Campsite near Turenne
A real piece of history
awakening of the senses
The first time I saw Turenne, I thought it was a mirage. Just imagine: you’re driving along the winding roads of Corrèze, and suddenly, around a bend, you come face to face with this hilltop village that looks like it’s straight out of a history book. That’s Turenne, and believe me, it’s worth seeing.
Bon, je ne vais pas vous faire un cours d’histoire barbant, mais faut quand même que je vous raconte. Turenne, c’était pas n’importe quoi à l’époque. Les seigneurs du coin, ils se la jouaient un peu. Leur vicomté, elle s’étalait sur une bonne partie du Limousin, du Périgord et du Quercy. Pas étonnant que les habitants se fassent encore appeler les Viscomtins. Ça en jette, non ?Lire la suite
Turenne’s Architecture
And then, when you wander through the narrow streets (get your calves ready, it’s a climb!), you feel like time has stopped. The 15th and 16th-century houses are still there, a bit crooked sometimes, but that’s part of their charm.
How to get there (without getting lost)
So, to find Turenne, you don’t need to be Christopher Columbus. It’s 15 km south of Brive-la-Gaillarde. If you’re from around here, you know it. Otherwise, follow your GPS, but be careful, mine once tried to send me through goat paths.
A tip: allow plenty of time for your visit. The first time, I went thinking, “Oh, an hour is enough.” What a joke! I spent the whole day there and wished I could have stayed longer.
The Must-Sees (according to me)
The show-off castle
Alright, buckle up. The castle sits atop the village as if to taunt everyone. With its two big towers, the César (round) and the Horloge (square), they look like two old rascals watching over the playground.
I loved the view from the César tower. You can see all the way to the Auvergne mountains on a clear day. However, if you’re afraid of heights, stay downstairs; it can make your head spin up there.
The Capuchin Chapel, a cool break
As you go up to the castle, you’ll come across the Capuchin Chapel. Personally, I went in to escape the heat (in summer, it gets really hot in Turenne). Surprise! Besides being a good spot to cool down, there was a nice exhibition. Apparently, they organize concerts there in the summer. Note to self: come back on a summer evening to check it out.Read more
There are also hiking trails suitable for all levels, which you can do on foot. The Laguenne fitness trail, for example, is a flat path, ideal for families, especially since it stretches along the Saint Bonnette river. Sports enthusiasts, on the other hand, can go hiking or mountain biking to discover the countryside landscapes with their rolling hills and isolated trees.
Place de la Halle, Foodies’ HQ
At the foot of the village, there’s the Place de la Halle. It’s THE spot to refuel. I ate a slice of walnut cake there that reconciled me with humanity. If you pass by, take a look at the houses around; they have such character!
My personal tips
1. Comfortable shoes are a must. I saw tourists in flip-flops, and it wasn’t pretty on the climbs.
2. Bring a water bottle. The fountain in the square is drinkable, and the water is fresh.
3. If you like photography, come early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The light is magical on the old stones.
4. Try to catch a costumed guided tour if you can. It’s a bit kitschy, but you learn a lot of stuff.
In short, Turenne is one of those places that reminds you that France isn’t just Paris and the Eiffel Tower. It’s also small villages full of history just waiting for your visit. So, when are you coming?