced. It is considered as the finest hard paste porcelain in the world because of three very distinct characteristics. The essential ingredients are all natural:
– Feldspar
– Quartz
– Kaolin
If it has not been broken, an antique piece of Limoges will look as beautiful today as it did the day it was produced! In 1771, a rock rich in fine white clay was found near Limoges and encouraged by the progressive economist Baron Turgot; a new ceramics industry was developed. This caused Limoges to rise up from its impoverished state and become a thriving town.
Why have so many English people arrivaled in Limoges?
In the space of five years, the Limousin has now become one of the most attractive regions in France, even more than Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. Approximately 2,500 new inhabitants (mainly young professionals) settle in Limoges each year. The region attracts an increasing number of British nationals. The City Council, Chamber of Commerce and a number of other organisations, all contribute to welcoming them in the best possible conditions.
A welcome booklet is sent to new inhabitants each month by Limoges City Council (Communication Department) and a welcome reception is organised in the presence of the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor responsible for new arrivals. If you need advice or support, you can contact the Deputy Mayor in charge of the reception of new arrivals.
There are more and more English people who don’t hesitate in finding a property which suits them best in the suburbs of Limoges. By the motorway, Limoges is set in the middle of the French countryside, 4 hours by motorway from Paris and 2 and a half hours from the Atlantic coast. In a nutshell, the English in the Dordogne department are just next door, and you can enjoy a full moment of peacefulness.
Regarding the food specialities, you won’t be lost in Limoges! It includes the Limousin beef (which is low in fat and cholesterol), ‘Pate de pommes de terre limousine’ (potato pie with smoked ham, herbs and galettes), pancakes made without eggs or milk, chestnuts, mushrooms, truffles and morilles from the forests, ‘Clafoutis’ (black cherry flan), ‘Cepes Farcis’ (stuffed ceps) and ‘Chou Rouge aux Chataignes’ (red cabbage with sweet chestnuts). The local wine is ‘Mille et une Pierre,’ but the very famous Cognac is most popular, due to Limousin oak barrels playing such an important role in its production.
Limoges also offers numerous charming walkways, parks, and gardens in the city centre, as well as many sites to visit and a dynamic cultural life. The city is easily accessible from the UK with the Limoges International Airport offering low cost flights.