1. The village of Turenne
Ranked among France's most beautiful villages, Turenne is a pleasant destination just 20 minutes from Brive-la-Gaillarde.
Nestled in a green setting, the village offers a variety of hiking trails, as well as 3 GR paths that cross it on either side.
For lovers of old stones, the narrow streets are testimony to the area's rich historical past. You'll find streets lined with mansions, but also the remains of the castle dominating the village.
Be sure to climb the steps of the Tour César for a breathtaking panoramic view from the summit. Founded on an isolated mound, these medieval ruins bear witness to the powerful feudal state that was the Viscounty of Turenne. Guided tours in costume take you back to those glorious times.
2. Colette's gardens
Just 10 minutes from Brive-la-Gaillarde, immerse yourself in the literary world of the novelist Colette. The Colette gardens extend over 5 hectares, and the upkeep of this unspoilt natural space is based on responsible choices (rational management of water and vegetation species, eco-pasturing...). The site is also a refuge for the French League for Bird Protection (LPO).
The floral park is designed as a journey in the footsteps of the writer, evoking the places where she lived. You'll travel from Burgundy, the region of her birth, to Franche-Comté, where she married, before moving on to Bretagne, Corrèze and Provence, ending in the garden of the Palais Royal.
A butterfly-shaped maze invites you to solve enigmas. A schoolyard and children's games make up the area dedicated to the character Claudine, the schoolgirl created by Colette. Activities and guided tours are also organized from April to October.
3. Les pans de Travassac
It's an extraordinary visit to a site that's unique in Europe. Just 10 minutes from Brive, the Pans de Travassac in Donzenac invite you to discover the ancestral work of slate quarrymen.
On a sensational walk along the slate walls, you'll learn more about stone working. In this former quarry, you'll walk among the 30-metre-high cliffs used to make roof tiles for the Corrèze region, as well as for major monuments such as Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey.
At the heart of the site's gallery is a museum showcasing the history and work of Travassac's slate quarrymen.
4. Le gouffre de la Fage
One of the other exceptional sites near Brive is the Gouffre de la Fage. This Natura 2000 listed site invites you to discover the wonders of the underground world.
The facilities respect the natural ecosystem and preserve the local flora and fauna. With two different galleries, the Gouffre de la Fage gives you access to calcite bridges, stalactites, columns and a paleontological deposit.
The site is home to almost 14,000 bats, one of the largest colonies in Europe. But don't worry, part of the cavity is dedicated to them. This undeveloped area preserves the tranquillity of their natural habitat for hibernation and birthing.
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 things to do in Allassac, you won't want to miss the Tour César. This 5-storey historical monument dating from the 13th century has been listed as a Monument Historique since 1949.
Nearby, the Church of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist dates back to the 12th century and features a beautiful Baroque altarpiece.
If you prefer the great outdoors, plan a hike to the Mesolithic rock site, which offers breathtaking views of the Saillant dam and the Vézère gorges.
6. The unusual village of Collonges-la-Rouge
Collonges-la-Rouge was the first of the 157 villages to be awarded the "Most Beautiful Villages in France" label, in 1982. The village's former mayor is credited with the birth of this association.
But apart from that, Collonges-la-Rouge is distinguished above all by the color of its stones. This totally natural hue is due to the geological fault that links the Brive basin to Meyssac. The sandstone of which these stones are composed contains large quantities of iron oxide.
The village also boasts a number of remarkable buildings, including Saint-Pierre church with its Romanesque bell tower, the Pénitents Noirs chapel, the Maison de la Sirène and the Château de Vassinhac.
7. Lac du Causse
In the Couze valley, around 15 minutes from Brive, the Lac du Causse site covers 200 hectares, including 100 hectares of water perfectly suited to a variety of water sports.
Over the years, this stretch of water has become a veritable seaside destination, with all the facilities needed for sailing, canoeing, paddling, rowing... The bathing area is supervised daily during the summer months, and water quality is regularly monitored to ensure the safety of the site.
Around the lake, numerous trails await walkers, mountain bikers and trail runners.
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Image: Flickr