Collonges-la-Rouge, Medieval village in Corrèze, France
Collonges-la-Rouge is a village in Corrèze built almost entirely from red sandstone, with steep roofs and stone turrets throughout. The buildings cluster closely around narrow lanes, creating a compact medieval streetscape where every structure shares the same warm, reddish tone.
The settlement began in the 8th century around a priory linked to Charroux Abbey, then grew into a prosperous trading post. Merchants and magistrates shaped its importance, establishing it as a significant regional center over following centuries.
Local artisans here practice traditional crafts like walnut oil production and hand-thrown pottery, keeping old skills alive. You can see workshops tucked into village corners where these trades continue as part of daily life.
Walking is the best way to explore here since narrow lanes make vehicles difficult to navigate. The tourist office provides guidance for discovering the main sights and getting your bearings in the compact layout.
The red sandstone comes from local quarries that were worked for centuries, giving every building its distinctive warm hue. This geological feature means the entire village is essentially built from the same natural material extracted from the land beneath it.
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