It’s lunchtime on the third day of walking from Martel to Rocamadour. If you are following my suggested itinerary, then today is a long day—27 kilometres (17 miles)—and Curemonte is a little over half way, the perfect place to stop for a break.
Classified as one of France’s most beautiful villages, Curemonte developed around three châteaux built during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. (Château de Saint-Hilaire, Château de Plas and Château de la Johannie are now privately owned and unfortunately, not open to the public.)
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.
(First published January 2016, last updated September 2019)
Let’s take a look around and see why she loved it so!
Winding our way through Curemonte, past Château de Saint-Hilaire
The covered halle, site of the weekly market
Eglise Saint-Barthélèmy
The beautifully preserved interior of Eglise Saint-Barthélèmy retains the colours and ornate detail of the seventeenth century
Blacksmith stall
Stone houses add character and charm to a side street
Fifteenth century stone and timber house
FAST FACTS
Which long-distance walk in France visits Curemonte? Martel to Rocamadour
Where is Curemonte, France? Find it on Google maps
Curemonte is 15 kilometres (9.4 miles) from Collonges-la-Rouge and if you are following my suggested itinerary, you’ll arrive in time for lunch on the third day of your walk.
If you prefer to set your own agenda, I share the steps I take to calculate distances on any long-distance walk (using the Chemin de Stevenson as a case study)
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
Chambres d’Hôtes
Lou Pé Dé Gril
Ferme-Auberge de la Grotte
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
