In the heart of south-west France, where Corrèze, Dordogne and Lot blend harmoniously, you’ll find little-known treasures that captivate with their timeless charm. Between history and heritage, these 3 départements are brimming with charming villages, some of which have been honored with the Plus Beaux Villages de France label. Let’s discover some of these exceptional villages.
From the Corrèze region
Collonges-la-Rouge: City of Fire Walls, just 30 minutes from La Maison de Léopold
When it comes to the most beautiful villages in Corrèze, Collonges-la-Rouge stands out as an undisputed nugget. Its cobbled streets, lined with houses with red sandstone facades, give it an inimitable medieval aura. Lauze roofs, studded doors and mullioned windows seem frozen in time, offering visitors a plunge into history. Strolling through the narrow streets of Collonges-la-Rouge is like opening a picture book of the Middle Ages, where every step tells a thousand-year-old story.
Turenne: Pearl of Haut-Quercy
Not far from Collonges-la-Rouge is Turenne, another of the region’s most beautiful villages. Standing on a hill, Turenne’s silhouette seems to majestically survey its surroundings. The cobbled lanes wind between medieval houses and lead to the central square, where stands the castle that has seen centuries pass by. The panoramic view from the ramparts is breathtaking, revealing the natural beauty that surrounds this jewel of the Haut-Quercy region.
On the Dordogne side
Saint-Amand-de-Coly: a serene setting just 20 minutes from our guesthouse
As we continue our journey towards the Dordogne, Saint-Amand-de-Coly reveals itself as a serene setting nestled in the heart of a verdant valley. The Romanesque abbey, an architectural gem, stands elegantly, bearing witness to the sacred art that flourished here. Narrow streets, stone houses with pastel-colored shutters and a peaceful atmosphere make this village a place where time seems suspended. Lovers of history and contemplation will find Saint-Amand-de-Coly an enchanting refuge.
St Léon Sur Vézère, an unspoilt treasure on the edge of the Vézère.
Halfway between Lascaux and Les Eyzies, this former thriving port on the Vézère is set in a typical Périgord landscape. Well-guarded by its castles – the Manoir de la Salle, at the entrance to the village, the Château de Clérans, high above the river, and the Château de Chabans, jewel of the Côte de Jor – the village is proud to host the Périgord Noir Classical Music Festival every summer, in the beautiful 12th-century Romanesque church.
Domme: Panorama of the Dordogne river
Slightly removed from Corrèze, Domme, perched on a cliff overlooking the Dordogne, offers breathtaking panoramic views. The ramparts of this medieval bastide invite you to take a timeless stroll, revealing breathtaking views over the valley. The cobbled streets echo the history of the Templars who left their mark on the town, while the shady squares invite you to relax. Domme, a veritable balcony overlooking the Dordogne, charms visitors with its well-preserved architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
On the Lot side
Autoire: Cascading pearl
Nestled in the hollow of a valley, Autoire marvels at its flower-filled facades and impressive waterfall at its heart. Characteristic houses line up elegantly, creating a living postcard. The Château des Anglais and Saint-Pierre church add a touch of history to this enchanting picture. On this arid Causse land, coolness is ensured by the Autoire, a torrent with a 30m waterfall – the highest in the Lot department. The limestone cliffs welcome climbing enthusiasts, as well as hikers, who can discover the Château des Anglais.
Rocamadour: Vertical Sanctuary, nicknamed the “sacred city”, undoubtedly the most majestic site in the Lot region.
At the crossroads of valleys, Rocamadour rises in cascades of houses clinging to a vertical cliff. This sacred site, a place of pilgrimage for thousands of years, dazzles with its miraculous chapel and lively streets. The panorama from the heights offers a breathtaking view of the valley.
Each one different, each one more beautiful than the last, these villages reveal unique treasures and have one thing in common: charm.
