(Published January 2016, last updated June 2025)
Until the middle of the fifteenth century, village life in this part of France was centred in the nearby village of la Combe. By the end of the Hundred Years War in 1453, the village had been destroyed. All that remains today is the tiny chapel dedicated to Saint-Hilaire, which is located on the D106 a short distance beyond Branceilles.
Chapel dedicated to Saint-Hilaire de la Combe
The villagers moved to the site of present-day Curemonte and settled around three châteaux built during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries by generations of the Plas family.
Winding our way through Curemonte, past Château de Saint-Hilaire
Until 1825, Château de Saint-Hilaire, Château de Plas and Château de la Johannie were mostly owned by the Plas family or close relatives. Over the years, they suffered neglect and damage by fires, but in the 1970s they were bought by the Cantegreil family who have restored the châteaux to their former glory. Although the châteaux are closed to the public for most of the year, access is possible on a limited number of days each summer.
No longer used, but left in place on the side of the street, is the blacksmith’s stall
As you wander through the streets of this ‘most beautiful village’ you’ll pass many reminders of bygone days, such as the blacksmith stand where farmers would bring their horses to be shod, and the covered market at Place du Barri.
The covered halle, site of the weekly market
Église Saint-Barthélèmy
In the centre of the village is the parish church of Saint-Barthélèmy. Built in the twelfth century, the church was restored between 1988 and 1992. The beautiful baroque altarpiece was created in 1672 and the interior retains its vibrantly coloured wall and altar decorations (a switch near the entrance will turn the lights on).
The interior of Église Saint-Barthélèmy retains the colours and ornate detail of the seventeenth century
The French novelist Colette found this area so enchanting that she spent several weeks here writing and mentions the village in one of her books—Journal à Rebours. It’s not hard to see why she loved it so!
Looking back towards Curemonte as we head towards Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne
FAST FACTS
Which long-distance walk in France visits Curemonte? Martel to Rocamadour
Look inside the MARTEL TO ROCAMADOUR (PDF) guidebook
Where is Curemonte, France? Find it on Google maps
Curemonte is 43.2 kilometres (27 miles) from the starting point of Martel.
If you are following my suggested itinerary for this nine-day walk, you’ll arrive in Curemonte at the end of the third day of walking. This relaxed pace allows plenty of time to relax and enjoy the nine ‘most beautiful villages’ along the way – Martel, Turenne, Collonges-la-Rouge, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, Autoire, Loubressac, Carennac and Rocamadour and to explore Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux.
If you are walking straight to the village, detour onto the D106 shortly after passing through Branceilles to the chapel of Saint-Hilaire de la Combe.
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).
Transport options to and from Curemonte
There is no public transport servicing Curemonte but there are taxi services based in nearby Meyssac:
Patrick Lagarde (05 55 25 30 30) and Taxi Meyssac (05 55 25 40 80).
Tourist Office in Curemonte
There is no official Tourist Office in Curemonte but you’ll find helpful staff at the mairie (council). Opening hours are listed on their website.
Accommodation in Curemonte
Accommodation in Curemonte is limited, but if you are willing to detour 2.5 kilometres north of the village, Moulin de Lassalle offers beautiful rooms and one of the best meals I’ve enjoyed in France. (You’ll find directions for reaching Moulin de Lassalle in the guidebook. The following morning, our host Bernadette, steered us towards a little-used road to the east of the stream which led us to Curemonte avoiding the busy main road.)
Chambres d’Hôtes
Lou Pé Dé Gril (4 rooms, 15 people)
Le Moulin de Lassalle (3 rooms, 8 people)
How to book accommodation in French
Where to eat in Curemonte
You’ll find a café and bakery (boulangerie) in the village where you can stop for lunch.
A local produce market is held on Wednesday evening from mid-June until mid-September.
Practical tips for long-distance walking—preparation, packing and avoiding blisters
Purchase the Martel to Rocamadour (PDF) guidebook
