Liven up your holidays!

Uzerche

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Corrèze

Uzerche - Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Corrèze
8.7
36

Standing majestically on a rocky overhang above a meander of the River Vézère, the beautiful Corrèze town of Uzerche welcomes you for a fabulous journey amid its historic heritage.

An unassailable stronghold, once located on the border between Upper and Lower Limousin, Uzerche played an important role in the Carolingian era and the Middle Ages due to its strategic position and its imposing fortifications: at the time it was known as "Uzerche la pucelle" ("Uzerche the virgin"), as it had never been conquered.

Boasting some truly remarkable architecture, the medieval town also known as the Pearl of the Limousin has a heritage circuit created by the Tourist Office. This walking itinerary dotted with explanatory plaques will lead you to discover its old houses, majestic towers and picturesque vaulted passages. Along your walk, you will also be able to see Bécharie castle, a defensive complex from the 15th century that was remodelled in the 16th and 17th centuries and is a listed Historic Monument, as well as a doorway in the old fortified wall, known as the Bécharie gate.

Another flagship edifice along the trail is the Abbey Church of St. Peter, a gem of Limousin Romanesque art that was fortified during the Hundred Years War. Its choir with ambulatory is adorned with capitals carved with plant patterns. Its 11th-century crypt, one of the oldest in the Limousin, echoes the dimensions of the choir, ambulatory and chapels. Not far from there, on Place des Vignerons, you can see the 12th-century tower of the Black Prince. As you walk along the typical narrow streets of Uzerche, you will also have the opportunity to admire some beautiful homes like Tayac castle, Eyssartier house, Chavailles mansion, Pontier castle or an old timber-framed house on Rue Pierre Chalaud. And for a restful little break, head to the welcoming Esplanade de la Lunade and its benches, where you can enjoy a scenic view of the Vézère and the surrounding hills!

The natural environment, which is all around the picturesque Uzerche, also takes the form of terrace gardens supported by walls and laden with flowers, orchards and vegetable patches. Open to the public, the Bécharie garden located down from the famous Bécharie gate offers a pleasant green place to sit and contemplate Uzerche's heritage from another angle.

Additional information
Uzerche

Commune of Corrèze, in region New-Aquitaine, Uzerche stands proudly on its rocky outcrop, about thirty kilometers from Tulle. La Rochelle, the most beautiful detours in France and nicknamed the Pearl of Limousin by the British writer Arthur Young, it enjoys a unique natural setting only thirty-five kilometers from Brive-la-Gaillarde.

The city of Uzerche has always occupied a strategic location, since the installation of the Gauls in the 2nd century BC. Very early, a fortified wall was installed to protect the commune, evolving over centuries and Occupations. But it was in the 10th century that the city really developed around the construction of a new monastery.

Occupied by the Normans, then the French, the city has preserved from its various influences a rich architectural heritage that is still successful today with visitors. Private mansions and other castles rub shoulders with ancient churches and vestiges.

Things to see and do

Many sites are registered or classified as Historic Monuments at Uzerche. Don't miss the 11th century Saint-Pierre church. This jewel of Limousin Romanesque has one of the oldest crypts in the region. The town is also home to the 14th century Black Prince tower, or the Bécharie castle. Built in the 15th century, it has very beautiful wall frescoes inside. It is surrounded by gardens and other parks in which flowers and orchards have a good reputation. There is a pleasant view over the Vézère valley.

In the town, you can also admire beautiful half-timbered houses from the 16th century, as well as the Hôtel du Sénéchal dating from the same period. The Eyssartier house, from the 15th century, reveals a beautiful Renaissance facade and was inhabited in the 19th century by an important family of apothecaries.

Built in the 17th century, the Tayac house reveals a pepperbox tower as well as a square tower bearing an escutcheon reminiscent of the arms of the city of Uzerche.

Don't miss the Hôtel des Joyet de Maubec, the 17th century Boyer Chammard house which reveals balconies overlooking the Vézère, or the 17th century Pontier castle. The latter is listed as a Historic Monument, in particular for its staircase.

The 18th century Turgot bridge is also worth a look.

The medieval city can be discovered via the heritage route. On the banks of the Vézère, you can also enjoy beautiful walks, including the literary walk "In the footsteps of Simone de Beauvoir" which is punctuated by 10 panels offering the author's texts for reflection.

For leisure, head to the Sports and Nature Station at La Minoterie. The site offers an introduction to canoeing, rafting, archery, mountain biking or even orienteering.

Places of interest

Information points
Leisure centres
Monuments
Transport

Events and festivities

Course Nationale 1 Canoë-Kayak Descente
Journées Européennes des Métiers d'Art - l'Alchimiste Souffleuse de Verre
Auditorium Sophie Dessus : La Vie et la Mort de J. Chirac, roi des Français
Auditorium Sophie Dessus : AKA
Auditorium Sophie Dessus : Oublie Moi
Rallye des Monédières
L'Alchimiste Souffleuse de Verre - Dimanche Découverte
Foire aux Plants d'Uzerche et Marché des Producteurs Locaux
Nettoyage de la Vézère et des Berges
Nuit des Musées - l'Alchimiste Souffleuse de Verre

Photos

The banks of the Vezere
The banks of the Vezere
See photo
The Town Hall Square
The Town Hall Square
See photo
The door Bechari
The door Bechari
See photo
Panoramic
Panoramic
See photo
The church of Saint-Pierre
The church of Saint-Pierre
See photo
Castle Pontier
Castle Pontier
See photo
Leisure - Ride canoe Vézère
Leisure - Ride canoe Vézère
See photo

Visits, leisure and activities nearby

Restaurants

Bed & breakfasts

Vacation rentals

Campsites

Hotels

Your holidays
A hotel
A vacation rental
A bed & breakfast
A campsite
A leisure activity
A restaurant
A rental car
A plane ticket
By continuing to browse our site, you are agreeing to the use of cookies to improve your experience and make targeted offers.
Find out more and make settings
Your account