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Turenne (Martel to Rocamadour)

By Melinda Lusmore

View from Tour César, Turenne, GR46-480, France

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 first of six ‘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.

(Published May 2013, last updated March 2022)  

Remains of the château, Turenne, GR46-480, France

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.

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

Turenne, GR46-480, France

The rooftops of Turenne – viewed from the church

The view over Turenne from Tour César

Salon du Thé, Turenne, GR46-480, France

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.

The village is the first of six of France’s most beautiful villages visited on this walk. The others are Collonges-la-Rouge, Curemonte, Autoire, Loubressac and Carennac. 

If you are following my suggested itinerary (which you’ll find here), you’ll arrive in Turenne at the end of the first day of walking. 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 a short six kilometres (less than four miles) and you’ll have plenty of time look around the village before you leave.

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).

Daily train or bus services connect Turenne with Saint-Denis-près-Martel, Collonges-la-Rouge, Bretenoux-Biars and Rocamadour.

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.

Opening hours for the château are listed here.

Accommodation in Turenne 

Hotel
Maison des Chanoines

Chambre d’Hôte
Le Clos Marnis

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

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About The Author – Melinda Lusmore

Hi! I’m Melinda, the walker behind I Love Walking in France. Nothing makes me happier than wandering through the picturesque villages and glorious countryside in rural France, and helping others to do the same. Whether you’re looking for practical tips or a little inspiration for your own long-distance walk, you’ll find everything you need right here. This website contains no sponsored posts or affiliate links. If I recommend a product, service or somewhere to stay, it’s because I’ve used it, loved it—and I think you will too!

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Are you dreaming of a walk through the picturesque villages and glorious countryside of rural France and don’t know where to start?

Download your FREE guide now!

3 Steps to the Perfect Long-distance Walk

Your details stay here - no walking EVER! It's a promise!

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