Turenne, one of France's most beautiful villages
Be brave Gaillards and valiant visitors, and set off to storm Turenne!
Turenne is a must in our top 14 places to visit. Listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France and set in its own green setting, Turenne is sure to please lovers of nature and old stone. From the castle, the streets lined with private mansions cascade down from the top of this former viscounty with a rich historical past. Not to mention the magnificent views from the castle terraces over the Dordogne valley and surrounding countryside.
Turenne: a Gaillard and responsible destination!
- Alleys to explore on foot and preserved architecture, witnesses to a rich historical past.
- A panoramic view from the castle that will take your breath away (even the most Gaillard).
- Guided tours, available in season, to immerse you in the world of this viscountcy.
- A warm welcome at the local stalls, where you'll find great food and crafts made in "Pays de Brive"!
- Turenne: hiking spot with 3 GR trails that cross the village and numerous small hike paths.
History of the Viscounty of Turenne
An impregnable hill
The privileged topographical situation and the configuration of the relief, which make the Turenne's hill a virtually impregnable defensive site, partly explain the foundation of the town.
This isolated hill, topped by lofty ruins, towers over the Tourmente valley by more than 160 meters. Don't miss a visit to the Tour César and climb the steps to reach the top for an incredible 360° view.
The privileges of the Vicomté
The Viscounty derived substantial advantages from its geographical position. These privileges were granted by the Kings of England and France. The Viscount of Turenne raises troops, mints coins, ennobles his loyal servants and is answerable only to the King. His subjects did not pay the King's taxes, did not house his soldiers, and met each year to vote subsidies to their viscount.
Until King Louis XV bought the estate in 1738, the Viscounty of Turenne was what we now call a tax haven, virtually independent of the authority of the Kings of France, and even with the right to convene States. These freedoms aroused the envy of their neighbours and the spite of royal officials. In French, there is a famous say " proud as a viscomtin "?
History of the Viscounts of Turenne
There was a castle site at Turenne before the year 1000 and therefore lords: the Rodulphiens, who came from Quercy. Then, around the year 1000, the Comborn-Turenne lineage appeared. They founded a dynasty of viscounts that remained in Turenne until the early 14th century.
In the 12th century, Raymond II acquired land in Quercy beyond the Dordogne. At that time, the Viscounty comprised seven towns and around a hundred parishes. Strategically located on major trade routes and the pilgrimage route to Rocamadour, the Viscounty was both the guardian of the territory and a centre for cultural exchange. After the Comborns came the Comminges in the 14th century, then the Roger de Beaufort during the Hundred Years' War.
Relatives of two popes of Avignon, Clement VI and Gregoire XI, they placed the viscounty under their protection.
The Lords de la Tour d'Auvergne succeeded them from 1444 to 1738. Henry 1st de la Tour was the son of the famous Maréchal de Turenne, whose youngest son is buried at Les Invalides (1611 - 1675).
The castle
Bearing the name of a powerful viscounty that ruled Limousin, Périgord and Quercy for ten centuries, Turenne has kept many traces of its history: the César and Trésor towers, remains of the castle dominating the village, old mansions from the 15th to 17th centuries decorated with turrets or watchtowers and simpler dwellings with roofs covered with slate or lauzes...
Throughout the Middle Ages, the castle played a central role in the Viscounty of Turenne, a powerful feudal state enjoying a unique degree of autonomy within the Kingdom of France. The Viscounts of Turenne governed their lands with almost sovereign authority, minting their own coins, raising armies and even holding courts. This remarkable independence lasted until 1738, when the Viscounty was sold to King Louis XV, marking the end of its quasi-sovereign status. To curb its influence, Louis XV ordered the partial dismantling of the castle, leaving only the majestic César and Trésor towers.
Practical information
- For more information, visit the Turenne Tourist Office, avenue Sénateur Labrousse. Open seasonally, check opening times here.
- Find out more about the Most Beautiful Villages in France on their website , as well as a selection of listed villages around Brive in our dedicated section.
- How do I get to Turenne without a car? You can get to Turenne by bus from Brive-La-Gaillarde. The train also stops at Turenne Gare (3 km from the listed village). See our regularly updated " Visiting without a car" section and download the document.
Visit Turenne
Visit the village with a guide, visit Turenne castle, take part in a visit in costume and become a knight or princess during the visit.
- Download the map of the village Télécharger (pdf, 831 KB)
Discover the new no-download interactive map from Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
Visiting with children
Download our games booklet and your children can discover a tour of Turenne while having fun. Learn and have fun at the same time, thanks to the fun routes offered in the village, where each stage offers a new enigma to solve. This activity is ideal for families on holiday in France, particularly in the Corrèze and Dordogne regions.
Bon plan Playing the knight at Turenne
If you'd like to learn more about medieval architecture, then take a look at the village of Turenne! Listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, Turenne is home to the remains of a fortified castle, including a massive 13th-century keep. And when night falls, indulge in a tasty beverage before taking part in a costumed torchlight tour.
Turenne castel, 19500 Turenne
05 55 24 08 80 (Brive Agglomération Tourist Office)
Hiking in Turenne
This village enjoys a privileged geographical location: at the crossroads of a number of GR trails, hiking enthusiasts can indulge in their favourite activity!
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