Limousin, Historical region in southwestern France
This former region sits in central France and covers forested plateaus, rolling hills and river valleys. The area stretches from the foothills of the Massif Central to the green pastures and small towns that line the waterways.
A Celtic population inhabited the area before the Roman conquest and shaped early settlement patterns. During the Middle Ages, craft centers developed here that still influence local identity today.
Until the 1970s, Occitan remained the primary language in rural communities, with specific variations including Limousin, Auvergnat, and Languedocien dialects.
The region is now part of Nouvelle-Aquitaine and can be reached via several highways and regional roads. Most visitors explore the area by car, as villages are scattered and public transport runs less frequently.
Archaeological finds from the Celtic period can be seen at several sites across the region, including remains of sanctuaries and settlements. These discoveries show the connection between the modern landscape and the early inhabitants who lived here and left their traces.
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