Limoux is a delightful medieval market town on the banks of the river Aude about 30 km due south of Carcassonne. A lively, truly French café culture exists here with food and drink being the favourite local pastime. Large cafes and outside terraces adorn the
square making this the ideal place to stop, relax and watch time go by. Surrounding the square is an array of narrow, old streets to explore and shop. The town is probably best known for its winter clown festival ‘Fècos’ which runs each weekend from January to March every year. This is the longest carnival in France and is conducted in the traditional Occitan language. Every weekend different groups of folk dancers perform in the square to traditional,centuries old songs. The heart of the town is the Place de la République, a wide square with some fine stone arcading and a number of timber framed houses.Pont Neuf Bridge is the oldest of the city’s three bridges. Originally made of wood, it was rebuilt in stone in the 14th century. From the bridge, one enjoys a remarkable view over the apse of Saint Martin Church. Limoux is an attractive place with a wonderful sense of fun. The town likes to party in a most unself-conscious way and for its own pleasure rather than for the sake of tourists. While worth visiting in itself, it is also an excellent base for discovering the history of the region and is ideally placed for exploring the coast, the mountains and some of the finest walking or cycling country in France. Markets • Weekly market every Friday (or Thursday if a public holiday falls on a Friday). • Flea market or Brocante the first Sunday of each month on the Promenade du Tivoli. • Evening markets on Tuesdays in July and August. How to get there: The airport at Carcassonne is only 20 minutes from Limoux or there are regular flights to Toulouse 70 minutes away
Places of interest SportBicycle riding : outings organised by the club, Varied excursions (Wednesday afternoons, Saturday afternoons, Sunday mornings). Cross-country bicycling : Outings on Sunday mornings. Mini-golf : Chemin de Monte Cristo, open from 06/15 to 09/15. Swimming pool : Avenue Salvador Allende tel 04 68 31 85 01 Tennis : Avenue Salvador Allende tel: 04 68 31 25 35 Canoe-kayak : Le Cabanon du Ruisseau tel 04 68 31 47 40 Along the river Aude, children and adults. Fishing : 1st and 2nd class, “ No Kill ” zone. (Tourist Information Office),www.limoux.fr • The Musée Petiet (Tourist Information Office), • Musée du Piano (Piano Museum) • CathaRama (a history of the Cathar movement). • Winery tours at Sieur d'Arques and Aimery. • " La Bouichère " - Flassian, 2 hectares of gardens which is home to various collections of increasingly rare plant varieties. • Limoux wine, white wine, usually sparkling, produced in the area • Site de la Bande de Carnaval de Limoux ’Les Limouxins’
