Do you know the famous castles in Corrèze? Medieval castles or Renaissance-style, ruins and palaces populate Corrèze. These are places steeped in history to visit during your camping holiday in Corrèze. Here, we present our top 5 most beautiful castles in Corrèze.

Pompadour Castle

The history of Pompadour Castle in Arnac-Pompadour begins as early as the 11th century, but the current castle dates back to the 15th century. It was renovated when Louis XV gifted it to his mistress, the Marquise de Pompadour. The castle, the Orangerie stables still in use today, and the gardens are worth visiting. Admission is €9.50 for adults and €7 for children aged 6 to 14. It’s free for younger children. The one-hour guided tour, also free, must be booked in advance. This is a must-visit castle for horse enthusiasts!

Turenne Castle

Dating back to the Middle Ages, the castle is located at the top of Turenne, one of the most beautiful villages in France in Corrèze. The panoramic view from César Tower is breathtaking. The castle is surrounded by a lovely flower garden. Admission costs €5.50 for adults, €3.80 for children over 10 years old, and is free for children under 10.

Opening hours:

  • July and August: daily from 10 AM to 7 PM;
  • September, October, and April to June: daily from 10 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 6 PM;
  • The rest of the year: Sunday afternoons from 2 PM to 5 PM, and during school holidays from 8th February to 7th March, daily from 2 PM to 5 PM.

The Towers of Merle

 

In an incredibly cinematic setting near Saint-Geniez-ô-Merle, the towers of Merle stand proudly overlooking the Maronne. Dating back to the 12th to 14th centuries, they are the remains of castles built within the same citadel. The medieval city, the village ruins, a farm, and its garden are open to visitors. The towers are accessible from early April to early November, daily from 10 am to 7 pm in summer, and from 2 pm to 6 pm the rest of the time (only on Sundays in October). The entrance fee for those over 16 is €8, children aged 6 to 15 pay €5.50, and it's free for younger children. As the trails can be challenging, make sure to wear sturdy footwear.

The Castel of Vassinhac

Built in Collonges-la-Rouge in 1583, the Castel of Vassinhac has only recently opened its doors to the public. Its appeal lies in its rare red color, thanks to its red sandstone construction. The castle is open daily from 10 am to 12:30 pm and from 2 pm to 7 pm until the end of October. The adult entry fee is €6.50, while children, students, and group tickets cost €6.00.

The Château de Val

The Château de Val in Lanobre is visited as much for its stunning interior as for its fairytale-like setting: a 15th-century fortress built on a rock, partially surrounded by a lake. Inside, you’ll find large furnished rooms, a 15th-century chapel, and a staircase leading to an exceptional panoramic view. Admission is free for children under 6, €4.00 for children aged 6 to 12, and €7.00 for adults. Reservations can be made online on the castle's website. The site is open daily during the summer from 10 am to 12:30 pm and from 2 pm to 7 pm, and from September 1 to November 6, 2023, every day except Tuesdays, from 10 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm.

All these castles are located within 30 minutes to 1.5 hours of the Gibanel campsite in Corrèze. A visit to these historical landmarks will immerse you in the tumultuous past of the Corrèze region.