Meyssac is a town in Corrèze, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, 20 km south-east of Brive.
Its territory of 11 km² is close to the famous Collonges-la-Rouge, to the west. It shares the same characteristics in terms of the basement: thus many dwellings in the locality were built in red sandstone, and the earth lends itself to the craft of pottery.
Made up of a town and several hamlets, covered with cultivated areas (37%), meadows (26%) and forests (27%), Meyssac is now an agricultural municipality also focused on tourism.
Castrum in the Middle Ages then a small fortified town depending on the Viscount of Turenne under the Ancien Régime, its ramparts were razed in the 18th century to make way for a circular boulevard encircling the historic heart. Stop on the way to Saint-Jacques, the rather prosperous locality also retains its vocation in terms of production of Limousin cattle (calves raised under the mother). Even today, this specialty contributes to the commercial reputation of the city.
After a visit to Collonges-la-Rouge, discovering the heritage and leisure offer of Meyssac (1350 inhabitants) is definitely a must!
In terms of heritage, the picturesque center of the village with its red sandstone buildings is certainly worth a detour. Among the major sites, the church of Saint-Vincent-et-Saint-Roch: protected as historical monuments, it was built in the 12th century and then altered in the 15th and 16th centuries. Note that the west portal has retained its original Romanesque style, with its arches. After the Hundred Years War, then those of Religion, towers and defensive elements were added. Loopholes and bretèches are thus always visible. However, most of the building has since been Gothic. Inside, a Pietà and a statue of the Virgin are housed. Finally, it should be noted that if the church was dedicated to Saint Vincent because of the numerous vines in the parish, they disappeared at the end of the 19th century…
Almost hidden by the church, it is the old hall from the 18th century which then attracts attention. It notably hosted the grain market. The chestnut wood frame is covered with slate. Pillars and columns in red sandstone support the whole.
In addition to the town hall, a number of noble dwellings still line the alleys of the historic center. This is the case with Maison Verdès (16th century) and its tower which houses a spiral staircase. The ornate, Gothic or Renaissance facades, the sculpted doors, the mullioned windows… The heart of Meyssac has all the features of a film set! Especially since craftsmen (glassblowers for example) occupy some of the ground floors! A leaflet available at the town hall allows you to follow a "discovery route" and better understand the architectural richness of the town. For more information, call +33 5 55 25 40 20.
Finally, in terms of heritage, we will add the castle of Marsac, in the eponymous hamlet, a few kilometers east of the village: its oldest elements date from the 13th century. century. Redesigned with style, it now houses luxury guest rooms. Contact on +33 5 55 84 74 59.
The heritage and… geological riches of Meyssac are the subject of a geocaching course, "In the management of sandstone". Contact the tourist office on +33 5 65 33 22 00.
On the cultural side, the media library regularly schedules exhibitions, readings, meetings, etc. Information on +33 5 55 25 38 22.
For hiking enthusiasts, a number of marked trails are centered on the town and its close surroundings. One of them is focused on the Meyssac fault, where the boundary between granite and limestone subsoils is located. Others are dedicated to natural resources, or take the routes of the old ways of Saint-Jacques (which go further south towards Rocamadour) or join the banks of the Dordogne. Maps and information on +33 5 65 33 22 00.
It is also possible to join the outings of the local walking club (contact on +33 5 55 84 05 27) or to consider a horse ride to explore these lands which make up the connection between Limousin, Quercy and Périgord: inquire at the Ranch de Chadenac on +33 5 55 25 41 45.
Finally, note that for a game of tennis, the courts must be reserved at +33 6 87 84 02 33 or +33 6 09 50 10 40.
Perpetuating its historical tradition and its vocation as a commercial town, the town hosts an important and colorful market every Tuesday and Friday morning which showcases local products (meats, cheeses, foie gras, etc.). These meetings are supplemented in July and August by a market on Sunday morning.
Several annual fairs are dedicated to veal: the second Friday in January, the third Friday in May and the second Friday in September.
Whit Monday, July 14 and August 15, flea market and garage sales.
The first weekend of September, association forum.
The second weekend of Advent, Christmas market.
Soirée "Chic et Sport"
- On 20 april 2024
- Salle de Versailles
- Charm, the Meyssac handball club, is throwing a party ! Aperitif, bandas, DJ - Come in disguise = 1 free drink ! - Tombola, menu on reservation.