(Published January 2013, last updated April 2024)
The second day of walking from Martel to Rocamadour will bring you to the ‘most beautiful village’ of Collonges-la-Rouge. And since you’ve walked less than nine kilometres (5.5 miles) from Turenne, there’s oodles of time to enjoy a leisurely lunch, poke around the backstreets and do a bit of souvenir shopping before deciding where to have dinner.
Originally founded by monks in the eighth century around the abbey church of Saint-Pierre, Collonges-la-Rouge is one of the highlights (and my favourite village) along this eight-day walk.
The village takes its name from the Latin word for colony and the deep red of the local sandstone used in the construction of the buildings. The unusual colour and an abundance of flowers make every corner ‘Insta worthy’ and long after you leave, images of this most beautiful village will be instantly recognisable.
Collonges-la-Rouge is the original ‘most beautiful village in France’
Collonges-la-Rouge was the first of the Plus Beaux Villages de France—an association formed in 1981 by Charles Ceyrac, then mayor of the village.
At the time, many small towns were struggling economically and there was a danger that, as the younger folk left to find jobs elsewhere, preservation of the beautiful architecture and historical charm of these villages could not be maintained.
One year later, the mayors of sixty-six equally beautiful villages had joined him and the association was formed.
Today, 176 villages have met the criteria necessary to join the ranks of ‘most beautiful villages in France’. In addition to Collonges-la-Rouge, you’ll find eight others on this walk including Martel, Turenne, Curemonte, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, Autoire, Loubressac, Carennac and Rocamadour.
Poke around the backstreets
After lunch, call in to the Tourist Office on the main street and pick up a map—marked with all the notable buildings and giving a brief history of each.
As you wander through tiny alleys, you’ll pass the Halle aux Grains, or communal ovens, which date from the Middle Ages. This is where villagers gathered to bake bread, although nowadays, the ovens are fired up only once each year, on the first Sunday in August.
Back on the main street is la Maison de la Sirène (House of the Mermaid), now home to les Amis de Collonges (Friends of Collonges). This sixteenth century house features a carving of a mermaid to the side of the door—an unexpected sight in a village so far from the sea!
There are over a dozen equally enchanting corners throughout the village and, if your French is up to it, guided visits leave from the Tourist Office.
Abbaye church of Saint-Pierre and the Chapelle des Pénitents
Collonges-la-Rouge was founded in the eighth century, growing around an abbey church built by monks from Charroux (240 kilometres, 150 miles to the west). The church has been renovated many times since then but the bell tower and tympanum above the door are both from the twelfth century.
Close to the church is the Chapelle des Pénitents where the local villagers—who were not allowed into the abbey—worshipped. The chapel is no longer used for worship but houses an exhibition of events organised by the Amis de Collonges.
Shopping, shopping, shopping
Make sure you leave some time for shopping and take home a reminder of your stay. The main street is lined with gift shops which open in the tourist season—generally from April until September. While I am keen to travel as lightly as possible, there will always be room in my bag for a pair of earrings or another scarf!
If shopping is not your thing, there are many cafés in Collonges-la-Rouge and finding a delightfully pretty corner to while away the afternoon will not be a problem. Of course, choosing just one—and another for dinner—could be!
FAST FACTS
Which long-distance walk in France visits Collonges-la-Rouge?
Martel to Rocamadour
Where is Collonges-la-Rouge, France? Find it on Google maps
Collonges-la-Rouge is 26.8 kilometres (16.8 miles) from the starting point of Martel.
The village is one of nine of France’s most beautiful villages which you will visit on this walk. The others are Martel, Turenne, Curemonte, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, Autoire, Loubressac, Carennac and Rocamadour.
If you are following my suggested itinerary for this eight-day walk, you’ll arrive in Collonges-la-Rouge late in the morning on the second day of the walk, after a short 8.8 kilometre (5.5 mile) walk from Turenne. You could grab a quick lunch and rush on to the next village of Curemonte, but I recommend staying here for the night—a more relaxed pace which allows plenty of time to relax and explore the village.
If you prefer to set your own agenda, I share the steps I take to plan my itinerary on any long-distance walk (using the Chemin de Stevenson as a case study).
Corrèze bus ligne 223 connects Collonges-la-Rouge with Turenne (with stops at the village and the train station), Meyssac, Ligneyrac and Brive la Gaillarde. (From the link, click on Trouver votre ligne de car, and search for Brive la Gaillarde.)
Tourist Office in Collonges-la-Rouge
You’ll find the Tourist Office on the main street of the village (on your right, heading downhill if you arrive from Turenne or the carpark).
Accommodation in Collonges-la-Rouge
Hotel
Le Relais de Saint-Jacques
Chambres d’Hôtes
Château de Vassinhac (3 rooms, 6 people)
La Fermette (2 rooms, 4 people)
Domaine de Peyrelimouse (2 rooms, 4 people)
Le Jardin de la Raze (3 rooms, 6 people)
Campground
Campground la Valane
How to book accommodation in French
Where to eat in Collonges-la-Rouge
There are more cafés in Collonges-la-Rouge that you could possibly hope to eat at in less than a week. They all look wonderful! Take your pick
Practical tips for long-distance walking—preparation, packing and avoiding blisters
Purchase the 2024 edition of the Martel to Rocamadour (PDF) guidebook
Brenda Tolentino says
This is such a lovely walk. Our daughter will be spending some time with our family back home in the summer while we’re in Europe, this looks like the type of place we should explore during that time.
Melinda Lusmore says
Oh yes Brenda, that’s a wonderful idea! Although there are so many towers and turrets, it is every young princess’s dream 🙂
Manon says
Beautiful… on my bucket list for sure.
Melinda Lusmore says
It’s one of my favourites Manon and never disappoints!