La Vicomté de Turenne: Turenne.

Table mountain of Turenne.

The table mountain of Turenne has been attractive for its natural defensive position, fortifications date back to the 8th century when it became the center of the Carolingian land of Tornés, over time giving birth to the Vicomté de Turenne.

Map of Turenne.

After the reformation Turenne became a protestant stronghold becoming a safe-haven for protestant artisans, continuing to enjoy a privileged position well into the 18th century, when it became the property of Louis XV and the catholic Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Pantaléon church (7) was reconstructed.

Turenne seen from the castle.

After the revolution the castle and defence works were largely dismantled, leaving the round tower of Caesar (1) and square donjon (2) ornamenting the plateau, whiles scattering stones and ornaments are across the village.

View from Caesar's tower.

Walking around you will spot windows, doors, cornerstones and statues ornamenting unexpected places. The Capucines chapel (3) hosts exibitions in summer and has a metal viewpoint sticking over the 13th century defence wall.

Port de la ville.

Walk through the port de la ville (4), find the cazemate du Virage (5) and the tour dite du Calvaire (6) parts of the 16th century defense works. Find out more about the landscape, history, villages and life in the Vicomté de Turenne through:

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Truffle season on the causse

The Black Truffle or Black Périgord Truffle (Tuber melanosporum), the second-most commercially valuable truffle species (after the Italian White Truffle; Tuber magnatum). The species is named after the Périgord region but is not an Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP). Other truffles found in the area are the Summer Truffle (Tuber aestivum) and the Winter Truffle (Tuber brumale), whose 'vein-markings' are more pronounced resulting in a lighter color. Black and Winter Truffles are harvested in late autumn and winter. The Summer Truffle throughout the summer.

Unlike often thought, the natural habitat of the truffle is not the forest. They prefer well drained calcium rich soils, under 'parc' landscapes (grasslands with spread-out trees) that are the result of grazing (like those traditionally found in the causses). The mycelia of truffles form symbiotic (mycorrhizal) relationships with the roots of several tree species including oak, hazel, beech and cedar. Black truffles suppress the growth of plants around their host, creating the impression of a burnt (brûlé) area around it. The truffle thus help the host tree to absorb nutrients from the soil, and helps reduce competition for water.

Winter is also the season for the truffle markets. Largest market is the one in Périgueux, and smaller local markets are organized in Terrasson and Saint Geniès. First week of February is also the time the village of Chartrier-Ferrière, in the Corrèze on the border with the Périgord (Dordogne). This is also the watershed between the Causse Corrèzien and the Causse de Terrasson, with truffle producers from both sides submitting their harvest to be judged. A little folklore, a little drink, a tombola, the market, a sense of community.

No public gatherings this year, so last year’s pictures, looking forward to next year! Find out more about the landscape, history, vegetation, the villages and life on the causse:

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