Take out the camera and the road map, we take you to discover the 13 most beautiful villages of Corrèze.
How not to fall under the spell of the villages of Corrèze? The department of the former Limousin region benefits from both the greenery of the Massif Central and the scent of South Occitan. All visitors are delighted here, whether they are lovers of old stones or wide open spaces, without forgetting the gastronomy, world-famous.
Its built heritage is also well known. It reflects the rich history of Corrèze with prestigious names such as those of the Viscounts of Limoges or the Turenne family. They contributed to the construction of fortresses, and manors, and the development of fortified villages.
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Follow the guide with our selection of the 13 most beautiful villages of Corrèze. Here we go!
Page Contents
1. Collonges-la-Rouge
It is the village of Corrèze unavoidable, the one that appears on all routes. It is one of the most beautiful French villages, it is also within its walls that the idea of this appellation was born. Nestled in a valley, its flamboyant red houses dazzle all visitors. Moreover, the red color comes from sandstone, which was used for construction and is very concentrated in iron oxide.
There is no shortage of monuments to admire, starting with many mansions. This is what earned it the nickname of “city of 25 towers”. Among the things to explore, you can look for the mermaid with her comb and mirror on the walls of the house of the same name. There is also of course the Romanesque church, the hall and the chapel of the penitents with its stained glass windows.
2. Uzerche
It is along the Vézère that you find this village of Corrèze which is part of the “Hundred most beautiful detours of France”. It is dominated by the abbey church of St. Peter which is not only a fine example of Romanesque architecture but also testifies to the power of the monastery in the Middle Ages. It is thanks to this power that the village prospered and beautiful mansions were erected.
Mansions and miniature castles, vaulted passages or loggias, there are many architectural details to explore in Uzerche. There is even a saying that says “Who has a house in Uzerche has a castle in Limousin”, that is to say the prestigious reputation of the village. Do not leave without having taken the time to stroll along the quiet course of the Vézère.
3. Turenne
Turenne, just the name evokes the power of its lords and viscounts. To discover this village of Corrèze, a day will be perfect, unless you are sporty and in a hurry. Because first, the alleys literally climb to the assault of the rocky outcrop on which the castle sits. And secondly, there are things to see and they are well worth taking your time.
At the bottom, start by strolling on the charming Place de la Halle and why not explore the artisan shops? You can then follow the route of the most beautiful mansions before starting the ascent to the top of the hill.
On the way, remember to push the door of the church which is worth the detour. It continues to climb before finally seeing the castle and its beautiful French gardens that dominate the valley. As a bonus, many themed tours are offered.
4. Curemonte
All these counts by three in this village of Corrèze. 3 castles, 3 churches and 3 fountains, this promises a nice walk. Curemonte is also classified among the most beautiful villages in France of course. Literature buffs can immerse themselves in Colette’s writings to prepare for their getaway.
Indeed, the writer lived in the village with her daughter and her husband had bought two of the three castles. Alas, you cannot visit these as they are private. However, you can still have fun classifying them chronologically from the observation of their architecture.
The churches have also been restored thanks to the will of the inhabitants. An association also offers guided tours to accompany you in the exploration of medieval streets. And finally, go for a walk on the surrounding hills to have a superb view of the whole.
5. Saint-Robert
Definitely, choosing which villages of Corrèze you are going to visit is going to be difficult. Saint-Robert is known to have served as a filming location. Here the manors and castles are legion, scattered among the flowered houses. The alleys have kept their medieval look while in its center remain the remains and the Romanesque church of an old Benedictine monastery. The fortified gates are also still visible.
Among the other curiosities to see, there is also this miraculous fountain that always attracts some pilgrims. For music lovers, another way to discover the charm of the village is to attend its festival with many concerts. Finally, it is a safe bet that the many views of the landscapes make you want to go for a few walks in the countryside.
6. Ségur-le-Château
Let’s leave the hills to go to the edge of the Auvézère. As its name suggests, a castle was located here, more precisely the fortified place of the Viscounts of Limoges. Today, only the keep remains but the charm of this village of Corrèze remains intact. This is especially the case when you stroll along the river with the old stone houses that dominate it.
