Turenne, village classified among the most beautiful in France
Be brave the Gaillard way, valiant visitors, and set off to attack Turenne!
Turenne is a must in our top 14 visits. Ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages of France and nestled in its green setting, Turenne will delight lovers of nature and old stones. From the castle, the streets lined with private mansions cascade down from the top of this former viscounty with a rich historical past. Not forgetting the magnificent view from the castle terraces over the Dordogne valley and the surrounding landscapes.
Turenne: a Gaillard and responsible destination!
- Alleys to explore on foot and preserved architecture, witnesses of a rich historical past.
- A panorama offering a breathtaking view from the castle (even for the most Gaillard.es)
- Guided tours, offered seasonally, which immerse you in the world of this viscounty.
- The warm welcome from the stalls which offer great taste discoveries and crafts made in “Pays de Brive”!
- Turenne: hiking spot with 3 GR trails that cross the village and numerous small hike paths.
History of the Viscounty of Turenne
An impregnable hill
The privileged topographical situation and the configuration of the relief, which make Turenne's hill an almost impregnable defensive site, partly explain the founding of the city.
This isolated hill, topped with lofty ruins, dominates the Tourmente valley by more than 160m. Don't miss a visit to the Tour César and climb its steps to reach its summit and discover the incredible 360° view.
The privileges of the Viscounty
Thanks to the dominance it has from its geographical position, the Viscounty enjoys substantial advantages. These privileges were granted by the kings of England and France. The Viscount of Turenne raises troops, mints money, ennobles his faithful servants, and depends only on the King. His subjects do not pay the king's tax, do not house his soldiers, and assemble each year to vote on subsidies for their viscount.
Until the purchase of the estate by King Louis 15th in 1783, the Viscounty of Turenne is what we call today a tax heaven, almost autonomous from the French Kings authority, they even had the right to gather States. These freedoms arouse the envy of their neighbors and the annoyance of royal officials. In French, there is a famous say " proud as a viscomtin"?
History of the Viscounts of Turenne
There was a castle site in Turenne before the year 1000 and therefore lords: the Rodulphians, who came from Quercy. Then, around the year 14, the Comborn-Turenne lineage appeared. They founded a dynasty of viscounts which remained in Turenne until the beginning of the XNUMXth century.
In the 12th century, Raymond II acquired lands in Quercy beyond the Dordogne. The Viscounty then had seven towns and a hundred parishes. Strategically located on the major trade routes and the pilgrimage route to Rocamadour, the Viscounty was both guardian of the territory and a center of cultural exchange. After the Comborn, came the Comminges in the 14th century, then the Roger de Beaufort during the Hundred Years' War.
Parents of two popes of Avignon, Clement VI and Gregory XI, they put the viscounty under their protection.
The lords of the Tour d'Auvergne succeeded them from 1444 to 1738. Henry 1st of the Tour was born the famous Maréchal de Turenne, youngest son buried in Invalides (1611 - 1675).
The Castle
Bearing the name of a powerful viscounty having reigned over Limousin, Périgord and Quercy for ten centuries, Turenne has kept numerous traces of its history: the César and Trésor towers, remains of the castle dominating the village, ancient private mansions from the 15th to 17th centuries decorated with turrets or watchtowers and simpler residences with roofs covered with lauze or slate...
Throughout the Middle Ages, the castle played a central role in the Viscountcy of Turenne, a powerful feudal state with a degree of autonomy unique within the Kingdom of France. The Viscounts of Turenne ruled their lands with quasi-sovereign authority, minting their own coins, raising armies, and even holding courts. This remarkable independence lasted until 1738, when the Viscountcy was sold to King Louis XV, marking the end of its quasi-sovereign status. To curb its influence, Louis XV ordered the partial dismantling of the castle, leaving only the majestic César and Trésor towers remaining today.
Visit Turenne
Visit the village with a guide, visit the Turenne castle, participate in a visit in costume and become a knight or princess during the visit.
- Download the village visit plan Download (pdf, 831 KB)
Discover the new interactive map without downloading offered by Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
Visit with children
Download our games booklet and your children will be able to discover a tour of Turenne while having fun. Learn while having fun thanks to the fun trails offered in the village, where each stage offers a new riddle to solve. This activity is ideal for a family on vacation in France, particularly in the Corrèze and Dordogne region.
Our tip Playing the knight role in Turenne
If you want to perfect your knowledge of medieval architecture, go and admire the village of Turenne! Listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in France, Turenne is home to the remains of a fortified castle, including a massive 13th century dungeon. And after sunset, allow yourself to enjoy a tasty drink before going on a costumed torchlight tour.
Turenne Castle,
19500 Turenne
05 55 24 08 80 (Brive Agglomération tourist office)
Hiking in Turenne
This village benefits from a privileged geographical location: at the crossroads of numerous GR, hiking enthusiasts will be able to indulge in their favorite activity!
Pratical information
- For more information, go to the Turenne Tourist Office, located on avenue Senator Labrousse. Seasonal opening, discover the schedules here.
- Find all of the Most Beautiful Villages in France on their website as well as a selection of villages classified around Brive in our dedicated section.
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