Located sixteen kilometres (ten 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 first of six ‘most beautiful villages’ you’ll visit on this long-distance walk which winds 130 kilometres (81 miles) from Martel to Rocamadour.
While you are here, take an hour so to visit the remains of the château, home to the ruling families of the region between the tenth and eighteenth centuries.
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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.
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.
Let’s walk around and see what makes Turenne one of France’s most beautiful villages!
Tour César
Views over Turenne from Tour César
All streets in Turenne eventually lead uphill to the château
A quiet street through Turenne
It’s time for coffee and a crepe at Salon du Thé
The rooftops of Turenne – viewed from the church
FAST FACTS
Where is Turenne, France? Find it on Google maps
Turenne is 16.7 kilometres (10.4 miles) from Martel and I recommend spending the night here on the first day of your walk.
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 their website.
Accommodation in Turenne (updated 2017)
Hotel
Maison des Chanoines
Chambres d’Hôtes
Le Clos Marnis
Château de Coutinard
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.
Personally recommended: Salon du Thé Crêperie de la Halle (for lunch)
Which long-distance walk in France visits Turenne? Martel to Rocamadour
