Route of the Most Beautiful Villages of France in Corrèze
Collonges-la-Rouge, Turenne and Curemonte: our selection of the most beautiful villages to visit in the Dordogne Valley
Our magnificent villages
In the Dordogne, we often talk about the most beautiful villages of France, and for good reason: the region is ranked number 1 in this category. But then, around Camping Au Soleil d’Oc, what are the most beautiful villages in France to visit?
Where to start? What are the most beautiful villages in Corrèze to visit?
spoiled for choice
Here is a selection of the most beautiful villages of France in Corrèze, a carefully prepared route to make your life easier and discover the most beautiful sights in Corrèze by taking the charming little roads of our beautiful region!
Stop 1: The colorful red sandstone village of Collonges-la-Rouge
This red sandstone village is the most famous in the valley. We recommend visiting it at the beginning of your journey, in the morning to avoid the daytime tourists. The village of Collonges-la-Rouge is unique, a former stronghold of the Counts of Turenne. Take time to wander through its small medieval streets…
Among the must-sees are:
- the Mermaid House
- St. Peter’s Church and its tympanum
- the Penitents’ Chapel
Fun fact: the association of the most beautiful villages of France was founded in Collonges-la-Rouge in 1982 thanks to its mayor Charles Ceyrac to promote small rural communities rich in quality heritage. It’s a success since today 155 members belong to the association. The village remains one of the most preserved with virtually no electrical wires!
To contact the Collonges-la-Rouge tourist office, here is the phone number: 05 55 25 47 57
Stop 2: The ancient city of Turenne and the history of the Viscounty of Turenne
History and beauty
The ancient city of Turenne is steeped in history: located south of Brive, this former capital was the property of the Viscounts of Turenne who ruled for several centuries over the Limousin, Périgord and Quercy regions. Four families succeeded one another from the 9th century onward. In the streets, flags of the famous viscounty still fly…
Among the must-sees are:
- the castle with the Caesar Tower from the 12th century and the Treasure Tower from the 14th century
- a panorama of the village below and the valley from the castle esplanade
- the Capuchin Chapel
- the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame St. Pantaléon and other noble houses with slate and stone-slab roofs
Fun fact: at its greatest extent in the 15th century, the kingdom had 100,000 inhabitants. Saint Louis during the Franco-English war decided to grant the Viscount of Turenne royal rights that made the viscounty a state within a state.
For any information, you can contact the Brive tourist office phone: +33 (0)5 55 24 08 80
Stop 3: the medieval village of Curemonte
a must-see
Close to the Lot department, Curemonte includes several noble houses and a market hall dating from the 19th century. It is especially the round or square towers of its castles and churches that give this small village its charm. This village with its golden blonde hue can be seen on the heights when arriving from Branceilles.
Among the must-sees are:
- the Château de St-Hilaire
- the Château de Plas
- St. Bartholomew’s Church
- the Church of La Combe
- St. Genest’s Church (museum of religious objects)
Fun fact: in Curemonte, everything comes in threes: the churches, fountains, and private castles all come in the strange number of three. Superstition or simple coincidence?
For any information, contact the Curemonte tourist office Phone: 05 65 33 22 00
Leave a comment about which village you preferred and share your experience with us!