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Home News Brive: 5 castles and medieval villages to visit
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Brive

Brive: 5 castles and medieval villages to visit

Brive-la-Gaillarde has that rare quality: it makes you want to slow down. As soon as you leave its historic centre, the roads wind their way towards hills, valleys and stone villages where the Middle Ages seem to have forgotten to pack their bags. Perched castles, medieval ruins, cobbled streets, stately homes, Romanesque churches, panoramic views of the Dordogne… around Brive, the region’s heritage is easy to explore and visit, often within an hour’s drive. Good news for travellers: Brive-Vallée de la Dordogne is one of the destinations served by Chalair, notably with the regular Brive–Paris-Orly service, which is a convenient way to reach the region without long road journeys.
Published on 26th May 2026

1. Collonges-la-Rouge, the picture-postcard village

It’s impossible to talk about Brive without starting with Collonges-la-Rouge. Situated about twenty kilometres from Brive, this village – listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France – immediately catches the eye with its red sandstone façades. Here, everything seems tailor-made for a leisurely stroll: cobbled streets, towers, castles, small shaded squares and craft shops.


Collonges-la-Rouge is often described as one of the jewels of the Corrèze, with a heritage dating back to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It’s an ideal stop for a first half-day of exploration, especially if you’re travelling with family or friends.

2. Turenne, a former viscounty with a regal panorama

Just a few kilometres from Collonges, Turenne offers a different atmosphere. The village climbs up a hill, dominated by the ruins of its castle. There are two highlights to the visit: first, the climb through the ancient narrow streets; then the reward at the top, with a superb view over the Corrèze countryside.


Turenne is one of six villages in Corrèze listed among the ‘Most Beautiful Villages of France’, alongside Collonges-la-Rouge, Curemonte, Saint-Robert, Ségur-le-Château and Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne. For a short trip from Brive, combining Collonges-la-Rouge and Turenne makes for a very enjoyable day out.

3. Curemonte: the understated charm of ancient stone buildings

Less spectacular at first glance than Collonges, Curemonte is nonetheless one of the most endearing villages around Brive. Perched on a ridge, it boasts a remarkable heritage: three castles, a 12th-century Romanesque church and numerous stately homes dating from the 14th to the 16th centuries.


From Brive, the journey takes about 30 minutes. The village is best explored on foot, as motor vehicles are not permitted in the centre. A car park is available at La Cabrolle, which helps to preserve the peaceful atmosphere of the place.

4. Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, between the abbey and the river

To extend your medieval getaway, head to Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne. The village, which is also a listed site, offers a different atmosphere: gentler, more riverside, with the Dordogne as a backdrop. Its religious heritage, historic houses and quays invite you to take your time.


It’s a lovely stop for those who want to combine heritage, a stroll along the riverbank and a gourmet break. The region lends itself perfectly to leisurely itineraries: visit a village in the morning, have lunch on a terrace, then head off to a castle or a viewpoint in the afternoon. Yes, this itinerary is dangerous for those who like to say “just a quick stroll”: it rarely takes less than three hours.

5. Castelnau-Bretenoux, the grand fortified castle not to be missed

About an hour’s drive from Brive, Castelnau-Bretenoux Castle is well worth a detour. Situated in the Lot, not far from the Dordogne valley, this fortified castle impresses with its imposing architecture and commanding location. The Centre des monuments nationaux describes it as the fortified castle of the Barons of Castelnau, 25 kilometres from Rocamadour.


In practical terms, opening hours vary depending on the season. From 2 May to 30 June, the site is open from 10.00 to 12.30 and from 14.00 to 18.30; in July and August, it is open continuously from 10.00 am to 6.30 pm. Last admission is one hour before closing time.

Idea for a medieval itinerary around Brive-la-Gaillarde

For a well-paced weekend, here’s a simple suggestion.

Day 1: Brive and the ‘red’ villages

  • Start with Brive’s historic centre,
  • then head to Collonges-la-Rouge,
  • then carry on to Turenne to round off the day with a panoramic view at sunset.

Day 2: Curemonte and the Dordogne Valley

  • Head for Curemonte in the morning,
  • then on to Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne in the afternoon,
  • If you have a little more time, add Castelnau-Bretenoux Castle or Rocamadour Castle to a longer loop.

Practical tips before you set off

  • Make sure you wear sturdy shoes: medieval villages are full of cobblestones, stairs and steep climbs that will remind you that cardio existed before gyms.
  • In summer, set off early in the morning to enjoy the narrow streets before the crowds and the heat set in.
  • Out of season, check the opening times of the monuments, as some sites adjust their visiting days and times.

Finally, remember to book your flight to Brive-Vallée de la Dordogne and your accommodation in advance if you’re visiting during long weekends, school holidays or the high season.

Brive is an excellent gateway to Corrèze, Quercy and the Dordogne Valley: the perfect region for those who love to travel at a leisurely pace, without wasting a single minute.


See also:


Image created with Grok