WHERE IS THE LIMOUSIN?

The LIMOUSIN is an historic province of central France in the northwestern part of the MASSIF CENTRAL. Rich pastures are used for raising Limousin beef cattle, one of the leading breeds of Europe. Other traditionally famous products of the region are AUBUSSON TAPESTRIES and enamels and porcelains from LIMOGES, the historic capital and present regional cente.  During the Middle Ages it became well known for its TROUBADOR 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.  


Limoges is the capital city of Haute-Vienne department and an industrial and commercial center in south central France. The city's population is 133,464 (1990). Limoges is located on the Vienne River about 210 km (130 mi) northwest of Bordeaux, on the western edge of the Massif Central. The famous LIMOGES PORCELAIN has been manufactured there since 1771. 
(Source: The New Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia, Release #8, ©1996.)