Épatant n°8 I Été 2023

TURENNE

A thousand years of history… On the paths to the future!

Turenne Castle is hosting the IRRUPTION exhibition all summer long. This original initiative was launched by a small, innovative group who also own Epatant Magazine. Thus was born the concept « A Thousand Years of History… on the Paths to the Future, » which each year presents an exhibition in this castle steeped in a thousand years of history, showcasing the new technologies that will impact our future.

The castle has a turbulent history, overlooking the valley of the aptly named little river « Tourmente, » a tributary of the nearby Dordogne. Captured by Pepin the Short and later by Richard the Lionheart in a brutal assault, the seemingly impregnable fortress was at the center of a region contested between the French and English of Aquitaine, as well as between Catholics and Protestants, which meant it played a significant role during the Fronde.

The fortress is perched on a rocky spur overlooking the entire region as far as the Dordogne Valley. On a clear day, spectacular views unfold, even revealing the Cantal mountains, particularly from the top of the watchtower, known as « Caesar’s Tower, » or from the South Terrace. https://www.secondchancestudios.org/ The keep houses two spectacular 13th- or 14th-century rooms: the guardroom and the monumental Treasury, soaring 10 meters high. Strolling through the magnificent hanging garden, complete with a gourmet kiosk, is a moment of poetry and reflection in an environment that beautifully blends stone and greenery.

A jewel of the Corrèze region, the Château is the beating heart of the former Viscounty of Turenne, the last major independent French fiefdom, having been acquired by Louis XV only in 1738. Until then, the powerful Viscounts of Turenne, now belonging to the La Tour d’Auvergne family, ruled over a territory that once encompassed 100,000 inhabitants spread across 18,500 households, 111 parishes, and 1,200 villages. As they were also Dukes of Bouillon and Princes of Sedan, they did not reside there, leaving the « Estates » of the Viscounty to administer the towns and the surrounding territory in a pre-democratic manner that often irritated the King. The inhabitants did not pay royal taxes, and for centuries the Viscounty was able to mint its own currency. This enviable situation gave rise to a local saying: « Happy as a Viscount! »

Located between the Lower Limousin and Upper Quercy regions, but also bordering the Périgord, Turenne lies at the heart of a vast territory at the confluence of three departments and two regions. Situated on the pilgrims’ route, it is 6 kilometers from Collonges-la-Rouge and not far from the villages of Curemonte, Autoire, Loubressac, Carennac, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, and Martel, as well as the castles of Castelnau-Bretenoux and Montal, and major sites such as the Padirac Cave, the Marian shrine of Rocamadour, and the Lascaux Cave. This makes https://centuria.unisangil.edu.co/ Turenne an essential stop, conveniently located near the A20 motorway, for discovering a still unspoiled and authentic region. A visit to the village, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, is also worthwhile, as is its church, which is unfortunately currently under restoration.

Practical

Access via the A20 motorway, 9 km away. Train via Brive-la-Gaillarde (15 km) and the Micheline railcar to Turenne station. Brive-Vallée de la Dordogne Airport, 13 km away.

The castle is open from 10:30 am to 9:30 pm in July and August and until 7:30 pm in September except on Fridays and Saturdays until 9:30 pm.

Information and events: 05 19 31 02 68 / info@chateaudeturenne.com

Website: www.chateaudeturenne.com

Note: an app to download at the entrance allows you to visit the castle accompanied by the great Marshal of Turenne with a version for children.

Amazing Addresses in the Surrounding Area:

The Auberge de la Bonne Famille is located in the charming village of Sarrazac, in the Lot region. This establishment, spanning over 100 years and five generations, cultivates authentic, flavorful, and refined cuisine. A true gem, a rare find these days. For information and reservations, please call 05 65 37 70 38.

For groups and large families: La Gironie, 1.5 km from the village. Recently renovated bungalows with a friendly restaurant. Information and reservations: +33 5 55 88 57 33

For a more upscale experience: La Coudonie guesthouse and bed and breakfast on the Lot side, with views of the hill and the castle. Magnificent décor designed by Claude de Muzac, swimming pool, and tranquility. Information available at Château de Turenne.

As these addresses are often full in summer, you can also try the Estafête bed and breakfast or the Auberge de Cartassac on the Lot side and of course the restaurants on the Place de la Halle in Turenne.