The town of Limoux is situated 25 kilometres south west of Carcassonne and is a popular tourist centre in the Aude Valley. It is easily accessible by train or bus (regular services from Carcassonne railway station) or by car. There are two hotels in town, but most people use Airbnb or just visit for the day.
Useful links: cheap flights to Toulouse
Best value hotels in Lomoux
1 Visit the Carnival
This is probably the main claim to fame of Limoux. The carnival (Carnaval) brightens up the winter weekends starting at the beginning of January and finishing at the end of March. The origins are thought to have started in 1604 when the millers were released from their flour donations at the Priory of Prouille. They celebrated by marching around the Place de Republique with musicians and throwing flour into the crowd. Today it is confetti and if you don’t want to be shaking it out of your clothes for days on end, don’t stand too close to the procession! There are also 4 bars where the dancers and musicians stop for refreshment around the square. There are 3 parades on both Saturday and Sunday (11am, 4.30pm and 10pm)
2 Drink a glass (or several) of Blanquette
Blanquette is the sparkling wine of Limoux made from 90% Mauzac grapes with the addition of 10% Chardonnay or Chenin. It is thought to be a precursor to champagne, but you can try it for yourself. I know you can buy it in most countries now but drinking it in the Place in the town where it originated is certainly different. If beer is more to your taste, Limoux now has its own beer. Biererie De Limos brewed locally at Cepie.
The Place de la Republique
3 Visit a Museum
There are 4 museums in Limoux, Musee Petiet de Limoux situated on the Promenade du Tivoli. This is an art museum with regular exhibitions. Museum of Automata is in Rue Anne Marie Javouhey featuring automatons, some life size. There are also acoustic music nights at the museum. Musee du Pianoat 2 Place du 22 Septembre featuring a concert programme as well as rare pianos. Musee de l’imprimerie Rue de Palais features heritage days on the history of printing.
Musee du Piano
4 Go to the market
Always worth a visit in any French town or village. In Limoux it is based around the Halles, selling fish, fresh meat and vegetables. The stalls are also in the Place, although a lot have moved out to the east of the town where there is more space, it is only a 10-minute walk away. Freshly cooked food, clothes and various other items are on sale.
5 Les Bulles Sonores
This is 3-day music festival held in October just outside the town at Site de Tremesaygues. Camping facilities are available and there are usually about 20 artists over the 3 days ranging from Dub to Rock. This festival is part of the SPEDIDAM network of French festivals.
Eglise Saint Martin from Pont Neuf
