Visit Collonges-la-Rouge, the village in red
Near Camping La Plage in Meyronne
Collonges-la-Rouge, at the gateway to the Dordogne
less than an hour from Camping La Plage in Meyronne
From Camping La Plage in Meyronne, Collonges-la-Rouge offers an immediate change of scenery: here, everything is built of red sandstone, giving the village its flaming hues (especially at the end of the day).
Ranked among The Most Beautiful Villages of France, Collonges is also known as the birthplace of the label, championed by its former mayor Charles Ceyrac.
Cultural activities: Saint-Pierre church and the historic red sandstone heart
Start with the Saint-Pierre church, built in the 11th–12th centuries: a Romanesque church in red sandstone, famous for its sculpted tympanum and its history linked to the Way of Saint James.
Then, lose yourself in the narrow streets: “castels”, turrets, porches, small courtyards… Collonges is best explored on foot, in photo-stroll mode, with a very distinct medieval charm. And if you want to understand “why it’s red”, an interesting point often highlighted is the geological fault in the area, which is the source of this very special stone.
Things to do: remarkable houses, the covered market, and Vassinhac Castle
In Collonges, the #1 activity is observing the details. Among the local landmarks: the Maison de la Sirène (one of the most photographed facades) and the covered market which structures the town center.
For an “extra” visit, the Vassinhac castle (or manor) is well worth the detour: a grand noble building in the heart of the village, listed as a historic monument, and one of the iconic sites of Collonges.
Hikes around Collonges: small heritage sites and easy walks
To discover the surroundings without difficulty, opt for a marked loop starting from the village (often called the washhouse circuit). Over about 7 km (allow 2 to 2.5 hours depending on your pace), the route alternates between small paths, low walls, undergrowth, and clearings, highlighting water-related heritage (washhouses, springs, small structures). It’s an ideal hike to complete your visit to the town: you leave the bustle of the red sandstone streets, gain some height in places, and then return to Collonges with lovely views of the village and the Corrèze countryside.
Access from Camping La Plage in Meyronne
Route:
From Meyronne, allow about 50 minutes by car to reach Collonges-la-Rouge (estimated via Brive-la-Gaillarde). As a guide: Meyronne → Brive takes around 33 min, then Brive → Collonges-la-Rouge is about 18 min by car.
