Xaintrie, a wild and mysterious land to discover in Corrèze

Xaintrie is a wonderful region full of surprises, nestled west of the Massif Central, east of the Corrèze department, and bordered by the three rivers Dordogne, Maronne, and Cère. A 100% nature destination, it offers an exceptional quality of life and breathtaking landscapes of hills, rivers, and forests. Immerse yourself in the heart of this incredible region with its unspoiled environment; you'll be delighted to escape.

The Xaintrie region, charming villages to visit

Formed by the course of three rivers, the Xaintrie region is also divided in two: the White Xaintrie to the north of the Maronne, and the Black Xaintrie to the south. Explore the region from end to end, visiting its various villages:

• Argentat-sur-Dordogne is a charming little town on the banks of the Dordogne River, with picturesque alleyways and old houses with slate roofs. Stroll along the cobblestone quays to the old merchant port for a unique barge trip and admire the natural beauty of this magnificent valley.
• Mercœur is the capital of the Xaintrie Noire, a tiny village with only 250 inhabitants. Take a peaceful break near the Romanesque/Gothic style granite church before continuing.
• Camps-Saint-Mathurin-Léobazel, in the south of Corrèze, overlooks the Cère valley and offers breathtaking views of its gorges. Don't miss the Painter's Rock 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 many deep gorges formed by the course of the 3 rivers.
• Auriac is a preserved village, designated a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, which attracts many tourists each year. The Sothys gardens, in particular, are a symphony of scents, colors, and beauty, blending Japanese-inspired design with collections of roses.
• 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 are to be discovered in the heart of the Xaintrie, particularly along the route of the gorges and lakes of the region.

Xaintrie, must-see sites in Corrèze

Visiting Xaintrie means immersing yourself in nature and getting away from it all in a simple way.

Valleys of incredible beauty

The Xaintrie region 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 cascades accessible on foot or by bike. Hike the GR 400 trail on a 2-day loop that takes you to the most beautiful viewpoints for stunning photos. Keep your eyes peeled, as cows grazing freely in the high pastures can be seen between May and October.
• The Maronne Valley is a vast, verdant area with two slopes. The northern side is covered in forest, while the southern side opens onto meadows and plateaus. This glacial valley is a haven for hikers, who can explore the trails for hours amidst a diverse natural landscape.

Visits not to be missed

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

• The Towers of Merle is a medieval castle dating back to the 12th century. Open for guided tours, the site features an impressive fortress in the heart of a 10-hectare park. Admire the breathtaking view of the Maronne River before exploring the medieval botanical garden. With puzzles and period-appropriate activities, you'll love stepping back in time.
• The Medieval Farms is a unique place conceived by a history enthusiast who is painstakingly reconstructing an entire medieval village. Wash house, mill, chapel, dwelling, thatched-roof farmhouse, and stable with its animals—everything is reproduced to perfection in a remarkably realistic setting. Discover rural life in the 15th century, rich in detail and authenticity.

Outdoor activities

The Xaintrie region is rich in lakes, ponds, and rivers, ideal for nature lovers looking to enjoy a wide range of activities. Head to Argentat-sur-Dordogne to immerse yourself in an aquatic world and discover canyoning and waterfall expeditions. For a more relaxed, but equally sporty experience, canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding offer tranquil ways to admire the region. From treetop adventure courses and donkey rides to inflatable water parks, swimming, and pedal boats, there's something for everyone in the Xaintrie.

The exploration has come to an end, but it could go on forever, given how much there is to do and see in Xaintrie. With this article, we hope we've inspired you to visit, and perhaps even return.

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