Limoges


	Région	Limousin (capital)
	Département	Haute-Vienne <br/>('' Préfecture '')
	Arrondissement	Limoges
	Canton	Chief town of 16 cantons
	Insee	87085cp= 87000
	Maire	Alain Rodet
	Mandat	2001 - 2008
	Intercomm	Limoges Métropole
	Longitude	01° 15' 05" E
	Latitude	45° 49' 09" N
	Alt Moy	294 malt mini=209 m alt maxi=431 m
	Hectares	7,745
	Km&²	7745
	Sans	133,968
	Date-sans	1999
	Dens	1,730

:''This article is about the French city. For the Canadian city, see Limoges, Ontario .

Limoges (''Limòtges'' in Occitan ) is a city and Commune in France , the '' Préfecture '' of the Haute-Vienne '' Département '', and the administrative capital of the Limousin '' Région ''. Population city: 137,502 (''limougeauds''), urban area: 247,944.

Limoges is known worldwide for its medieval Enamel s (' Limoges Enamels ') on Copper , for its 19th century Porcelain (' Limoges Porcelain ') and for its oak barrels ( Limousin Oak ), which are used for Cognac production.

HISTORY

Limoges was the location of the Abbey Of St. Martial , named after the first bishop of Limoges, Saint Martial . The abbey became famous in the Middle Ages for its large library. It also was apparently the home to an important school of medieval music composition, which is usually called the St. Martial School .

PORCELAIN

In 1771 Kaolin ic clay, the fine white clay indispensable for making Hard-paste Porcelain , was discovered at Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche , near Limoges. Under the impetus of the progressive economist Turgot , who had been appointed ''intendant'' of this impoverished and isolated region, a new Ceramics industry was developed, and Limoges Porcelain became famous during the 19th century.

MISCELLANEOUS