Correze
Corrèze is the southern department in the region of Limousin and is an area of outstanding natural beauty with the waterfalls at Gimel-les-cascades, the gorges of the River Vézère and the limestone slopes of the Causse Corrèzian plateau.
Corrèze is the southern department in the region of Limousin and is an area of outstanding natural beauty with the waterfalls at Gimel-les-cascades, the gorges of the River Vézère and the limestone slopes of the Causse Corrèzian plateau.
The capital of the Corrèze is Brive.
Those in search of outdoor pursuits will be in heaven, there are over 5000 kms of rivers (the Vergeze, the Corrèze and the Dordogne) plus over 40 man made lakes 6 of which have a surface area of more than 100 hectares. Holiday makers can enjoy fishing, walking, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing etc. There are golf courses at Brive, Aubazine, Peyrelevade and Ussel and a variety of locations for boating, swimming and mountain biking. The recreational water centres can be found at Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, Objat and Tulle and an adventure park at Aubazine caters for youngsters from 8 years old with a variety of Tarzan style leaps and other activities to test one’s nerve, all fully supervised.
Corrèze offers visitors a rural retreat and the chance to enjoy some splendid, unspoilt countryside
Why you should visit Corrèze for your next holiday in France
Whether visiting with friends or family, the Corrèze is bursting with ideas for short escapes and fabulous long holidays! There is a very diverse range of scenery here, from the mysterious atmosphere of the Plateau de Millevaches moors to the gentle pace of life in the Brive region, from the sometimes wild gorges of the Dordogne to the green valleys of the Vézère and Auvézère rivers and the forests of the Tulle region.
To the east, towards the Massif Central, the landscape becomes wilder and mountainous - ideal for dairy and sheep farming. Here, you will find isolated hamlets and farms. In the southeast the countryside is more accessible and there are some noteworthy Romanesque churches.
Visitors to Corrèze will find an exceptional heritage of châteaux, fortresses, churches and villages. Historic sites, museums and exhibitions offer year round visits and events. One of the main local events is ‘Fête de la Pomme” which takes place in October and brings about a colourful cornucopia of displays, tastings and sales all over the department.
The cuisine of the Corrèze conveys the full flavour of the land,”Hearty and refined, and based on traditions handed down from generation to generation”.
What to see and do in Corrèze
Several of the most beautiful villages in France are to be found in the department of Corrèze.
Tulle
Tulle, the capital of the Corrèze, is constructed on seven hills and on the banks of the river of the same name. It was built around a 7th century monastery and gave its name to the lovely tulle cloth, which is a fine mesh netting, generally made from silk, nylon, or rayon and first manufactured in the town. An annual Accordion Festival in the third week of September is held in Tulle and features a fireworks display on the Friday and Saturday evenings.
Collonges-la-Rouge
Collonges-la-Rouge is named after the rich red sandstone of its blue shuttered buildings, it also boasts an attractive Romanesque church.
Ségur le Château
Ségur le Château is a pretty medieval village with its half timbered houses and a ruined 12th century fortress towering above it. Saint Robert is another remarkably well preserved medieval town, charming little streets and shops survive alongside a Romanesque church and a fountain reputed to hold magical qualities.
Pompadour
At Pompadour is the National Stud with its race track in front of the elegant Château. Events include show jumping, driving, racing and, on the last weekend of each month from June to September, steeple-chasing. There are many equestrian activities for horse lovers from hacking to trekking and riding schools.
For information on horse riding/trekking contact the Comité Départmental de Tourisme Equestre, they offer 16 riding centres where you may go on walks, treks, carriage rides, ponies, trips for both children and adults alike.
Water Sports
The Corrèze has more than 40 man made lakes, 6 of which have a surface area of more than 100 hectares, and 4 water-sports centres which can be found in Argentat, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, Objat and Tulle. In the Corrèze, holidaymakers are spoilt for choice with a wide range of activities available, such as swimming, sailing, windsurfing, speed boating, water-skiing, jet skiing and rowing.
Hot Air Ballooning
Take a slow relaxing trip of a life time contact S.A.R.L. Corrèze Montgolfière in Objat and Pompadour.
Places to visit
- Aubazine Adventure Park - situated at the Tourist Centre in Le Coiroux. Here amongst other adventurous pursuits you will find 5 completely safe aerial routes through the trees for visitors of all ages.
- Ussel - a medieval town with a rich cultural heritage. It is a great base for exploring the many lakes, rivers and springs in the Haute-Correze. Activities include fishing, kayaking and exploration of the Gorges Chevanon.
- Argentat – picturesque village where the River Dordogne runs through and where ancient stone houses line the banks, many of which have overhanging wooden balconies. The wide cobbled quayside just upstream from the bridge is an attractive feature.
How to get to Corrèze
By Air:
The only airport in the Corrèze itself is Brive-la-Gaillarde. The only flights to it are from Paris via Air Linair
The other two nearest airports are Limoges - via Ryanair, Flybe and Air France and Bergerac - via Ryanair, Air France and Flybe.
By Train:
Eurostar has made the journey easy from London, St Pancras International to Paris, Gare du Nord is just 2 hours 15 minutes.
The nearest train station is in Pompadour with links to Paris via Limoges, and Toulouse via Brive.
By Car:
Arrive at Calais (Eurotunnel) then take the A1, A10 and A20 via Limoges and Orleans. It will take approximately 7 hours to arrive at Tulle, the capital of the department.
By Ferry:
As Corrèze is in the south west of France all ferry routes can be used. The following are available routes from the UK to France:
Dover - Dunkirk, Calais
Folkestone - Calais
Newhaven - Dieppe
Portsmouth - Le Harve, Caen, Cherbourg, St Malo
Poole - Cherbourg
Plymouth - Roscoff