Limoux

Limoux is a commune and the seat of the arrondissement of Limoux in the Aude department, in the Occitanie region of southern France. It lies in the Lauragais plain near the foothills of the Pyrenees, on the left bank of the Aude river, about 30 kilometers southeast of Carcassonne. The town has a population in the several-thousand range and functions as an agricultural and administrative center for the surrounding area.

The town is closely associated with wine production, particularly Blanquette de Limoux, a sparkling wine traditionally made from the Mauzac grape, often blended with Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. The wine’s early history is linked to the Abbey of Saint-Hilaire near Limoux, where sparkling wine production is said to have occurred as early as the 16th century. The Limoux wine region now also produces Crémant de Limoux and still wines under the Limoux AOC, reflecting a broader contemporary wine industry.

Limoux is known for its cultural heritage and festive atmosphere. The town preserves historic streets and architecture, and it hosts the annual Carnival of Limoux, one of France’s oldest carnivals, which features processions and street celebrations. The surrounding area highlights regional gastronomy and wine tourism, drawing visitors interested in both history and viticulture.

Transportation and economy in Limoux are shaped by road and rail links to larger centers in the region. The local economy remains centered on wine production, agriculture, and tourism, with the wine trade playing a prominent role in the town’s identity.