Roadtrip in Dordogne around Brive region

Day 1 - Brive-la-Gaillarde - Aubazine

Visit the ancient town of Brive “the brave”, which has proved more than capable of defending the walls it had raised. A dynamic town with a heart that beats to the rhythm of the clamour to the rugby stadium, it houses mansions, museums (Labenche, Edmond-Michelet, the Garage, etc.) and monuments built in sandstone, whose warm patina is highlighted by the sunset. It is also a meeting place for writers during the Book Fair. Drive to Aubazine, 13km to the east, where you can spend the night.

MyTripTailor advice : Don’t miss the Saturday morning market in Brive.

Day 2 - Aubazine - Turenne

Spend the morning in Aubazine and its splendid old Cistercian abbey. You can also enjoy pleasant hiking trails along the Canal des Moines or across the Puy de Pauliat, which overlooks the region. Head to Turenne: clinging to a limestone hill in the heart of the Corrèze causses, the town controls the entrance to the Causses du Quercy. Around the remains of the chateau, perched houses form a cascade in this most beautiful village in France. Don’t miss the view from the Tour de César.

MyTripTailor advice : Concerts are organised at the abbey church of Aubazine.

Day 3 - Turenne - Meyssac

Take the road to Collonges-la-Rouge, an emblem of the “most beautiful villages of France”, the name invented by its mayor from 1965 to 1996. The charm of this luminous village is indelible. In the centre of this hilly region, Meyssac is built of red sandstone. This earth has given rise to a pottery craft, particularly developed in this village, which is also home to the corbelled houses which give it its stamp. The tourist office offers an interesting heritage tour.

Day 4 - Meyssac - Curemonte

Spend the morning in jardin du Bout du Monde (Garden at the end of the world) de Lostanges to discover 500 plants from as far away as New Zealand through to the species of Corrèze. Exit at Puy-d’Arnac (D 940): there are walking paths and three orientation tables to help you appreciate the vast and wonderful panorama. The view covers the Dordogne valley and its more accentuated reliefs. Your next port of call is Curemonte: this small medieval jewel is imposing from afar with the silhouette of its ramparts and distinguished chateaux.

Day 5 - Curemonte - Reygade

Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, « the Limousine Riviera » due to its sunshine, offers architectural treasures, among which is the sumptuous portal of its Romanesque church. During your trip, you can enjoy a barge tour of the Dordogne along the quays of this pretty medieval city. Reygade is home to a late 15th century polychrome stone masterpiece : a Mise au tombeau (Burial of Jesus), the colours of which have kept almost all their vivacity to accentuate the facial expressions.