What to see in France

Corrèze, travel through time and camp in a green land

Lever de soleil en Corrèze
Lever de soleil en Corrèze

 

Named after the river that runs through it, Corrèze is a department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Situated in the south of the Massif Central, it attracts those who are looking for greenery, peace and quiet and waterways, as the Vézère and Dordogne rivers also flow through it, but also those who have a thirst for old stones, with an admirable built heritage and charming villages classified as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. An area that will attract camping enthusiasts.

Campsites in Corrèze

For a perfectly organised stay, which will allow you to spend a relaxing holiday, there are almost 100 campsites in Corrèze which welcome you and let you enjoy their comfort. Among them, the Au Soleil d'Oc campsite **** where you can stay in the green environment of a typical old farm with many activities. The Collonges-la-Rouge *** campsite is ideal for visiting one of the most beautiful villages in France and has a heated swimming pool with slide and a wide range of activities. At the Huttopia Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne campsite **** located in the Dordogne valley, you can enjoy a beautiful swimming pool and paddling pool for the little ones as well as a program of activities for all.

Discover the Corrèze during your camping holidays

Collonges La Rouge, the medieval city with 25 towers

One word comes to mind to describe this place: originality. Former domain of the Counts of Turenne, the picturesque red sandstone stones of the medieval village are a real enchantment. Classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, the walk is a pleasure for the eyes thanks to the narrow streets with red facades and lauze roofs, the old grain and wine market, the turrets of the magnificent 15th century houses, the Penitents' chapel where the superb Saint-Pierre church and the sculpted tympanum of its portal are all testimonies of the past which give the impression of taking a step back in time.

Collonges-la-Rouge
Collonges-la-Rouge© iStock

Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, the Limousin Riviera

Situated in the south of the Corrèze, in the upper valley of the Dordogne, it is a magnificent medieval town built on the right bank of the Dordogne. Right on the water's edge is the famous chapel of the Penitents which is reflected in the Dordogne. Gabare trips are available between May and October. Then, as you enter the old town, you will discover the superb Renaissance house, classified as a Historic Monument, with its decorated facade, and you can visit the interior. It is a delight to stroll through the narrow streets around the old houses and admire this Benedictine abbey dating from the 9th century. The village was classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France in 2022 and you should also know that the strawberry festival takes place in May, an event not to be missed.

Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne
Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne© IStock

The Merle Towers, a journey through time

Perched in the middle of the green forests of the Xaintrie, the town of Merle is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. Mostly in ruins, it is a group of fortified houses built between the 11th and 15th centuries and now classified as a Historic Monument. The fortress city is open to visitors between April and November and allows them to discover a reconstructed peasant farm, an orchard and a medieval garden as well as magnificent views of the fortified square. During the summer, there are night-time or playful visits as well as creative workshops.

Turenne and its rich medieval past

Another village on the list of the most beautiful villages in France! It seems to be a habit in Corrèze and this is not to the displeasure of the visitors who will undoubtedly be enchanted by this exploration which starts at the bottom and leads to the castle, a historical monument of the 13th century and residence of the lords of Turenne. During the visit, you will discover splendid narrow streets, the Maison des Chanoines, the Porte de Mauriolles as well as charming old houses. Below the castle, the collegiate church of Notre-Dame Saint-Pantaléon and the chapel of the Capuchin convent are to be admired. Finally, once you have reached your goal, you will have to climb to the top of one of the two towers of the castle, the César tower, to enjoy a sumptuous panorama of the green nature of the Corrèze.

Turenne
Turenne© IStock

The Gimel waterfalls, a Natura 2000 site

The Gimel waterfalls, located 11 km from Tulle, are both unusual and typical of the Limousin region. They form a grandiose triptych, nestled in the heart of a natural site. The three waterfalls can be discovered one after the other as you walk along, the highest of which, the Queue de Cheval, reaches 60 metres! If you continue the walking tour of the Vullier park, you will also be able to admire the magnificent gorges. The village is also worth a visit and the view of the waterfalls from the stone bridge is splendid. The park is privately owned and is only accessible between March and October.

Gouffre de la Fage, both entertaining and educational

Also classified Natura 2000, the Fage chasm is near Brive-la-Gaillarde. Divided into two different galleries, one dives to a depth of 25 metres to explore petrified waterfalls, organs and draperies of many colours as well as columns and other stalactites. The site is known to be home to one of the largest colonies of bats in Europe. A bewitching place where a sound and light show, animations and workshops for children and a documentary on bats are proposed.

Uzerche, the pearl of the Limousin

Labelled the Most Beautiful Detours of France and nicknamed the Pearl of Limousin by the British writer Arthur Young, the medieval town of Uzerche has a heritage trail to follow on foot to discover the Saint-Pierre abbey church, whose 11th century crypt is one of the oldest in Limousin, the Bécharie castle and its gateway, as well as its garden below, the 12th century Black Prince's tower and magnificent houses such as the Eyssartier house. There is a splendid view of the Vézère from the esplanade de la Lunade.

Uzerche
Uzerche© IStock

Tulle, the city of seven hills

Famous for its lace (the famous tulle for wedding veils!) Tulle is also the capital of the accordion, which is celebrated here every year in September during the Nuits de Nacre festival. The capital of Corrèze, what a pleasure to stroll through the old Trech district to admire the Notre-Dame cathedral with the highest bell tower in Limousin, its gothic cloister right next to it and its pretty garden, the old corbelled houses, the Loyac house, a magnificent residence, its turrets and its beautifully decorated facade.

The places to see in Corrèze are endless, but if you are lucky enough to be able to extend your stay by a few hours, Saint-Robert, Ségur-le-Château and Curemonte, all three of which were elected among the Most Beautiful Villages in France, are a must-see.

Ségur-le-Château
Ségur-le-Château© IStock

 

 

 

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