(Published May 2013, last updated February 2025)
Located eighteen kilometres (11.4 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.
Most streets in Turenne lead up the steep hill to the chateau
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.
The Guards Rooms – all that remains of the château in Turenne
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
At the far end of the grounds stands the twelfth-century Tour César.
The stairs which climb to the top of the tower are steep and, at their widest end, are still narrower than the length of my foot. With only a rope along the outer wall to offer support, my days of scampering up these are, unfortunately, behind me!
The view over the rooftops of Turenne from Tour César
If you do make the climb (call out to make sure no-one is on their way down before starting up), you’ll be rewarded with fabulous views over the rooftops of the village and out over the surrounding countryside (shown at the top of this post, and which I took on a visit a few years ago when I was clearly braver and more agile!).
The gardens between the Guards Rooms and Tour César were planted in the 1920s, over what would have been the rooms of the château. Tables and chairs scattered throughout the gardens offer a quiet spot now to relax and enjoy the magnificent views.
Every morning and evening (weather permitting) from 1 April until 31 October, Escapade Montgolfière offer hot air balloon flights, following the rolling green hills dotted with tiny hamlets and villages across to Collonges-la-Rouge.
Tables laid out ready for dinner at Le Bistrot de Turenne
Turenne fades into the distance as the GR480 path guides walkers towards Collonges-la-Rouge
FAST FACTS
Which long-distance walk in France visits Turenne?
Martel to Rocamadour
Where is Turenne, France? Find it on Google maps
Turenne is 18.2 kilometres (11.4 miles) from the starting point of Martel.
If you are following my suggested itinerary for this nine-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.
Corrèze bus ligne 224 connects Turenne (with stops at the village and the train station) with Vayrac and Brive-la-Gaillarde.
To access the Corrèze bus timetables, 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.
Hot air balloon flights leave from the Tourist Office. You’ll find prices and an enticing selection of videos on the Escapade Montgolfière website.
Accommodation in Turenne
Hotel
Maison des Chanoines
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 Martel to Rocamadour (PDF) guidebook
