Limoux

Limoux is a town in the Aude department, in the Occitanie region of southern France, set on the River Aude around twenty kilometres south of Carcassonne. It is well known for Blanquette de Limoux, a sparkling wine regarded as one of the oldest in the world, produced using the traditional méthode ancestrale in the surrounding vineyards. The town is also recognised for its carnival, one of the longest in France, which brings the streets and the Place de la République to life for several weeks each winter with costumed groups and traditional music. The historic centre retains architecture typical of the Languedoc, including timber-framed houses, a medieval bridge crossing the Aude, and several religious buildings, notably the Church of Saint-Martin. The surrounding countryside features vineyards, hills and scrubland, ideal for walks and visits to local wine estates. Its proximity to Carcassonne, with its UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval citadel, makes Limoux a convenient base for exploring the wider region. The climate is Mediterranean with continental influences, bringing hot, dry summers and mild winters.