Limoux is a fascinating old town with a history dating back 2000 years. Situated on the banks of the Aude river and surrounded by vineyards and arid, rocky hills, it is home to the famous Blanquette de Limoux wines. Reputedly the oldest dry wine, whose production dates from 16th century when the monks of the nearby abbey of St. Hilaire devised a method of making a sparkling white wine almost 200 years before producers in the Champagne region of France. In their « Method Ancestrale », the bottles are sealed before fermentation takes place which creates natural bubbles in the wine. Three white grape varieties are used, the mauzac, chenin and chardonnay, creating a smooth creamy texture which is simple and elegant. The special taste of Blanquette is said to be influenced by Limoux’s proximity both to the clean mountain air of the Pyrenees and the salt winds of the Mediterranean sea.

The town also hosts the longest carnival in the world, which has been held since medieval times and lasts each year from January to March. Parades are held twice a week with black and white pierrot costumes being most commonly seen. The performers dance in and out of the cafés and bars to the accompaniement of rather strange, hypnotic music, inviting onlookers to join in the fun.