Accessible by train from Paris, Collonges-la-Rouge is one of France’s most spectacular villages. Listed as one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages, this jewel of the Correze region attracts thousands of visitors every year, fascinated by its houses and manor houses built of red sandstone, a material that lends it a unique atmosphere, especially at sunset.
This flamboyant red village seems frozen in time
With its spectacular scenery, exceptional heritage and friendly atmosphere, Collonges-la-Rouge epitomizes everything we love about a French getaway. Here, everything is red: houses, castles and cobbled streets are built of local sandstone, giving the village a unique charm, especially at sunset, when the light accentuates the brilliance of the stone.
Founded around the 8th century, Collonges owes its rise to the establishment of a Benedictine priory. During the Middle Ages, the small town prospered, protected by its ramparts, of which several remains still exist. The village soon became a holiday resort for the nobility of Correze, as evidenced by the twenty-five towers that still dominate the sandstone roofs. Half-timbered houses and Renaissance manor houses also give the village an exceptional architectural richness. And not-to-be-missed monuments include the Maison de la Sirène, famous for its facade sculpture, the Pénitents Noirs chapel, and Saint-Pierre church, whose tympanum is adorned with biblical scenes.
Collonges-la-Rouge is more than just a static setting: the village lives to the rhythm of its craftsmen and small stores set up in the former seigniorial residences. Potters’ workshops, art galleries, bookshops and local produce stalls enliven the cobbled streets. In summer, concerts, exhibitions and craft markets complete the experience. On the gastronomic front, the village’s restaurants and inns offer local specialities such as mique, truffade, foie gras and walnuts from neighbouring Périgord.
Whether you want to sit on a terrace, stroll through the narrow streets or simply admire the light on the red stones, there are a thousand reasons to visit. It’s up to you!
How to get to Collonge-la-Rouge from Paris?
- By train: TER from Gare d’Austerlitz to Brive-la-Gaillarde, then cab or car for 20 km.
- By car: via the A20 freeway
📍Location: Collonges-la-Rouge