The Chateau de Turenne is a castle on the top of a hill in the Corrèze department of south-west France, above the village of the same name. The castle dominates views of the village from all directions.
Note: there are two castles in France with this name, here we are exploring the Chateau de Turenne in the village of Turenne in south-west France (the other Chateau de Turenne is in Bazeilles in north-east France).
Explore the Chateau de Turenne
France This Way review: there is not a great deal to see in the Chateau de Turenne, but the garden area is well maintained and the views from the tower are exceptional.
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History of the Chateau de Turenne
A defensive fortress has stood in this location since the 8th century, although nothing remains of this early structure - in fact it is not entirely certain that the original castle stood in the same location.
It is certain that a castle has stood in this location since the early 11th century, and the early Chateau de Turenne was almost certainly reinforced by the end of the 11th century by Raymond, the 7th Viscount of Turenne, before he set off for the First Crusade.
Lack of certainty surrounds much of the early history of the castle - for example, it was possibly conquered by Richard the Lionheart in 1188.
The castle was owned by the Viscounts of Turenne and their families for a long period, until 1738 when it was sold to King Louis XV. In the 19th century the remaining parts of the castle were registered as historic monuments.
Visit the Chateau de Turenne
The castle today is in quite a poor state, but there are two large rooms and the remains of three towers to see, as well as a garden area inside the castle walls. Unfortunately the lack of historical documants about the castle also means that there is little information about the parts that we see today during a visit.
As you enter the castle you pass through two large rooms, with some furnishings in the historical style. The first is considered to have been the kitchen, and the second was perhaps a reception hall.
From here you reach the long garden that fills the interior of the castle, and from where the layout of the towers is clear: there are three of these towers.
The large rectangular tower at one end, where you entered the castle, is called the Treasury Tower and was built in the 13th or 14th century, and the remains of the tower half way along the garden (of which not much remains today) which was the defensive entrance to the castle.
At the far end of the garden is a round tower, 18 metres tall and still largely intact, which is called Caesar's Tower and was also built in the 13th century. You can climb up inside this tower - from the top you have very impressive views across the countryside in all directions.
You have already climbed some very steep streets to reach the castle and further staircases within the castle, but we do recommend you find the strength to climb the rather narrow and dark staircase within the Caesar's Tower, since this is the only place to see the castle and gardens in the foreground with the village as a backdrop!
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Attractions nearby
Of course, you will also explore the medieval village of Turenne while you are here. It is a very picturesque village, listed among the most beautiful villages in France.
This is a very interesting area to explore, and highlights include villages such as Collonges-la-Rouge and Curemonte, and towns such as Martel, as well as the chance to explore the very lovely countryside.
See more castles in France. You can find more travel ideas in the Correze guide and the Limousin guide.
To make travel arrangements to visit Chateau de Turenne see HERE
Find Turenne Hotels and Holiday Rentals
Reserve excursions near Chateau de Turenne
Photos of Chateau de Turenne
Click any picture to start the gallery
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.jpg "Chateau Gardens (3)")
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See complete Chateau de Turenne Photo Gallery
Map of Chateau de Turenne and places nearby
Places to visit near Chateau de Turenne
Turenne
The medieval village at Turenne still also has two fortified towers, and beautiful views across Limousin
Turenne guide
Collonges-la-Rouge
The village of Collonges-le-Rouge is very distinctive, being built almost entirely from red rock
Collonges-la-Rouge guide
Meyssac
Meyssac is a village in Correze with an interesting historic centre built in the famous red sandstone of the region
Meyssac guide
Martel
Numerous medieval towers and other fascinating buildings ensure that Martel retains its historic charm
Martel guide
Aubazine
Aubazine is a small village in Corrèze with an important 12th century abbey church
Aubazine guide
Curemonte
In a lovely hilltop position, Curemonte is less touristic than many of the 'most beautiful villages in France' but certainly should be visited
Curemonte guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Correze
The French version of this page is at Chateau de Turenne (Francais)