What are the must-see places to visit in Collonges-la-Rouge, classified as the Most Beautiful Village in France?

Collonges-la-Rouge, which owes its name to the purple colour of its sandstone buildings, is one of the most visited sites in Corrèze. And for good reason, if a large part of this village of 435 inhabitants is classified as a historic monument, it is because its long history and the excellent state of conservation of its heritage have made it one of the jewels of French rural heritage. What are the most emblematic places and activities not to be missed? Geo is the guide!

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Collonges-la-Rouge, jewel of the Corrèze

"Collonges", as its inhabitants call it, is one of those French villages that are full of treasures and stories to tell. Every street corner has its anecdote. Founded around a priory in the 8th century, the village was later attached to the Viscounty of Turenne, a time when Renaissance castles flourished, before becoming a stopover for pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostela centuries later.

Affected by the phylloxera of the vine in the 19th century, and then the agricultural decline in the early 1980s, the town has regained its colours under the impetus of its mayor Charles Ceyrac. Determined not to let the village's heritage disappear, the elected official from Correze was the author of a book highlighting the riches of a hundred or so French villages. With the collaboration of 66 mayors, the reflection will give birth to the association Plus Beaux Villages de France. So what emblematic places should you absolutely see in the cradle of this famous label?

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What to do in Collonges-la-Rouge?

• Chapel of the Pénitents noirs

Built in the 15th century, the chapel is the former headquarters of the Pénitents Noirs brotherhood. Founded in the 12th and 13th centuries, these brotherhoods were responsible for the salvation of souls, offering moral and material aid to prisoners, but also assistance to those condemned to death and the sick.

• St. Peter's Church

Freshly restored and furnished in 16th century style, this former residence of the governors of the Viscounty of Turenne, built in red sandstone at the end of the 11th century, then enlarged and fortified over time (and the wars of religion), offers a plunge into the medieval past.

• House of the Mermaid

A comb in one hand and a mirror in the other: this is how the mermaid stands in the stone house of the same name. Typically Collongeoise and classified by the Monuments Historiques, it now houses the headquarters of the association Les Amis de Collonges. Open every day during the summer, you will discover the interior of a 19th century laundress' home, through the permanent exhibition "La chambre d'Appoline".

• Vassinhac Castle

The visit of the castle and the park of the viscount of Turenne, for which a fee is charged, plunges you into a real medieval tale. This castle built in red sandstone and surrounded by a green park, belonged to the family of Vassinhac, then lord of the city and captain governor of the viscounty of Turenne.

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What to visit around Collonges-la-Rouge ?

Several hiking routes are possible around Collonges. For example, you can take the route from the magnificent village of Rocamadour (famous for its cheese) to Compostela or the GR480 from Turenne, located less than 10 km from Collonges. Curemonte, another nearby Plus Beaux Villages de France, also offers a rich heritage. In Meyssac, learn more about the geology of the region by discovering the famous "Meyssac fault". Finally, if you have a car (and are not in too much of a hurry), don't miss the chance to take a dip in the water of the Cère gorges (61 km).

Find more information on Collonges-la-Rouge in the official guide Les Plus Beaux Villages de France!