La Vicomté de Turenne: Collonges-la-Rouge.

View through the 15th century gate.

The village headquarters the french association of the Plus Beaux Villages de France, created by its mayor in the 1980's. The Rouge (red) in its name refers to the red sandstone that was used in the construction of the village. Formed millions of years ago the stone is found naturally to the north of the village. The deep red color, that becomes especially contrasting with the green hillsides after rain, is caused by the iron oxide within the stone.

Well preserved streetscapes in a deep red color.

A first church was build here in the 8^th century and Collonges-la-Rouge developed into a prosperous little town with six 'chateaux' and became a renowned wine producer, till the Phylloxeria epidemic wiped out the vines in the 19^th century. The village switched to the production of walnut and walnut oil. The population dwindled from almost 2000 in the 16^th century, to just 500 hundred today.

Map of Collonges-la-Rouge.

During 1930's the architectural integrity of the village became protected and restored including the church, mansions, castles, houses and pilgrim’s hostels. As a result, it is possible today to walk through the 15^th century defense wall gates and well preserved streetscapes in a deep red color.

Detail local artisan shop.

A visit to the Saint Pierre church (3) will puzzle you with a wealth of symbolism and a quite unique 'double nave', that divided the church for use by the two different 'cults'. The green in the colored glass windows contrasts with the red walls, and a sky-well illuminates the center.

Halle with four banal.

Walk through the village and admire the Castel de Maussac (1), Castel de Vassinhac (2), Halle and four banal (4), Maison Boutang du Peyrat (5), Castel de Benges (6), Maison de la Sirene (7), Manoir de Beauverie (8) and the Town hall (9) along the way. Find out more about the landscape, history, villages and life in the Vicomté de Turenne through:

The index of this blog.