Spend your Saturday in the historic heart of Brive
Brive lighthouse
In the heart of the Correze region, discover Brive-la-Gaillarde by strolling through its cobbled streets and historic buildings. Start at the Brive lighthouse, home to the Tourist Office.
Despite its ship-guiding tower shape, this listed building was actually a water tower. Come in for a free tour of this building, which was used to pump water from the Doux, and take a look at the tower's belvedere floor, which served as a tribune for the town's notables.
After the Brive lighthouse and its Mediterranean garden, head for the Gaillard market.
Brive-la-Gaillarde market
Located on the Place du 14 juillet and under the Halle Georges Brassens, the Brive market reveals its gastronomic treasures every Saturday until 1pm. Stroll through the gourmet aisles of one of France's most beautiful markets, where local produce and Corrèze's terroir take pride of place.
More than 200 exhibitors and food artisans are waiting for you to sample their famous specialties, such as Périgord truffles and fattened poultry, as well as Voutezac peaches and Limousin apples. Save a little room for Brive's gastronomic mysteries, such as milhassou and violet mustard.
It's the ideal place to experience an authentic moment with producers, in an atmosphere that fully reflects the spirit of Gascony's culture.
Good to know: If you want to bring back a few local products from your trip, don't forget baggage restrictions and take precautions to avoid leaks in your suitcase.
A cultural tour of Brive's museums
After a busy morning, treat yourself to a cultural break by exploring Brive's museums. At the Musée Labenche, you can explore the history of Brive-la-Gaillarde and the surrounding area through permanent exhibits dating back to prehistoric times. Labeled a Musée de France, the building itself is listed as a Monument Historique. The museographical tour takes you through 11 major thematic areas, comprising over 5,000 objects that bear witness to the past and the history of the city of Brive-la-Gaillarde.
The Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation Edmond Michelet is dedicated to the Second World War. The permanent and temporary exhibitions are housed in the family home of Edmond Michelet, an early Resistance fighter who was deported to Dachau before becoming Minister of the Army in the de Gaulle government after the liberation.
Brive la nocturne: what to do on Saturday night?
As night falls, many of Brive's venues come alive, offering different atmospheres for festive evenings to suit all tastes.
Pubs, brasseries and wine bars are all great places to enjoy a drink before starting the rest of the night.
Apart from match nights, Brive has several entertainment venues. You can choose to attend concerts or stand-up shows. And why not push open the doors of the Cabaret Gaillard and enjoy its big show, while sampling a gourmet meal at a dinner and show.
In a different but just as friendly atmosphere, establishments like Le Gueuleton welcome you with simplicity in an authentic setting for an epicurean experience based around local produce.
A Sunday to discover the Brive-la-Gaillarde area
In the south of Corrèze, the Brive region is brimming with natural sites and exceptional villages to explore.
An escapade in Colette's gardens
Located just 10 minutes from Brive, the Jardins de Colette represent 5 hectares of preserved natural spaces. The site is an LPO (Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux - League for the Protection of Birds) refuge.
This exotic floral park follows in the footsteps of the writer Colette, evoking the different places where she lived. You'll find yourself transported to her native Burgundy, Franche-Comté, Bretagne, Corrèze and Provence.
A labyrinth, animations and guided tours are organized during the high season. A tearoom and boutique are available on site for a gourmet break.
Sports activities at Lac du Causse
Just a few kilometers south of Brive-la-Gaillarde, Lac du Causse invites you to discover an enchanting natural setting in the heart of the Couze valley. This 200-hectare site, organized around a vast stretch of water, is ideal for a multitude of water sports and activities. With its well-equipped facilities, it's an unmissable destination for a moment of relaxation.
In summer, the lake comes alive with a variety of events and activities. Before embarking on your adventure, take the time to enjoy a good meal. Take advantage of local grocery stores and bakeries to prepare a picnic to enjoy on the tables set up around the lake. If you prefer a more practical option, food trucks are often present on the Moulin beach, and the campsite restaurant, open to all, welcomes you with a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
The wonders of the underground world at the Fage chasm
Round off your weekend in Brive with a guided tour of the Gouffre de la Fage, accessible before 5.30pm. Classified Natura 2000, this exceptional site invites you to explore the wonders of the underground world, while preserving the unique ecosystem of local flora and fauna.
Admire the calcite bridges and spectacular stalactites, and discover a fascinating paleontological deposit. The chasm is also home to one of Europe's largest colonies of bats, perfectly protected in a specially dedicated cavity. A captivating experience, ideal for ending your stay on an unforgettable note.
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Photo : flickr