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Turenne

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Corrèze

Turenne - Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Corrèze
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A former viscountcy now registered on the list of the most beautiful villages in France, the town of Turenne has kept many traces of its rich medieval past: the 13th-century castle, the Seneschal's house, the Mauriolles door and the Canons' house are among the remarkable reminders of its history.

Lovers of old buildings can't fail to be thrilled by a walk around the village, along the steep, narrow streets lined with pretty houses that will lead you up to the majestic castle perched on top of the hill. The fiefdom of the Lords of Turenne, this historic monument is open to any visitors wishing to explore its imposing remains. You are greeted by two high towers separated by a magnificently flowery garden: the Treasure tower, an old 14th-century keep housing a lovely guardroom with a pointed arch vault; and the Caesar tower, an old 13th-century watchtower which offers a superb view over the surrounding green countryside from the top of its spiral staircase.

Further down from the castle, you can discover the Capuchins' monastery chapel, now restored and used as an exhibition space, and the 17th-century Collegiate Church of Our Lady of St. Pantaleon, with its magnificent gilded wood altarpiece from 1678, 19th-century coloured windows and porch bell tower standing over 30 metres tall.

Located at the heart of the Corrèze causse on the Way of St. James, at the crossroads of the GR46 and the GR480, the village of Turenne is also the starting point or a waypoint for hikers.

Additional information
Turenne

Turenne, superb medieval village, is located 15 km south of Brive-la-Gaillarde and is one of the most beautiful villages in France.

Until 1738, the Vicomté de Turenne extended over a third of the lower Limousin, upper Quercy and Périgord Sarladais. There were then around 100,000 inhabitants, 111 parishes and 1,200 villages. The construction of the castle lasted about 4 centuries. Turenne has seen four families succeed one another in eight centuries (984 to 1738). In 1738, Turenne was sold to Louis XV for 4,200,000 pounds to repay the gambling debts of Charles Godefroy de Bouillon, the last of the Viscounts of the Tour d'Auvergne (from which the Marshal of Turenne was born). Thus ends the quasi-independence of the last French stronghold. The Viscomtins, who became subjects of Louis XV, were then forced to pay taxes and the king ordered the dismantling of the fortress. From this long prosperous period, a set of very beautiful villages all around make Turenne a sort of capital.

Turenne, one of the most beautiful villages in France.

Things to see and do

Appreciate the medieval character of this beautiful village which cascades down the hill.

The castle, with its two towers (the Treasury tower and the César tower separated by the Garden of the Great Navigators), can be visited all year round.

The village has kept its medieval structure. Most of the houses are mansions, because the city was the capital of an almost independent territory, a kind of state within a state. The village still retains its Protestant structure in its lower part.

Places of interest

Information points
Monuments

Events and festivities

Photos

General view
General view
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The village of Turenne
The village of Turenne
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General view of Turenne
General view of Turenne
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A street in the village
A street in the village
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12th and 13th century castle
12th and 13th century castle
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César tower and clock tower
César tower and clock tower
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clock
clock
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Entrance to the village
Entrance to the village
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Turenne
Turenne
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Visits, leisure and activities nearby

Restaurants

Bed & breakfasts

Vacation rentals

Campsites

Hotels

Your holidays
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A bed & breakfast
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A restaurant
A rental car
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