1. The village of Turenne
Listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Turenne is a delightful destination situated 20 minutes from Brive-la-Gaillarde.
Nestled in lush green surroundings, the village offers a variety of walking routes, as well as three GR long-distance trails that criss-cross it from one end to the other.
For lovers of historic buildings, the narrow streets bear witness to the area’s rich history. In this well-preserved setting, you’ll find streets lined with stately homes, as well as the ruins of the castle overlooking the village.
Be sure to climb the steps of the César Tower to take in the breathtaking panoramic view from the top. Set on an isolated hilltop, these medieval ruins bear witness to the powerful feudal state that was the Viscounty of Turenne. Guided tours, complete with costumed guides, transport you back to this glorious era.
2. Colette’s Gardens
Just 10 minutes from Brive-la-Gaillarde, immerse yourself in the literary world of the novelist Colette. Colette’s Gardens cover 5 hectares, and the upkeep of this preserved natural space is based on responsible practices (sustainable management of water and plant species, eco-grazing, etc.). The site is also a sanctuary run by the League for the Protection of Birds (LPO).
The floral park is designed as a journey in the writer’s footsteps, evoking the places where she lived. You will thus journey from Burgundy, her native region, to Franche-Comté, where she got married, before heading to Brittany, Corrèze and then Provence, ending at the garden of the Palais Royal.
A butterfly-shaped maze invites you to solve puzzles. A school playground and children’s play area form the space dedicated to the character Claudine, the schoolgirl created by Colette. Activities and guided tours are also organised from April to October.
3. Les Pans de Travassac
This is an extraordinary visit to a site that is unique in Europe. Just 10 minutes from Brive, the Pans de Travassac, situated in the commune of Donzenac, offer an insight into the traditional craft of slate-cutting.
On a spectacular walk along the slate cliffs, you’ll learn more about stoneworking. In this former quarry, which has been made accessible to the public, you’ll walk amongst 30-metre-high cliff faces that were used to shape the roof tiles for buildings in Corrèze, as well as for major monuments such as the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel.
At the heart of a gallery on the site is a museum showcasing the history and craft of the Travassac slate cutters.
4. The Gouffre de la Fage
Among the other exceptional sites near Brive, let yourself be amazed by the Gouffre de la Fage. This Natura 2000-listed site offers a descent to discover the wonders of the underground world.
The facilities have been designed to respect the natural ecosystem and preserve the local flora and fauna. With two different galleries, the Gouffre de la Fage offers access to calcite bridges, stalactites, columns and a palaeontological site.
The site is home to nearly 14,000 bats, making it one of the largest colonies in Europe. Don’t worry, though – part of the cave is set aside just for them. This undeveloped area ensures the tranquillity of their natural habitat is preserved for hibernation and breeding.
5. The town of Allassac
In the heart of the Terres Gaillardes, this medieval village has more than one trick up its sleeve. Among the many sights to see in Allassac, you simply mustn’t miss the César Tower. This five-storey historic monument, dating from the 13th century, has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1949.
Not far from there, the Church of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist dates back to the 12th century and features a beautiful Baroque altarpiece inside.
If you prefer the great outdoors, plan a hike to the Mesolithic rock site, which offers a breathtaking view of the Saillant Dam and the Vézère Gorges.
6. The unique village of Collonges-la-Rouge
Of the 157 villages awarded the ‘Most Beautiful Villages of France’ label, Collonges-la-Rouge was the first to receive the title in 1982. We owe the creation of this association to the village’s former mayor.
But apart from this, Collonges-la-Rouge stands out above all for the colour of its stones. This entirely natural hue is due to the geological fault line linking the Brive basin to Meyssac. The sandstone from which these stones are made contains a high proportion of iron oxide.
The village also boasts several remarkable buildings, such as the Church of Saint-Pierre and its Romanesque bell tower, the Chapel of the Black Penitents, the Maison de la Sirène and the Château de Vassinhac.
7. Lac du Causse
In the Couze Valley, about 15 minutes from Brive, the Lac du Causse site covers 200 hectares of developed land, including 100 hectares of water perfectly suited to various water sports.
Over the years, this lake has become a popular lakeside destination, with all the necessary facilities for sailing, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, rowing and more… The swimming area is supervised every day during the summer months and water quality is regularly monitored to ensure the site’s safety.
Around the lake, there are numerous trails for walkers, as well as mountain bikers and trail runners.
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Image: Flickr