Limousin Geography
Limousin climate is generally made up of cold Winters and mild Summers. There are lots of regional variations depending on local conditions and terrains.
France is mostly composed of flat plains or gently rolling hills. This region is really typical of France geography on this point of view. However, the soil there really has determinant effects on the weather.
The Limousin region is almost entirely an upland area. The lowest land is in the north-west of the region (approximately 250 m above sea level) and the highest land is roughly in the south-east (approximately 1000 m above sea level). However, the greater part of the region is above 350 m. There are numerous important rivers in the Limousin such as the Dordogne, Vienne, Creuse and Cher. The region is well-known for the high-quality of its water and for offering first rate fishing.
Although summer temperatures often exceed 32 °C – and have even reached 42 °C – the Limousin region has a damper and milder climate than its neighbours. Winters are often long and cold, especially in the higher areas, and snow is not at all uncommon.
The area around Brive in the Corrèze has more than 2000 hours per year of sunshine, the same as the southern city of Toulouse.
The following criteria are typical of Limousin geography:
- valleys and hills
- land surrounded by Massif Central mountain
- many forests like in Périgord Noir
