(Published May 2013, last updated April 2024)
Located eighteen kilometres (11.3 miles) past Martel on the GR 46—GR 480 path, Turenne is the perfect place to stop after your first day of walking. It’s also the second of nine ‘most beautiful villages’ you’ll visit on this long-distance walk which winds 127 kilometres (80 miles) from Martel to Rocamadour.
At the top of the hill, dominating the village, are the remains of the château which was home to the ruling families of the region between the tenth and eighteenth centuries.
The Guards Rooms – all that remains of the château in Turenne
The village enjoyed a prosperous and peaceful existence during this time, but in 1738 the château was sold to King Louis XV to clear the enormous gambling debts of then-owner, Godefroy de Bouillon. The château was subsequently dismantled on Louis XV’s orders but thankfully many of the fireplaces and other stoneworks have been preserved in houses and other buildings throughout the village.
All that remains of the château are the Guards Rooms, which now contain a small museum displaying armour and other medieval artefacts.
Tour César at the other end of the garden
The gardens adjoining the museum were planted in the 1920s, over what would have been the rooms of the château. At the end of the gardens stands the twelfth-century Tour César. The stairs are narrow and not really built for two-way traffic but a climb to the top will reward you with commanding views over the countryside. (Call out before you start to avoid an awkward encounter as you climb.)
Let’s walk around and see what makes Turenne one of France’s most beautiful villages!
All streets lead uphill to the château
Back street through the village
The rooftops of Turenne – viewed from the church
The view over Turenne from Tour César
It’s time for coffee and a crepe at Salon du Thé
FAST FACTS
Which long-distance walk in France visits Turenne?
Martel to Rocamadour
Where is Turenne, France? Find it on Google maps
Turenne is 18 kilometres (11.3 miles) from the starting point of Martel.
If you are following my suggested itinerary for this eight-day walk, you’ll arrive in Turenne at the end of the first day of walking. This relaxed pace allows plenty of time to relax and enjoy the nine ‘most beautiful villages’ along the way – Martel, Collonges-la-Rouge, Curemonte, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, Autoire, Loubressac, Carennac and Rocamadour and to explore Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux.
If you find you arrive too exhausted to visit the château, relax and leave your exploration of the village until the morning. Tomorrow’s walk to Collonges-la-Rouge is less than nine kilometres (5.5 miles) and you’ll have plenty of time look around the village before you leave (note that the château does not open until 10:30).
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).
Train line 67 Aurillac—Brive la Gaillarde connects Turenne with Bretenoux-Biars and Saint-Denis-les-Martel but note that La Gare de Turenne is located three kilometres from the village.
The Rodez—Figeac—Brive train line connects Turenne with Figeac, Gramat, Rocamadour-Padirac train station and Saint-Denis les Martel.
Corrèze bus ligne 223 connects Turenne (with stops at the village and the train station) with Meyssac, Collonges-la-Rouge, Ligneyrac and Brive la Gaillarde. (From the link, click on Trouver votre ligne de car, and search for Brive la Gaillarde.)
Tourist Office in Turenne
There is no official Tourist Office in the village but you’ll find helpful staff at the mairie (council), located on the D150 as you approach from Martel. Opening hours are listed on the mairie website.
Opening hours for the château are listed on the Château de Turenne website.
Accommodation in Turenne
Hotel
Maison des Chanoines
Chambre d’Hôte
Le Clos Marnis (5 rooms, 12 people)
How to book accommodation in French
Where to eat in Turenne
You’ll find several cafés, a bakery (boulangèrie) and supermarket in the village where you can stop for lunch or dinner, buy picnic supplies or stock up on trail mix.
Practical tips for long-distance walking—preparation, packing and avoiding blisters
Purchase the 2024 edition of the Martel to Rocamadour (PDF) guidebook
