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Collonges-la-Rouge

38 Rue de la Garde, Collonges-la-Rouge, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Description

Collonges-la-Rouge is a village built with red sandstone and blue-grey slate roofs, mostly between the 11th and 17th centuries when it benefitted from its position along the pilgrimage route of Santiago de Compostela, near Rocamadour. The main buildings include the Maison de la Sirène with its vaulted porch, the ancient town hall, the fortified Manoir de Vassinhac, several castles and the Saint-Pierre church with its romance curved steeple. Trivia: the association of The Most Beautiful Villages of France (Les Plus Beaux Villages de France) was created there.

Access & Transport

The village is located in the south of the Corrèze department, 20km southwest of Brive along the D38 and 35km north of Rocamadour (Lot department). There are parking areas just outside the village.

Instructions & Recommendations

We would recommend avoiding the French summer holiday season for a more serene experience. If that is not possible, then either first part of the morning or in the evening should be much less busy.

Meta review

Often voted as one of the most beautiful villages in France (sometimes it takes the top position), it is generally featured in guidebooks but its rather remote position means it gets little airtime with travel bloggers. Visitors enjoy the red-coloured buildings and change of shades depending on lighting angle, the Castle of Vassinhac is described as beautifully restored with a few rooms decorated with period furniture that can be visited (for a fee). The only drawback is that it does feel very touristy.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally neutral. Tourism helps preserve the region's architectural and cultural heritage and brings some economic influx to the village although there is now a clear case of over-commercialization.

Conclusion

A village that is certainly worth a 30-45 mins detour for those exploring Corrèze or the northern part of the Lot. Try to avoid peak period and enjoy the mix of red, ochre, slate and green vines.

Key positive

Unusual-coloured buildings

Photogenetic village

Key negative

Can be busy in season

Not many monuments / buildings open to visit

Time-consuming to drive to

Suitability

No restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:2h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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