Randonnée de la cité des châteaux

A hike in the region Limousin

Go to the discovery of Curemonte: the city called "the Gem of Limousin". This is a very beautiful village built on a rocky spur dominating both rivers Dordogne and Sourdoire. It has three castles on its territory, and history is present in each of its streets.

Information

General points

• Geographic situation. District : Curemonte (department Corrèze, canton Meyssac)
                                     Road map with
• Starting point : Market place of Curemonte, in front of the church.
• The length of the stroll is estimated at 4,5 Km and the walk duration is about 1 h 30 mn.
• The stroll is marked out all along
• Stroll form : dual (one part as a loop, the other one linear)
• Stroll relief : hilly (alt. mini = 170 m ; alt. maxi = 250 m)
• Maintenance : frequent (brushwood clearing at least annual)
• Exposure : open (a sun protection might be foreseen)

Noteworthy places

La cité de Curemonte. Curemonte is a village in the South of the department of Corrèze, at the border of Dordogne and Haut-Quercy. Its origine would go back to the Gallo-Roman time, whereas objects, as sarcophaguses found recently, go back to the Merovingian epoch. The name of the parish is found in IXth century manuscripts, and the Lords of Curemonte settled down there in the XIth century. During the XIV- XVIth centuries, this village played an important part in the seigniorial system by actions of Saint-Hilaire and Plas families who were the vassals of the Viscount of Turenne. Afterward, the village was gradually abandoned. In the XXth century, several owners decided to restore the village by founding the Association of the friends de Curemonte. This place having regained the lustre of the former days, its designation as the Gem of Limousin is finally well-deserved. It is classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France.

Les Trois Châteaux. The village includes three castles distributed into two parts. Castles of Saint-Hilaire and Plas are situated inside a fortified surrounding wall. The castle of Saint-Hilaire dates from the XIVth and XVth centuries (restored in the XVIth). The castle of Plas was built during the XVth century. Although close one from the other, their construction is marked by differences between both families, as one with a square tower, the other with a rounded tower. The third castle is Johannie's manor house, which was built in the XVth century. It is situated at the foot of the village. These three castles are registered as Historical Monuments.

Eglise de la Combe. Situated in La Combe, Saint-Hilaire's church was built in the XIIth century. It displays typical characteristics of Romanesque style, such as two decorated capitals. Painting exhibitions are presented in it every year.

Eglise de Curemonte. Saint-Barthélemy's church bears the name of Curemonte's patron (Bartholomew). It was built in the XIIth century and modified during the XVIth. Its style is Romanesque. The altarpiece is from the XVIIth century. This church is registered as Historical Monument.

Maps

Carto Exploreur 19 Sud, IGN 2136ET.

Bibliography

La Corrèze. (2003 - Coll. Balades et randonnées à pied et à VTT. Chamina) : 119 p. Réf. ISBN : 2904460519