Haute-Vienne
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| Haute-Vienne | |
|---|---|
| Department | Haute-Vienne |
| Number | 87 |
| Region | Nouvelle-Aquitaine |
| Prefecture | Limoges |
| Subprefectures | Bellac, Rochechouart |
| President | Jean-Claude Leblois |
| Population | 372,359 |
| Pop date | 2021 |
| Pop rank | 66th |
| Area km2 | 5520 |
| Cantons | 21 |
| Communes | 195 |
Haute-Vienne. A department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of west-central France, it is named after the Vienne River which flows through its territory. Its prefecture, Limoges, is a historically significant city renowned for its medieval enamelwork and fine porcelain. The department encompasses parts of the former provinces of Limousin and Marche, featuring a landscape of rolling hills, forests, and the distinctive Millevaches plateau.
Geography
Situated at the northwestern edge of the Massif Central, the terrain is characterized by the Plateau de Millevaches in the northeast and the valley of the Vienne River. Other significant waterways include the Gartempe and the Creuse, which form parts of its borders. The department shares borders with Creuse to the east, Corrèze to the south, Dordogne to the southwest, Charente to the west, and Vienne to the northwest. Notable natural areas include the Parc Naturel Régional Périgord-Limousin and the Rochechouart astrobleme, a site of a massive ancient meteorite impact.
History
Inhabited since prehistoric times, evidenced by sites like the Grotte de la Marche, the area was home to the Lemovices Gallic tribe. The Roman city of Augustoritum was established, later becoming Limoges. During the Middle Ages, it was a contested borderland between the Duchy of Aquitaine and the Kingdom of France, with numerous castles like Châlus built for defense. The Hundred Years' War and the French Wars of Religion brought significant conflict. The modern department was created in 1790 during the French Revolution. The 19th and 20th centuries were marked by the fame of Limoges porcelain, the development of the French Communist Party stronghold, and events like the Résistance during World War II.
Demographics
The population is concentrated in the urban area of Limoges, which is home to nearly a third of the department's inhabitants. Other notable towns include Saint-Junien, known for its glove-making, and Panazol. Since the late 19th century, the region has experienced significant rural depopulation, a trend common in much of central France. Recent decades have seen stabilization, with some growth around Limoges due to its universities, including the Université de Limoges, and healthcare institutions like the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Limoges.
Economy
Traditionally rooted in agriculture, particularly cattle breeding for the famed Limousin cattle, and forestry, the economy has diversified. Limoges remains the industrial and service hub, with legacy industries in fine porcelain, supported by companies like Haviland & Co., and newer sectors in ceramics and advanced materials linked to the European Ceramics Centre. Other important activities include the leather and glove industry in Saint-Junien, telecommunications with the presence of Orange S.A., and nuclear component manufacturing at the Framatome facility in Le Palais-sur-Vienne. Tourism is growing, focused on heritage, outdoor activities, and the thermal spa town of Évaux-les-Bains.
Culture and heritage
The department is synonymous with the artistic heritage of Limoges enamel, dating from the Middle Ages, and the worldwide reputation of Limoges porcelain. Architectural highlights include the Limoges Cathedral, the collegiate church of Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat, and the castles of Rochechouart and Montbrun. It is the birthplace of notable figures such as Auguste Renoir, Marie François Sadi Carnot, and Raymond Poulidor. Cultural events include the Francopholies de Limoges music festival. The local cuisine features dishes like *pâté aux pommes de terre*, Limousin beef, and clafoutis with cherries.
Administration
The department is part of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and is divided into three arrondissements: Limoges, Bellac, and Rochechouart. It is further subdivided into 21 cantons and 195 communes. It is represented in the National Assembly by three deputies and in the Senate by two senators. The Departmental Council, headquartered in Limoges, is currently presided by Jean-Claude Leblois. The department falls under the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal of Limoges and the Academic Council of Limoges.