About the Corrèze

Lying between Dordogne to the west and Auvergne to the east, Correze is a charming department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

Named after the River Corrèze running through its heart, it has a rich history dating as far back as the 9^th century.

The capital is Tulle, an important centre historically for lace production. This is where the material called tulle, often used for wedding veils, was created. The medieval streets of the old town are well worth a visit, along with the cathedral with its imposing bell tower, and there are riverside walks to be enjoyed. A short distance from Tulle, the series of waterfalls at Gimel-les-Cascades are a popular attraction.

There are many pretty towns and villages to explore in this department and five are officially recognised as among the most beautiful villages in France, including Collonges-la-Rouge, a village of red sand stone with winding streets and fantastic architecture. The others are Curemont, St-Robert, Ségur-le-Château and Turenne.

Set on a hillock, Turenne is a particularly impressive site with the ruins of the ancient castle dominating the village, but all are well worth exploring. Meanwhile, Treignac, with its stunning medieval quarter, is another stunning spot with pretty cafes and beautiful architecture.

To the south of the department, the largest town is Brive-la-Gaillarde, known for its impressive food market held three times a week. Meanwhile the traditional town of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, situated in a wooded valley on the banks of the Dordogne river, is a delight to explore.

There are so many equally attractive towns and villages all waiting to be discovered and Argentat, Aubazine, Corrèze, Donzenac, Meymac, Pompadour and Uzerche are top of our list.

The natural beauty of this department makes it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The area is home to some impressive scenery including the valleys of lower Corrèze around Meymac, Mont Bessou, the mountain springs around Millevaches, the Gorges du Chavanon to the east, and the Monédières hills.

It is a perfect destination for walking, hiking, cycling, swimming, canoeing or simply enjoying the spectacular landscape.

As you would expect, the cuisine of Corrèze is packed full of flavour and based on  wealth of local produce. There are numerous bustling markets and a gastronomic feast awaits in the restaurants, including local dishes such as millassous de pommes de terre (a potato pie), stuffed ceps and farcidures (a type of potato and meat dumpling). Vin Paillé, made in the Dordogne Valley, is another local speciality. This delicious sweet wine is made by a small number of winemakers who keep this centuries-old tradition alive.

In terms of transport, Corrèze is well-connected with two airports at Limoges and Brive and the TGV rail network passing though. It is a superb destination for those of us looking to enjoy a different pace of life in a picturesque setting and the climate is pleasantly warm in the summer months.

The beauty of Corrèze is that it’s a best-kept secret just waiting to be discovered. With an appealing location, characterful towns and villages and great scenery, it is an idyllic place to call home.