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Curemonte

Visit Curemonte, Limousin

Curemonte ('most beautiful villages of France') is at the southern end of the Limousin region, near the borders with the Lot and Dordogne departments. It is close to two other most beautiful villages - Turenne and Collonges-la-Rouge.

In a lovely setting on a hilltop overlooking the valley of the Sourdoire river, Curemonte is surrounded by the rolling countryside typical of the region. Because of its position on the ridge of a hill, Curemont has lovely views across the surrounding Limousin valleys.

Exploring Curemonte

A small village, Curemonte won't take you long to explore but a visit is highly recommended. It is less 'modernised' than many of the most beautiful villages, adding to its charm, and also has less facilities than many. That is, there aren't lots of gift shops and cafes.

There are three 'chateaux' in Curemonte - the Chateau de Plas, the Chateau de Saint-Hilaire, Chateau de la Johannie - around the church in the village itself, which must be something of a world record (although two of them are together and might be seen as one - the older castle is the Chateau de Saint-Hilaire (14th century) with the square towers, the Chateau de Plas is more recent (16th century) and with round towers). The Chateau de la Johannie, next to the market hall, dates from the 15th century.

Curemonte also a church originally dating from the 12th century, and various other interesting buildings and attractive houses - follow the main street through the village and you won't go far wrong. Take time to explore, and to admire the little details such as the ornate doorways and windows, the rooves of the houses.

The village gives a genuine impression of being little changed through the centuries, best appreciated out of season or early morning when the village is quiet and there are few visitors around.

Interesting footnote: Colette, the renowned French author, stayed here during 1940.

Places to visit close to Curemonte

Two further little churches can be seen in the nearby hamlets of Saint-Genest and La Combe. The second of these is for me the most impressive, being a very early (11th century) roman style church, now also used for artist exhibitions during the summer months, while the church of Saint Genest is a small museum of local religious items.

You are spoiled for choice of picturesque villages in the Correze department near Curemonte - other 'most beautiful villages in France' nearby include Carennac, Autoire, Loubressac and Turenne.

Photos of Curemonte (click any picture to start the gallery)

Tourist classifications for Curemonte: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Suggested places to visit near Curemonte, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Martel 14km; Loubressac 15km; Turenne 15km; Autoire 17km; Chateau Montal 17km; Argentat 18km; Saint-Cere 19km; Souillac 25km; Gramat 25km; Rocamadour 25km; Tulle 30km; Donzenac 31km; Lacapelle-Marival 33km; Gourdon (Lot) 35km; Assier Chateau 37km; Terrasson 39km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Curemonte

Curemonte tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Eglise de Saint Pierre (Carennac) - religious monument (9km) : Gouffre de Padirac - site of natural beauty (16km) : Gouffre de la Fage - site of natural beauty (22km) : Abbaye Sainte Marie (Souillac) - religious monument (25km) : Jardins du Manoir d'Eyrignac - remarkable garden (34km) : Jardins de l'Imaginaire - remarkable garden (38km) : Abbaye de Saint Amand de Coly (Saint-Amand-de-Coly) - religious monument (41km) : Cathédrale Saint-Sardos (Sarlat) - religious monument (44km) :