Visit Turenne, Limousin
Turenne is 15 kilometres south of Brive in the Limousin region of France, and officially listed as one of the 'most beautiful villages of France'. In total contrast with nearby Collonges-la-Rouge, Turenne is not at all red! It's amazing what a difference a few kilometres can make!
Exploring Turenne
A pretty village, dating largely from the 13th - 16th centuries, Turenne sits on the edges of a small hill, with some lovely views from the top of the village across the Limousin countryside and forests to the mountains beyond. Although you might not find the hill so small if you climb to the top with small children - it is steep!
The pretty 13th century village itself has many lovely stone houses to enjoy (most of these date from the 15th and 16th centuries), frequently with individual highlights such as watchtowers that will attract your interest.
It is also the towers that stand at either end of the hill behind the village that will attract your attention. The circular 12th century César Tower is the older of the two while the square donjon tower was constructed some 100 years later. The towers, now separated by a nicely maintained garden, and a substantial part of the fortified wall, are all that remains of the fortress that once stood on this cliff behind the village.
Looking down from the castle is the best way to appreciate the lovely rooftops in Turenne, and the conical roofs on top of the towers.
You will also see the Porte de Mauriolles, one of the original stone gateways that allowed access through the fortifications of the town, and the calvary Tower which was also part of these defences. The Collegiale Church of Notre-Dame is the most important religious monument in Turenne and was built in the 17th century - it contains a very decorative altarpiece.
There are a couple of bars and restaurants in the village, and a bicycle hire shop (in the tourist office) if you feel like exploring the area around Turenne.
Attractions nearby
The village of Turenne is close to two other most beautiful villages, Curemonte and Collonges-la-Rouge, and a day exploring the three villages is very rewarding - partly because they are all very lovely, and partly because they each show a different aspect of the local historical architecture.
See Limousin and Correze (the region and department for Turenne) for more travel ideas...
Tourist classifications for Turenne: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);
Photos of Turenne
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Suggested places to visit near Turenne, France
Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.
Martel 13km
Curemonte 15km
Souillac 19km
More suggestions: Carennac 19km; Donzenac 20km; Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne 22km; Terrasson 24km; Saint-Amand-de-Coly 26km; Loubressac 27km; Tulle 28km; Argentat 28km; Rocamadour 28km; Autoire 29km; Gourdon (Lot) 30km;
Turenne tourist information: sights and attractions nearby
Gouffre de la Fage - site of natural beauty (7km) : Eglise de Saint Pierre (Carennac) - religious monument (19km) : Abbaye Sainte Marie (Souillac) - religious monument (20km) : Jardins du Manoir d'Eyrignac - remarkable garden (22km) : Jardins de l'Imaginaire - remarkable garden (23km) : Abbaye de Saint Amand de Coly (Saint-Amand-de-Coly) - religious monument (26km) : Castelnau-Bretenoux Chateau - national monument (26km) : Gouffre de Padirac - site of natural beauty (26km) :
See more places and a map at places near Turenne
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