Spend your Saturday in the historic centre of Brive
The jewel in Brive’s crown
In the heart of the Corrèze region, set off to explore Brive-la-Gaillarde by strolling through its cobbled streets and past its historic buildings. Your first stop should be the Brive lighthouse, which houses the Tourist Office.
Despite its tower-like shape, designed to guide ships, this building – listed as a Historic Monument – was in fact a water tower. Do pop in for a free tour of this building, which was used to pump water from the River Doux, and explore the top floor of the tower, which forms a viewing platform that once served as a gallery for local dignitaries.
After visiting the Brive lighthouse and its Mediterranean garden, head to the Gaillard market.
The Brive-la-Gaillarde Market
Located on Place du 14 Juillet and also beneath the Halle Georges Brassens, Brive’s market unveils its gastronomic treasures every Saturday until 1 pm. Stroll through the gourmet aisles of one of France’s finest markets, where local produce and the Corrèze region’s specialities take centre stage.
Over 200 stallholders and food artisans await you, ready to let you sample their famous specialities such as Périgord truffles and fattened poultry, as well as peaches from Voutezac and Limousin apples. Make sure you leave a little room to sample Brive’s culinary treasures, such as milhassou or purple mustard.
It’s the ideal place to enjoy an authentic experience with local producers in an atmosphere that fully reflects the spirit of the ‘gaillarde’ culture.
Good to know: If you’d like to bring back some local produce from your trip, don’t forget the luggage restrictions and take precautions to prevent any leaks in your suitcase.
A cultural stroll through Brive’s museums
After a busy morning, treat yourself to a cultural break by exploring Brive’s museums. At the Musée Labenche, you can delve into the history of Brive-la-Gaillarde and its surroundings through permanent exhibitions dating back to prehistoric times. Awarded the ‘Musée de France’ label, the building itself is listed as a Historic Monument. The museum’s exhibition route invites you to discover 11 major thematic sections comprising over 5,000 objects that bear witness to times gone by and the history of the city of Brive-la-Gaillarde.
The Edmond Michelet Museum of the Resistance and Deportation is dedicated to the Second World War. The permanent and temporary exhibitions are housed in the family home of Edmond Michelet, an early member of the Resistance who was deported to Dachau before becoming Minister for the Armed Forces in de Gaulle’s government following the Liberation.
Brive by night: what to do on a Saturday evening?
As night falls, many venues come to life in Brive, offering a variety of atmospheres for a night out to suit every taste.
Pubs, brasseries and wine bars are all friendly spots to have a drink before heading out for the rest of the night.
Apart from match nights, Brive has several venues for live entertainment. You can choose to attend concerts or stand-up comedy shows. And why not pop into the Cabaret Gaillard and enjoy its spectacular show, whilst savouring a gourmet meal during a dinner and show?
In a different but equally welcoming atmosphere, establishments such as Le Gueuleton offer a relaxed welcome in an authentic setting for a gourmet experience centred on local produce.
A Sunday spent exploring the area around Brive-la-Gaillarde
In the south of Corrèze, the Brive region is brimming with natural sites and exceptional villages to explore.
A day out at the Jardins de Colette
Located just 10 minutes from Brive, the Jardins de Colette cover 5 hectares of unspoilt natural spaces. The site is a sanctuary run by the LPO (League for the Protection of Birds).
This enchanting floral park takes you on a journey in the footsteps of the writer Colette, evoking the various places where she lived. You’ll find yourself transported to Burgundy, her native region, as well as to Franche-Comté, then to Brittany, Corrèze and Provence.
A maze, activities and guided tours are organised during the high season. A tea room and a shop are available on site for a tasty break.
Sports activities at Lac du Causse
A few kilometres 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, centred around a vast body of water, is ideal for enjoying a wide range of water sports and other activities. With its well-developed facilities, it is a must-visit destination for a relaxing break.
In summer, the lake comes alive with a variety of events and activities. Before setting off on your adventure, take the time to enjoy a good meal. Make the most of the local shops and bakeries to prepare a picnic to enjoy at the tables set up around the lake. If you prefer a more convenient option, food trucks are often found on Moulin Beach, and the campsite restaurant – open to everyone – welcomes you with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The wonders of the underground world at the Gouffre de la Fage
Round off your weekend in Brive in style with a guided tour of the Gouffre de la Fage, open until 5.30 pm. Listed as a Natura 2000 site, this exceptional location invites you to explore the wonders of the underground world whilst preserving the unique ecosystem of the local flora and fauna.
Marvel at the calcite bridges and spectacular stalactites, and discover a fascinating palaeontological site. The cave is also home to one of Europe’s largest bat colonies, perfectly protected in a specially designated chamber. A captivating experience, ideal for rounding off your stay on an unforgettable note.
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Photo: flickr