Limousin (lēmōzăNˈ) [key], region and former province, S central France, in the arid, hilly country W of the Auvergne Mts. It comprises the depts. of Corrèze, Creuse, and Haute-Vienne. Limoges, the historic capital, is the center of ceramics industries, for which the abundant kaolin of the region is used; both Limoges and Tulle are important markets for the cattle raised in most of Limousin; Brive-la-Gaillarde is surrounded by fertile lowlands. In 918, Limousin was enfeoffed to the duchy of Aquitaine, and much of its history is essentially that of Aquitaine. Ravaged by Edward the Black Prince in the Hundred Years War, Limousin was reconquered for France (1370–74) by Bertrand du Guesclin. It remained a depressed area until Turgot became intendant (1761–64) and introduced notable reforms.
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