The 13 most beautiful villages in Corrèze

Get out the camera and the road map, take you to the discovery of the 13 most beautiful villages in Corrèze.

How not to fall under the charm of the villages of Corrèze? The department of the former Limousin region enjoys both the greenery of the Massif Central while having a perfume of South occitan. All visitors are filled here, whether they are lovers of old stones or large spaces without forgetting the world-renowned gastronomy.

Its built heritage is also very well known. It reflects the rich history of the Corrèze with prestigious names such as those of the Limoges vicomtes or the family of Turenne. They contributed to the building of fortresses, manor houses and the development of fortified villages.

Follow the guide with our selection of the 13 most beautiful villages in Corrèze. Here we go!

1. Collonges-la-Rouge

It is the village of Corrèze, the one 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 the stone of sandstone, which was used for construction and is very concentrated in iron oxide.

The monuments to be admired do not miss, starting with many manors. This is what it deserves the nickname of "quoted to the 25 towers". Among the things to explore, you can look for the siren with its 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 penitent chapel with its windows.

2. Uzerche

It is along the Vézère that you find this village of Corrèze which is part of the “One hundred most beautiful detours of France”. It is dominated by St. Peter’s Abbey, which is not only a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture but also attests to the power of the monastery in the Middle Ages. It is thanks to this power that the village has flourished and that beautiful houses have been erected.

Miniature manors and castles, arched passages or loggias, there are many architectural details to explore in Uzerche. There is even a saying that says “Who has house in Uzerche has castle in Limousin”, that is to say the prestigious reputation of the village. Do not leave without taking the time to stroll along the quiet course of the Vezère.

3. Turenne

Turenne, nothing that the name evokes the power of his lords and vicomtes. To discover this village of Corrèze, a day will be perfect, unless you are athletic and in a hurry. For, first, the alleys literally climb up to the assault of the rocky eperon on which the castle sits. And secondly, things to see, there are and they're worth taking his time.

In the bottom, start by strolling on the charming Place de la Halle and why not explore crafts shops. You can then follow the itinerary of the most beautiful special hotels before entering the ascent up the hill.

On the way, think of pushing the door of the church that 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 thematic visits are offered.

4. Curemonte

All this count by three in this village of Corrèze. 3 castles, 3 churches and 3 fountains, this promises a nice walk. Curemonte is also ranked among the most beautiful villages in France of course. Literature ferus can plunge into Colette's writings to prepare their escape.

Indeed, the writer lived in the village with her daughter and husband bought two of the three castles. Alas, you can't visit these because they're private. However, you can always have fun to classify them chronologically from the observation of their architecture.

The churches were also 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 tour of the surrounding hills to have a great view of the whole.

5. Saint-Robert

Decidedly, choosing which villages of Corrèze you will visit will be difficult. Saint-Robert is known for being used as a shooting place. Here manor houses and castles are legions, scattered among the flowery houses. The alleys kept their medieval appearance, while in its centre the remains and the Romanesque church of a former Benedictine monastery remain. The fortified doors are also still visible.

Among the other sights 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 hard to 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 river. As its name suggests, a castle was here, specifically the fortified square of the Limoges vicomtes. Today, only the dungeon remains, but the charm of this village of Corrèze remains intact. This is especially the case when you stroll along the river with old stone houses that dominate it.

During your walk in the streets, you can admire several architectural styles including beautiful buildings with doves. The inhabitants were for many so-called dress people because a court of justice was sitting in Ségur. This explains the presence of so many noble houses.

To last the pleasure, you can visit a remarkable classified garden, the Chedal farm and landscape park.

7. Donzenac

What we see from Donzenac is first the blue-grey color of the slates that cover the roofs of the houses. Moreover, one of the must-see visits to the village is the Pans de Travassac. It is a unique natural site of vertiginous cliffs from which slates are extracted. All is decorated with a museum that retraces the history of the ardois tradition.

It is also in this village of Corrèze that you can discover the oldest house in the Limousin area. The historic heart has kept its medieval appearance with fortified doors, ramparts as well as fortified buildings and wooden panels. It is not to be missed to take a look at the church of Saint-Martin whose cloche overlooks the city. The chapel of the White Pénitents is also interesting to see because it was built on the remnants of an old arms 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 makes a good stroll on its docks. The village is called by an important river port, whose va and comes from the templates will rhythm local life for years. Today, these typical boats still exist but are reserved for tourist walks.

It will be difficult not to fall under the charm of alleys and houses with wooden balconies that overlook the river. From here you can go Canoe-kayak tour to discover the Dordogne or initiate at stand-up paddle.

The town center does not lack charm non-plus, so spend a nice holiday.

9. Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne

This village of Corrèze bordered by the Dordogne is nicknamed the “ riviera limousine” and visiting it is an excellent alternative to avoid the crowds of the Côte d’Azur. As a bonus it is a gourmet destination renowned for its strawberry, 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 your suitcases. The village was built around its Roman-style clunisian abbey. The alleys lined with windows with benign windows and wooden panels wind around the monument.

On the programme of your visit, there will of course be nice walks, nautical activities but also good tastings of local products. Anyway, a program that makes you feel like it!

10. Treignac-sur-Vézère

Return to the banks of the Vezère in the heart of the Plateau des Millevaches . It is here that the village of Treignac winds on the shores with its towers, its old gates and its old bridge.

Lower town and high city houses chapels, church and old medieval buildings. For a breathtaking view of this village of Corrèze, start in the climb of the Belvedere tower. And for you to take a good look at the alleys, you can go refresh yourself or take a fierce break on Lake Bariousses.

11. Arnac-Pompadour

The name of this village of Corrèze is necessarily familiar and for cause. If Louis XV’s favorite was wearing the title of Marquise Pompadour, it was because the king had given him the gift of the castle. Today, it still stands in the middle of the village, surrounded by its impressive fortified wall.

The other star of the place is the National Haras. In addition to being the theater of horse racing, the haras is also known to be the cradle of the Anglo-Arab race. A jury was also created. Many events are organized to entertain visitors, in addition to historic buildings.

12. Meyssac

The village gave its name to the geological fault near which it is built with Collonges-la-Rouge. Here we find the same color of the walls built in red sandstone. However, the architecture differs slightly with many shaded houses.

Meyssac is a former fortified village attached to the vicomté of Turenne. And if the ramparts were destroyed, you can still admire its cultural heritage like the old hall and the church, fortified too.

13. Corrèze

If it is not the most famous village of Corrèze, it is nevertheless emblematic by its name, that it draws from the river and that was also given to the department. Once in front of the ark of the old gate Margot, let yourself be guided by your desires to explore it. There is something to be charmed between the old buildings, the strong houses, the old towers or the small chapel built by the river.

And what village do you like in Correze? Tell us a comment!