Collonges-la-Rouge

Corrèze

Castles

Renaissance Castles

Unusual attractions

Village of red stones

Religious heritage

St Peter’s Church and its carved tympanum

Medieval village

Founded around an 8th-century Benedictine priory

Collonges-la-Rouge, a jewel of red sandstone in the heart of Corrèze, the birthplace of the Most Beautiful Villages of France

Situated between Limousin and Quercy, in the Dordogne Valley, Collonges-la-Rouge charms visitors with its cobbled streets, its flamboyant sandstone façades and its heritage dating back to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Take a seat on the terrace, soak up the unique atmosphere of this lively village in Corrèze, brimming with local produce and craft shops, and listen to the story of this birthplace of the Most Beautiful Villages of France.

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Eglise Saint-Pierre

Dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries, this Romanesque church is notable for its remarkable carved tympanum. It bears witness to the village’s former status as a stopping point on the Way of St James.

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Château de Vassinhac

This magnificent Renaissance castle, with its hexagonal towers and pepper-pot turret, has recently been opened to the public. It has been restored and furnished as it was in the 16th century, and its beautiful grounds are also open to visitors.

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Word of Mouth

Thanks to Charles Ceyrac, its visionary mayor, Collonges-la-Rouge has not only enshrined its iconic colour in its name but also helped establish the ‘Les Plus Beaux Villages de France’ scheme.

Your experiences to live in Collonges-la-Rouge

©Les Plus Beaux Villages de France

Explore the village on foot

... Preferably in the morning, when the first rays of the sun cast a beautiful glow over the red sandstone façades. Admire the imposing buildings and their slate or stone-tiled roofs, and venture a little way out of the village centre to take in the scenery of the lush Corrèze countryside.

Savour the flavours of the Corrèze region

In the village’s fine restaurants and shops, treat yourself to some of the local specialities of the Corrèze region, including duck dishes and gourmet recipes featuring walnuts.

Unravelling the mystery of the ‘geological fault’

Whether on foot or by bike, choose one of the two routes along this interpretive trail dedicated to the ‘Meyssac Fault’, a very localised geological phenomenon that gave the stone of Collonges and Meyssac its purple colour.

Ideas for everyone, all the time

From Oct. 27, 2026 to Oct. 29, 2026

Jeu de piste à Collonges-la-Rouge

Next dates:

10/27/2026
Open every day
10/29/2026
Open every day

19500 COLLONGES-LA-ROUGE

From Oct. 27, 2026 to Oct. 29, 2026

Visite guidée de Collonges-La-Rouge

It is said that in Collonges-la-Rouge, a witch lives in a small house. She only comes out on Halloween night to take the bravest visitors to discover the mysteries and legends that the villagers tell each other at nightfall. Through the dark alleys, she will take young and old alike to the gates of the castle of Vassinhac, where ghosts await you that only wake up that night. Disguises are welcome and sweets are on the menu!

Next dates:

10/27/2026
10/29/2026

19500 COLLONGES-LA-ROUGE

The Oct. 31, 2026

Journée d'Halloween et Concours de Soupe

La 8ème louchée! Drawings, face painting, bread sales, tastings...open to all! Come in costume

Next dates:

10/31/2026

19500 COLLONGES-LA-ROUGE

Phone: 06 73 24 40 56

The Oct. 31, 2026

Visite Nocturne d'Halloween à Collonges-la-rouge

Come dressed up and enjoy a memorable evening in a medieval village that lends itself perfectly to the imaginary world of Halloween! Bombs away! Reservations required

Next dates:

10/31/2026

19500 COLLONGES-LA-ROUGE

Phone: 05 65 33 22 00

A cycle ride through the Most Beautiful Villages

Set off on a cycle loop through the Corrèze and discover several villages awarded the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” label. A day-long route taking in Turenne, Curemonte, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne and, of course, Collonges!

Theatre evenings

Enjoy the village ‘in the cool of the evening’ and under the beautiful glow of the setting sun as you watch amateur theatre performances that have become a summer highlight in Corrèze!

The Maison de la Sirène

Step inside this typical Collonges house, which brings the life of days gone by to life. Everyday objects and exhibitions relating to the village’s geology and history are on display here. Built in the 16th century, it takes its name from a stone carving depicting a mermaid holding a comb in one hand and a mirror in the other.