During your walk through the streets, you can admire several architectural styles, including beautiful half-timbered buildings. The inhabitants were for many people, called “dress” because a court of justice sat in Ségur. This explains the presence of so many noble houses.
To make the fun last, you can visit a remarkable classified garden, the Agricultural and Landscape Park of Chedal.
7. Donzenac
What we see from Donzenac is first of all the blue-gray color of the slates that cover the roofs of the houses. Moreover, one of the essential visits to do in the village is that of the Pans de Travassac. It is a unique natural site of vertiginous cliffs from which slates are extracted. The whole is embellished with a museum that traces the history of the slate tradition.
It is also in this village of Corrèze that you can discover the oldest house in the limousine region. The historic heart has kept its medieval appearance with fortified gates, ramparts as well as corbelled and timber-framed buildings. Do not miss to take a look at the church of Saint-Martin, whose cloché overlooks the city. The Chapel of the White Penitents is also interesting to see as it was built on the remains of an old weapons room of a castle.
8. Argentat-sur-Dordogne
Argentat marks the beginning of the Dordogne valley and the least we can say is that it is good to stroll on its quays. The village is named thanks to an important river port, whose comings and goings of the gabarres will punctuate local life for years. Today, these typical boats still exist but they are reserved for tourist walks.
It will be difficult not to fall under the spell of the alleys and houses with wooden balconies overlooking the river. From here you can go on a canoe-kayak excursion to discover the Dordogne or introduce yourself to stand-up paddleboarding.
The town center does not lack charm either, enough to spend a beautiful holiday.
9. Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne
This village of Corrèze bordered by the Dordogne, is nicknamed the “limousine riviera” and visiting it is an excellent alternative to avoid the crowds of that of the Côte d’Azur. As a bonus it is a gourmet destination renowned for its strawberry, the garriguette more precisely because here the climate is known to be the most pleasant.
Add to this old charming buildings including a chapel built along the river, and you get a living environment that makes you want to put down your suitcases. The village was built around its Cluniac abbey church in Romanesque style. The alleys lined with houses with mullioned windows and timber frames wind around the monument.
On the program of your visit, there will, of course, be beautiful walks, water activities but also good tastings of local products. In short, a program that makes you want to!
10. Treignac-sur-Vézère
Back on the banks of the Vézère in the heart of the Millevaches plateau. It is here that winds on the banks the village of Treignac with its machicolation towers, its old gates, and its old bridge.
Lower town and upper town are home to chapels, churches and old medieval buildings. For a breathtaking view of this village of Corrèze, embark on the ascent of the Belvedere tower. And to relax after having walked the alleys, you can go refresh yourself or take a relaxing break on lake Bariousses.
11. Arnac-Pompadour
The name of this village of Corrèze is necessarily familiar to you and for a good reason. If the favorite of Louis XV bore the title of Marquise Pompadour, it is because the king had given her the gift of the castle. Today, it still sits in the middle of the village, surrounded by its impressive fortified wall.
The other star of the place is the National Stud. In addition to being the scene of horse races, the stud farm is also known to be the cradle of the Anglo-Arab breed. A mare was also created. Many events are organized to entertain visitors, in addition to the historic buildings.
12. Meyssac
The village gave its name to the geological fault near which it is built with Collonges-la-Rouge. Neighbor of the latter, we find the same color of the walls built in red sandstone. The architecture differs slightly, however, with many half-timbered houses.
Meyssac is an ancient fortified village attached to the Viscounty of Turenne. And if the ramparts have been destroyed, you can still admire its cultural heritage such as the old hall and the church, also fortified.
13. Corrèze
If it is not the most famous village of Corrèze, it is nevertheless emblematic by its name, which it takes from the river and which was also given to the department. Once in front of the arch of the old Margot Gate, let yourself be guided according to your desire to explore it. There is something to be charmed between the old buildings, the fortified houses, the old towers or the small chapel built on the banks of the river.
And you, which village of Corrèze do you like enormously? Tell us in the comments!
