Limoges, France
To Our Friends in Limoges - On behalf of the City of Charlotte, we extend our deepest sympathy and unwavering solidarity. We share in this sorrow and stand beside you as you mourn the damage to your historic Hôtel de Ville, a cherished symbol of civic life, community, and heritage. We recognize that this loss is measured not only in stone and glass, but also in the generations of memories, traditions, ceremonies, and shared pride held within its walls. Please know that the people of Charlotte are thinking of you with warmth, friendship, and respect. During this difficult time, our community sends its support, strength, and hope as Limoges begins the journey of healing and restoration. - From the Charlotte Sister Cities Board of Directors and City Chairs
Limoges (lee-MOHZH) was the administrative capital of the former Limousin region in west-central France and is now the capital of the Haute-Vienne department. Founded more than 2,000 years ago, Limoges is best known worldwide for its fine porcelain, enamels, and rich cultural heritage.
On November 5, 1992, a delegation from Limoges, led by Mayor Alain Rodet, visited Charlotte for a signing ceremony with Charlotte Mayor Richard Vinroot, formalizing a partnership that has grown into a longstanding tradition of friendship and collaboration. Since then, Charlotte and Limoges have enjoyed countless successful exchanges, cultural programs, and community events that continue to strengthen the bond between our two cities.
October 19, 2026: Letter of Solidarity from Charlotte Mayor Rob Harrington to Limoges Mayor Guillaume Guérin
October 19, 2026: Video of Address by Mayor Harrington to Charlotte City Council
July 14, 2024: Fête Nationale Greetings from Charlotte Sister Cities
July 4, 2024: Fourth of July Greetings from Limoges Mayor Émile-Roger Lombertie
July 14, 2022: Limoges Day Proclamation by Charlotte Mayor Vi Alexander Lyles
About Limoges
Limoges has very rich history dating back to 10 B.C. Limoges was the administrative capital of the former Limousin region in west-central France, and currently, Limoges is the capital of the Haute-Vienne department. The city of Limoges was founded in 1792. Limoges is located 229 miles southwest of Paris. The population of Limoges is approximately 250,000 people. Limoges is recognized worldwide for its production of fine china and porcelain, medieval enamels and oak barrels. Other production includes electronics, ceramics, and textiles.
Charlotte Solidarity with Limoges - October 2026
On Saturday, October 17, the historic Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) in Limoges was significantly damaged by fire. The citizens of Charlotte responded immediately and wholeheartedly, highlighting both shared sorrow and a steadfast partnership. On Monday, October 19, Charlotte Mayor Rob Herrington wrote a letter to Limoges Mayor Guillaume Guérin. That evening, Mayor Harrington addressed the Charlotte City Council, noting, "Our sister city of Limoges suffered a fire over the weekend that severely damaged its historic city hall. We acknowledge this loss and extend our best wishes to the leaders and people of Limoges for strength and perseverance during this time of recovery and restoration." Charlotte Sister Cities also organized efforts at local schools, including South Academy of International Languages, South Mecklenburg High School, and Charlotte Country Day School, to send messages of friendship and solidarity.
Limoges-Charlotte Annual Student Exchange
Since 2019, South Academy of International Languages (S.A.I.L.) has proudly maintained a student exchange partnership with schools in Limoges, France, beginning with Lycée Auguste Renoir and continuing today with Collège privé Jeanne d’Arc. Each year, Charlotte students travel to Limoges in the fall, while Limoges students visit Charlotte in the spring. Highlights of the exchange include homestays with host families, classroom participation, exploration of historic and cultural landmarks, and visits to City Hall in both communities. This enduring partnership highlights the spirit of international friendship that defines the Charlotte-Limoges Sister City relationship. Thank you to the families, teachers, school leaders, and community supporters whose dedication and generosity make this exchange possible.
Les Poors - Visit to Charlotte - March 2025
In March 2025, Charlotte welcomed Les Poors, a French tribute band celebrating the music of The Doors, as part of a cultural exchange organized by the Alliance Française de Charlotte in collaboration with Charlotte Sister Cities and Charlotte Country Day School. Band members Antonin, Moustic, Paul, and Benoit performed at Myers Park Baptist Church, Charlotte Country Day School, UNC-Charlotte, and Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, while also engaging with students at Charlotte Country Day School and South Academy of International Languages. Their visit coincided with a delegation from Limoges, including First Deputy Mayor Jean-Jacques Jalby, International Relations Councilor Marie Debourg, and Communications Director Nathalie Javelaud. Together, these visits celebrate the strong cultural and educational ties between Charlotte and Limoges and promote international friendship through music, learning, and community engagement. Thank you to all involved in welcoming our special guests!
High School Student Visit to Limoges - June 2023
In June 2023, nine students and two faculty members from Charlotte Country Day School visited three sister cities in Europe, including Wrocław and Limoges, while utilizing public transportation to travel between locations. They spent three days in Limoges, where they toured the city, visited Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) and Complexe Sportif de La Nation (Sports Park), and spent an evening with the band Gueules Sèches.
Welcoming Les Gueules Sèches de Limoges - July 2022
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Limoges-Charlotte partnership, 52 band members from Les Gueules Sèches de Limoges were welcomed to Charlotte between July 13 and 15, 2022. Alliance Française de Charlotte led the coordination of the visit along with support from Charlotte Sister Cities and Kindness Matters. Our guests were hosted by members of the Charlotte community and performed at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, followed by a community celebration at International House on Fête Nationale (Bastille Day). Band members were treated to many meals, museum visits, and an Uptown city tour. The visit coincided with the filming of a documentary that will commemorate the 100th anniversary of Les Gueules Sèches de Limoges.
Additional Photos of Limoges - June 2022
Provided by David Lynn
Photos from 2009 and Earlier
A Look Back: Beaujolais Fundraising Events
Under French law, Beaujolais Nouveau wine is released every year at 12:01 am on the third Thursday in November, just weeks after the wine's grapes have been harvested. Beaujolais Nouveau is a French tradition that is celebrated in cities large and small all over the world. Beaujolais Nouveau was at one time Charlotte Sister Cities' main annual fundraising event, and was hosted in collaboration with Limoges, Alliance Française de Charlotte, the French business community in Charlotte, and several French cultural and educational organizations in Charlotte, including the French American Chamber of Commerce and the former Bruns French Immersion School. The former Honorary Consul of France, Millie Cox was also a strong Charlotte Sister Cities supporter and participated in the event each year. She was very active and extremely supportive in Charlotte Sister Cities’ annual efforts to promote Limoges and the Beaujolais Nouveau event, which exposed Charlotteans to French heritage and culture. Limoges would often send a delegate to attend the event and they always provided a beautiful piece of Limoges porcelain to raffle off for participants attending, but the most popular prize of the night was always Air France’s two round trip tickets to France. The celebration consisted of French cheese and other food, French themed raffle items, music, and of course the French Beaujolais wine tastings. Charlotte Sister Cities board of directors and volunteers organized and split all the event responsibilities with the Alliance Française de Charlotte board of directors and volunteers.