Limoges, France
Limoges (Leem-OGE) 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.
On November 5, 1992, a delegation from Limoges, including Mayor Alain Rodet, visited Charlotte for the signing ceremony of our partnership. Charlotte and Limoges have had numerous fantastic events and exchanges ever since.
June 14, 2022: Limoges Day Proclamation by 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.
Our Sister City Relationship
Our relationship with Limoges was established in 1992.
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.