Turenne

A place frozen in time and history

For nearly a thousand years, Turenne was the beating heart of a powerful viscountcy. Today, this hilltop village welcomes you with the same allure, as if time itself had paused. Walking through its streets feels less like sightseeing and more like slipping into another era.

You can take it slow by wandering at your own pace, follow a guided tour or even throw yourself into the past with an evening adventure in period costumes.

A quiet place

Unlike some villages that have succumbed to overtourism, Turenne has remained largely unchanged and unspoilt.
As you stroll through the squares and climb narrow lanes toward the castle ramparts, the silence is almost surprising. It feels like discovering a hidden treasure, one that deserves more attention.

From the first glimpse of the castle ruins on the horizon to the cascade of slate-roofed houses tumbling down the hillside, you’ll sense you’ve arrived somewhere truly special.

From entryways to fortifications, the past lives on

Here, the past is never far away. The viscounts of Turenne ruled this land like sovereigns, and some buildings of the village still echo with their power. From the Comborn dynasty who founded Turenne in the 10th century and joined the Crusades, to the Beauforts and La Tour d’Auvergne, whose influence expanded until Louis XV finally ended their independence…The rise and fall of a viscountcy is written into the very walls around you.

Close your eyes and imagine the village as it was: the château looming above, ramparts clinging to the cliffs, knights’ houses at the base and shops bustling at the gateways further down. Much of it still remains today.

The César Tower and the Treasure Tower still guard the summit, linked by a panoramic garden overlooking a maze of streets that have survived the centuries. Look closely and you’ll notice something remarkable: Turenne has resisted modern intrusions. It feels untouched, almost timeless.

You'll love...

The way the village feels unspoilt, with beautifully restored houses that still keep their soul.
The pedestrian-only centre (only residents can drive in the village)
The guided tours and interactive evening tours, just before nightfall, when the village has no streetlights to break the spell. Along with a guide, you will be playing your part in scenes about the castle’s collapse, the viscountcy’s defiance of the French crown, religious upheaval, monastic life and more. The adventure begins at the Tourist Office on the Marchadial—also known as Place du Foirail—and unfolds as you climb toward the château.

©Levé de soleil sur #turenne en #correze en #limousin

Useful information

The château is open all year round.

For more details, please contact:
The Château: +33 (0)5 19 31 02 68
The Tourist Office: +33 (0)5 55 24 08 80

Opening hours:

April, May, June and September: 10:30am – 6pm
October: 11am – 12:30pm and 1pm – 5pm
July–August: 10am – 7:30pm
November to March: weekends, public holidays and school breaks – Please check before travelling

Tickets:

Adults: €7.90
Children under 18, students, jobseekers, disabled visitors, and groups of 12+: €6,50 (with ID)
School groups of 15+: €5 (one group leader free)
Children under 12: €5,90
Children under 7: Free

The château is also available for private visits outside normal hours.