La Xaintrie, wild and mysterious land to discover in Corrèze

Xaintrie is a wonderful region full of surprises nestled to the west of the Massif Central, to the east of Corrèze surrounded by the 3 rivers Dordogne, Maronne and Cère. A 100% natural destination, it offers an exceptional living environment and breathtaking landscapes between its hills, rivers and forests . Immerse yourself in the heart of an incredible region with a preserved environment, you will be delighted to escape.

La Xaintrie, charming villages to visit

Formed by the course of 3 rivers, Xaintrie is also divided in two with Xaintrie blanche to the north of the Maronne, and Xaintrie Noire to the south. Travel the region up and down through its different villages :

• Argentat-sur-Dordogne is a small town of character on the edge of the Dordogne, made up of picturesque streets and old houses covered in slate. Walk the cobbled quays to the old merchant port for an atypical barge ride and admire the beauty of nature in this magnificent valley.
• Mercoeur is the capital of Xaintrie Noire, a very small village of only 250 inhabitants. Take a quiet break near the Romanesque/Gothic granite church before continuing.
• Camps-Saint-Mathurin-Léobazel in the south of Corrèze, dominates the Cère valley and offers a breathtaking view of its gorges. Don't miss the Rocher du Peintre and its incredible panorama.
• Goulles is a heritage gem with its Carbonnières Towers nestled at the bottom of deep gorges.
• Saint-Julien-aux-Bois in Xaintrie Blanche is a fascinating village with numerous deep gorges formed by the course of the 3 rivers.
• Auriac is a preserved village labeled World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO which attracts many tourists every year. The Sothys gardens in particular are a condensation of smell, color and beauty between Japanese ambiances and collections of rose bushes.
• Saint-Martial-Entraygues and the Château du Gibanel , a 13th century fortress rebuilt in the 17th century with a main building flanked by two square towers.

Other small villages can be discovered in the heart of Xaintrie, notably along the route of the gorges and lakes of the region.

La Xaintrie, unmissable sites in Corrèze

Visiting Xaintrie means immersing yourself in the heart of nature and getting away from it all with ease.

Incredibly beautiful valleys

Xaintrie is formed by the course of 3 rivers which offer breathtaking landscapes :

• The Cère Valley , between Thiézac and Vic-sur-Cère, is dotted with waterfalls and waterfalls accessible on foot or by bike. Go hiking on the GR 400 through a 2-day loop that takes you to the most beautiful viewpoints for magnificent photos. Open your eyes, summer cows can roam freely between May and October.
• The Maronne Valley is a vast green space on two slopes. The north side is covered with forest while the south opens onto meadows and plateaus. This glacial valley is a delight for hikers who can wander the trails for hours in the heart of a varied natural landscape.

Visits not to be missed

Take advantage of being in Xaintrie to discover incredible sites to visit :

• Les Tours de Merle is a medieval catrum dating from the 12th century. Open to guided tours, the site presents an impressive fortress in the heart of a 10-hectare park. Admire the breathtaking view of the Maronne river before exploring the medieval plant garden . A puzzle game and period animation, you will love going back in time.
• The Middle Ages Farms is an atypical place imagined by a history enthusiast, who reconstructs an entire village from the medieval era at his own pace. Washhouse, mill, chapel, dwelling, thatched-roof farm and stable with its animals, everything is reproduced to perfection in a more than real setting. Discover rural life in the 15th century, rich in detail and authenticity.

Outdoor activities

Xaintrie is a region rich in lakes, ponds and rivers, ideal for nature lovers who want to enjoy numerous activities. Head to Argentat-sur-Dordogne to immerse yourself in an aquatic world to discover canyoning and waterfall expeditions . Calmer, but just as sporty, canoeing, kayaking and Stand Up Paddle allow you to admire the region in complete tranquility. Tree climbing, donkey rides, inflatable structures on bodies of water, swimming and pedal boats, there is something for all tastes and desires in Xaintrie.

The discovery ends, but could last forever as there are so many things to do and visit in Xaintrie. With this article, we hope to have made you want to visit it, and to return there.

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