Visit of Turenne in Corrèze, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France

Take on the Turenne hill! This magnificent village perched at an altitude of 320m is visible from all the surrounding countryside. It is the César Tower of the Château de Turenne that we see standing in the distance, sentinel over the Vallée de la Tourmente since the 11th century. Turenne is a pleasant village, which is one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France in the Dordogne. You can discover it alley after alley on foot. Its steep path makes it a popular walking area for the little ones and you will be amazed to see the landscape unfold before your eyes, as you climb the hill to the Castle, its high point.

Photos of the article @ Guide de la Corrèze

Visit of the village of Turenne

Park at the bottom of the village, you will easily find spaces. Be careful, the village is steep, so bring a baby carrier rather than a stroller and good shoes. Going slowly, there is no problem because the road surface is good! You can pick up a free visit booklet for the village from the tourist office which is located at the bottom of the village (near the parking lot). There are information signs in the village.

Place de l'ancienne Halle and the right street

You will begin to climb the village until you reach the first square, which is the square of the old market hall (which is no longer there!). Here, restaurants and shops, it is the market square which is also the central square of the town. The village is dotted with very beautiful noble houses, which were built by the notables of Turenne. The beginnings of the village date from the year 1000 and it reached its peak in the 14th century, the sovereigns extended their influence over 11 surrounding parishes and coins were minted in Turenne which was a walled town, like 6 others in the region. It was Louis XIV who took over the Viscountcy in 1738 and ordered its dismantling, following numerous quarrels, Turenne having been a Protestant stronghold during the Regional Wars.

We continue the visit by taking the right street, which rises slowly, turn your head to admire all around you the noble houses of the 15th and 16th century. You will then go around the hill towards the upper town, a very beautiful view awaits you to the west, on the Causse.

The castle of Turenne

There are still some beautiful remains, this castle with a clearly defensive appearance was once extended over the entire top of the Turenne hill. The round tower that we see at its summit is the Caesar Tower which was an observatory of choice to see the enemy arriving from afar. There is also the square Treasure Tower at the entrance to the fortress. The main building, which did not survive beyond the 18th century, was vast and extended over the entire length of the very beautiful garden with multicolored flowers, boxwood and trees, which replaced it.

Take your tickets and climb the steps to the entrance of the castle through the guard room. It is the only interior building to visit. You will then cross the garden, do not miss to observe the magnificent view which unfolds over the whole valley towards the east. You can now take a breather and begin the ascent of the César Tower to enjoy a sumptuous 360 degree view. It is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Corrèze.

You will go back down the village by the east side, towards the district of Magal, on this sunny hillside there were formerly vines, which were decimated during the attack of phylloxera. You will walk along the foot of the castle to the Convent of the Capuchins, then continue to the superb Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame Saint-Pantaléon which dates from the end of the 17th century.

The village tour is over! Do not miss the opportunity to visit the small shops and craftsmen's shops in Turenne. Very good restaurants will be a perfect choice for a family lunch before or after visiting the village. Continue your adventures with a visit to Collonges-la-Rouge or Curemonte, two other Most Beautiful Villages in France, which are not far away!

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