Donzenac, a stopover village in Corrèze

Donzenac has the charm of a medieval town that strives to preserve its collective memory while restoring old buildings. This 12th-century village, listed in our top 14 places to visit, bears witness to the wealth of human know-how and invites you on a charming journey back in time to the heart of the Terres Gaillardes.

5 good reasons to visit Donzenac

Take a stroll along the alleyways and porches and discover the fortified gates, the remains of 3 fascinating eras: Middle Ages, Renaissance and 17th century.
Visit the unmissable Pans de Travassac.
Take a break in this "Village Étape".
Follow in the footsteps of the Secret Army resistance fighters from Corrèze.
Discover the oldest house in Corrèze (13th century).

"Village étape" since 1998

Classified as a Country and Art and History Vézère Slate, Donzenac has also held the Village Etape label since 1998. This label, issued by the French Federation of Stopover Villages, encompasses a number of criteria that must be met to guarantee visitors a certain level of comfort: nearby axes, restaurants, accommodation, parking spaces, sustainable commitments, and much more...

What to do, to visit in Donzenac

Donzenac is one of the oldest villages in Corrèze! Once a large fortified village, it still retains its medieval appearance, with winding streets that all lead back to the church area. Stroll along its narrow streets and enjoy the old houses covered in grey-blue slate from the local Travassac slate quarries.

Awards won by Donzenac

Donzenac, which can be visited day and night, won first prize in the national competition for the illumination of historic buildings in 1999.

In 2002, this medieval town won first prize in the department's "Heritage Ribbons" (which honours the work of towns that have restored places of remembrance) for its restoration of the 13th-century house.

In 2020, Donzenac's restored Gothic bell tower will be awarded the Regional "Ruban du Patrimoine". Yet another source of pride for the people of Donzenac.

What to see in Donzenac

The tour circuit

Discover Donzenac and its heritage on an interpretive tour, on your own or with the whole family, exploring the town's architectural heritage.

The church of Saint-Martin

This magnificent church features a 14th-century porticoed bell tower, a nave with side aisles on the flat wall and an enclosed choir. The church tower was listed as a Historic Monument in 1932. Inside the church, in the narthex, you can admire three interesting sculptures: A 14th-century Virgin and Child (decapitated) with traces of polychromy, a 15th-century Saint Madeleine in a graceful pose and carrying a perfume box, and a Saint-Jean-Baptiste in a camel hair coat.

The 13th-century house

This is the most famous medieval house in Donzenac and currently comprises three floors, including a cellar. Because of the different heights of the ground, it is half-buried, but you probably didn't realise that until you got there! You're standing in front of the oldest house in Corrèze.

The chapel of the white penitents

This chapel was built in 1677 on the remains of the arms room of the Château de la Robertie, which defended the southern ramparts of Donzenac. The south-west façade is linked to the town walls and the square tower. The building consists of a rectangular nave with side passages leading to a rib-vaulted room at the bottom of the tower, projecting from this side.

Things to do in the area

Approximately 6 km away: Allassac has a fortified church dating from the 14th century, Le Manoir des Tours, and the famous Caesar Tour.

Sainte-Féréole is a festive place to be on Thursday evenings in summer, with its famous local farmers' market, but it's also an emblematic site of the Resistance in Corrèze! Let yourself be guided into the heart of history by taking the Saulières memory trail, which recalls the maquis who used this forest as a retreat.

The Pans de Travassac

Enter the heart of this former slate quarry to discover a magnificent site that is unique in Europe. Let yourself be carried away by a guided tour lasting around 1 hour, and take a step back in time to the 17th century, when the tradition of slate quarrying was born in Corrèze.

Travassac slate, a noble product, is exceptionally durable and hard-wearing. Most of Donzenac's roofs are covered in this material, giving the town its distinctive colour.

You can also watch a professional slate-cutting demonstration and visit the shop. For opening times and prices, visit the Pans de Travassacs page.

Practical information

How to get to Donzenac

Car: A20 - exit 48 Allassac
Train: the nearest station is Allassac

By bus: from Brive-La-Gaillarde, you can come by bus. Consult our regularly updated section " Visiting without a car" and download the document.

Where can I park in Donzenac?

Departmental car park (town hall square).
Salavert car park (7 avenue du salavert).
Donzenac ouest car park.
Camping Car Park located outside the town, next to the municipal campsite "La Rivière".

Our advice

Once you're here, don't hesitate to pay a visit to one of our PoHTes: the small museum area at the Atelier des Cordeliers in the Cordeliers convent and the Nauche butcher's shop, who will be happy to share their good tips with you.
If you're a hiking fans, there are 4 signposted trails to help you discover Donzenac and the surrounding area. And for the younger ones, geocaching awaits you with its treasure hunts in the local countryside!

Bon plan A medieval atmosphere in Donzenac

Family having fun and running down an alleyway.

With its slate roofs and narrow streets, the village of Donzenac has a rich history. Here, in one of the oldest villages in Corrèze, you can admire the Travassac slate roofs, which are just a few kilometres away, and come and see the oldest house in the Limousin region, dating back to the 13th century. In the evening, when the monuments are illuminated, the medieval atmosphere is all the more palpable. If you happen to come across a restaurant at a crossroads, just pop in and enjoy a local speciality.

Village of Donzenac,
19270 Donzenac
05 55 24 08 80 (Brive Agglomération Tourist Office)