The Most Beautiful Villages of France in Corrèze

If you are a lover of old stones, there is no doubt that you will appreciate Corrèze. It is an authentic region, which has an ancient and well-preserved heritage. You will find medieval towns and villages perched on the steep cliffs and rocky outcrops of the Gorges de la Dordogne. Corrèze has six villages classified among the “Most beautiful villages in France”. We invite you to discover them.

Photos of the article © Corrèze Guide

Collonges-la-Rouge

Collonges-la Rouge has a very old history. Its name refers to a "colonicae", a Roman colony. At the time, it was more of a farm. An adjective was attached to it which qualified it as "the red" like the red sandstone, a local rock, with which it was built.

If the village is also popular with visitors and ranked among the "most beautiful villages in France", it is mainly for its medieval heritage. Charming cobbled streets take you to a castle and fortified towers. This is why it is nicknamed the "City of 25 rpm" .

It is a lively tourist site in all seasons, with local produce shops, craft workshops, artists' galleries and restaurants. Guided tours are organized during the summer by the tourist office. The town benefits from an exceptional environment, in the Causse de Martel and facing the Quercy. To extend your outing, several walks in the forest are available near the village.

The Devil's Chair hike. This trail takes you to the Devil's Throne. The legend of this 'sandstone seat' is that anyone who sat on it would gain 50 years of extra life expectancy... always worth a try!

Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne

Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne is undeniably another "most beautiful villages in France" and you just have to look at its beautiful buildings, their feet in the water, surrounded by green valleys, reflected in the river, to understand it.

We advise you to stroll through the cobbled streets, to the threshold of the Abbey of Saint-Pierre and its square tower. Then go to the banks of the Dordogne. They are bordered by large weeping willows, bathed in water. It's a very romantic walk, to be done hand in hand. In the evening, the village lights up, giving an orange hue to the stone buildings.

There are many events throughout the year, including the strawberry festival or local farmers' markets.

If you are a hiker, paths crisscross the rural meadows and wooded landscapes around.

Curemonte

In the heart of lush greenery, the village of Curemonte is an old medieval city. It is called the "village with three castles" because three beautiful buildings dominate the town, on a rocky outcrop. A route leads you there: the walk of the three castles. You will see the ruins of Plas, Saint Hilaire and Johannie, three buildings from the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries. As you stroll through the village, you will succumb to the charm of yesteryear of its Romanesque-style church, dating from the 12th century. Along the way, take a look at the beautiful 19th century noble residences.

St. Robert

Saint-Robert originated from a Benedictine monastery and a 12th century Romanesque church, perched 350 meters above sea level! Thereafter, the town extends around. A castle and fortifications come to protect it and beautiful houses are built in the shelter of these walls. He was the witness of many historical facts.

Its heritage is rich and very well preserved. The site deserves a long walk to see all the monuments. A guide will also be given to you at the tourist office, to better understand the history of the place.

Near Saint-Robert, you can visit the Arboretum de la Tuillière or take the start of a hike in the Gorges de la Roche.

Segur-le-Chateau

The lords of Limoges consider it a "safe place". It must be said that this impressive stone fortress, placed on a hill, dominating a meander of the Auvézère impressed its assailants. Today, it is the tourists who go to attack this beautiful medieval city, to admire its exceptional heritage. Ségur-le-Château has retained its fortifications, an old keep from the 12th century and houses with turrets from the 15th and 16th centuries.

Information panels, on the history of the site, mark out the village to guide you in your visit. The tourist office also offers guided tours in season, video-guided tours using a smartphone application. There are also regular festivals, farmers' markets and entertainment. A beautiful hike takes you to meet the Resistance, on the Pont de Lasveyras.

Turenne

At the top of an old castle mound, the remains of the fortress of Turenne are visible from afar. This was probably the objective because the castle is linked to great names of French nobility and its history has been eventful. Below, stretches the town and its medieval stone houses, signs of the wealth of the inhabitants.

To make sure you don't miss any of its monuments, follow the discovery route, in 10 stages. An exciting visit awaits. Once you arrive in the upper town and its castle, you can only admire the panorama as far as the eye can see over the surrounding valley. The castle tower can be visited, as well as its gardens.