Fast-flowing rivers such as the Lot, Dordogne, Vézère and Corrèze wind through the green valleys. Many originates from the Plateau de Millevaches, the regional nature park in the north with overlap in the departments of Haute-Vienne and Creuse.. The forested mountain Monédières, are the last foothills of the Massif Central. The landscape becomes more open.
There are large and smaller rivers, modest peaks with breathtaking panoramas, lakes and ponds. Sometimes the landscape shows its capricious elements, like the overhanging rocks of Bort-les-Orgues, where one of the oldest barrages in France provides electricity. But nature is also vigorous with the waterfalls of Mural, Bialet, Gimel and Saut Sali. La Fage cave in Noailles has it beauty. There are so many different landscapes found here. The one landscape flows over into the next.
The main cities of Corrèze are Ussel, Tulle and Brive-la-Gaillarde. Tulle, known as the ‘accordion city’, is named after the former production of fine lace and seat of prefecture. The multi-day accordion festival takes place in Les Nuits de Nave every year in September. It’s a must see. Brive-La-Gaillarde is known as ‘the gateway to the south’. The Saturday market of Brive, partly covered, is named after Georges Brassens. He is one of the most beloved singers of France. At this market you can find ‘farcidure’, the regional specialty of Corrèze. The dumplings are cooked in broth and filled with mashed potatoes, vegetables and bacon.
One of the characteristics of Corrèze is the beautiful balance between nature and cultural heritage. Apart from Ussel, Tulle and Brive-la-Gaillarde, the Corrèze also has attractive small towns. Each town has its beauty. The Argentat has terraces along the river; the castle Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne; the medieval streets of Uzerche and the equestrian center of Pompadour. The rich merchant architecture of Meymac is a must-see. It was the former commercial center of Bordeaux wines. The wines of Corrèze are less known. The grapes of the famous wine ‘Paillé’ are placed on straw mats for three months to dry. It’s usually pressed during the Christmas.
Discover with a walk through the Corrèze the beautiful houses, shops and castles in the historic villages such as Curemonte, Saint-Robert, Ségur-le-Château and Turenne. The most famous village is that of Collonges-la-Rouge, well known for the hit formula "Plus Beaux Villages de France." It is quite a walk, but the view is worth the effort.