Limoux is a town in Aude, Occitania, about twenty kilometers south of Carcassonne.
Located in the valley of the Aude which gave its name to the department, backed by hills and hills that prefigure the Massif des Corbières to the east and the Pyrenees to the south, Limoux is already inhabited in Roman times. The city developed in the eleventh century before suffering the consequences of the crusade against the Albigensians (repression of the Cathar heresy) and then being devastated by the Black Prince during the Hundred Years War to the fourteenth.
However, economic activity (leather work, draperies) is flourishing and despite new damage during the wars of Religion and then due to epidemics of plague, Limoux remains a pole of prosperity in the nineteenth: the shoe industry Supplemented that of leather, and the growing viticulture has allowed the radiance of a famous vin of effervescent wine, which remains today the flagship of the city.
With more than 10 800 inhabitants, Limoux has preserved its historical heritage while being at the center of a region with a natural environment of quality. In addition to its wine richness and the famous blanquette of Limoux, its cultural and festive dynamism (its carnival lasts three months!) Participates in its influence and makes it a step of choice for lovers of green tourism... and gourmand.
In terms of architectural heritage, a visit to the city center allows you to admire many Renaissance-style dwellings or with ornaments that bear witness to its economic wealth.
Note also the Pont-Neuf, on the Aude, fortified, built in the 14th century, or the superb Place de la République, with its arcades and fountains (15th, 18th).
The Tivoli, a promenade lined with centuries-old plane trees, is also worth a detour.
Dating from the 12th century, the Saint-Martin church was remodeled in the 14th century: it combines Romanesque and Gothic styles (bell tower) and houses a reliquary statue of Saint Martin (15th century).
Typical of the Languedoc Gothic style, the Notre-Dame de Marceille basilica dates from the 14th century and its Black Madonna (11th century) was for a long time the object of a popular pilgrimage.
For any information on heritage or guided tours, call +33 4 68 31 11 82.
Limoux has several museums, including the only French public museum dedicated to the piano, the Piano Museum. We discover the history of this instrument, and an auditorium offers concerts regularly. Open from mid-June to mid-September. Information on +33 4 68 31 85 03.
In a different genre, the Musée Petiet is devoted to painting and in particular to the work of Marie Petiet and Achille Laugé, artists from Limoux. Information on +33 4 68 31 85 03.
Finally, the museum of automatons allows you to discover several universes and numerous characters inspired by literature and popular myths. Information on +33 6 70 39 01 74.
Obviously to be consumed in moderation, the wines of Limoux and Malepère can be the opportunity to visit a vineyard or cellar with a producer or a cooperative. We will inevitably learn that it was in the 16th century that the process capable of making this sparkling white wine was discovered, that is to say even before champagne. Information from the Syndicat des vins AOC de Limoux, tel. : +33 4 68 31 12 83. The appellation Limoux has been labeled Vignoble & Découvertes since 2018 under the title "Limoux, Vineyard of History and Legend".
To cool off, the swimming pool whose summer pools are open in July and August (information on +33 4 68 31 85 01) is a possibility, unless you prefer canoeing, rafting or swimming in white water directly in or in Aude (contact +33 4 68 31 11 82).
More than 40 hiking loops are signposted (some are also open to mountain biking enthusiasts) from or in the immediate vicinity of Limoux. The opportunity to discover a particularly rich natural heritage.
For the more seasoned, the Tour du Razès, to be covered over two or three days, takes part of the Pyrenean path to Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle. Other medium mountain circuits are also possible. In all cases, inquire at +33 4 68 31 11 82.
With 400 years of existence, the Limoux Carnival is renowned as one of the oldest in the world, and certainly the "longest": it lasts from January to March! On Saturdays, Sundays and Shrove Tuesday, masked characters accompanied by traditional musicians dance and feast under the arcades of Place de la République. Towards the end of the carnival season, the Carnival enlivens the square and the adjacent streets of the Place de la République for its "folk" week where folk troupes and orchestras from all continents come to parade, the next day all the Carnival Bands. of Limoux mingle for a colorful Sunday, but the Carnival of Limoux ends with the judgment and then the cremation of His Majesty Carnival. Popular and lively, the Limoux Carnival deserves to be seen… and experienced. Information on +33 4 68 31 11 82.
At the end of April, over five days, the Limoux Brass Festival programs musicians and concerts specializing in brass instruments. Information on +33 4 68 31 55 05.
From April to October, the auditorium of the Piano Museum hosts concerts. Information on +33 4 68 31 85 03.
In July, the Young Virtuosi festival highlights young talents in classical music, in various sites of Limoux and neighboring municipalities. Information on +33 7 80 55 77 16.
Finally, in October, the Bulles Sonores festival (so called in reference to local wine) programs around twenty concerts over three days, giving pride of place to current music (young talents or confirmed artists).
For lovers of local products, meet in July and August on Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. for a summer market in the city center, and all year round for a traditional market on Friday morning at Les Halles and Sunday morning in front of the Tourist Office. The Foire au gras closes the Limoux festivities in November.
