Uzerche

Visit Uzerche, Limousin

Uzerche is found in the Correze department of Limousin, north of Brive-la-Gaillarde, in a pretty riverside setting surrounded by tree covered hills. The medieval old town is spread out along a rocky outcrop, which is circled by a meander in the Vézère River.

It is quite unusual to come across a town that exceeds our expectations as we travel around, and it was a pleasant and unexpected surprise to discover that Uzerche was one of the towns that was far more interesting than we had expected, and in a very scenic location.

Uzerche is often referred to as the 'Pearl of the Limousin' (a description first used by an 18th century writer), and when you visit you will understand why.

Exploring Uzerche

Park in the car park marked 'vieille ville' which is best placed for exploring Uzerche old town.

There are good views from the higher parts of Uzerche, especially the region around Saint Eulalie which can be accessed either by a small road above the fortifications, or by a steep flight of stairs that winds up past the terraces below the castle.

The medieval town is quite extensive, with a row of impressive building spread out along the fortifications and looking down  on the Vézère River, and a few streets of old houses behind these ramparts.

Many of the most noteworthy buildings have information placards explaining their historical origins.

Two of the main buildings overlooking the river are the Maison Boyer Chammard (notable by its balconies) and the Hotel des Joyet de Maubec, both dating from the 16th to 18th centuries.

Among the other 'main' buildings to discover in Uzerche are:

- the 12th century roman style Church of Saint-Pierre, and its medieval garden

- the 14th century Prince Noir (Black Prince) Tower

- the ancient Church of Saint-Eulalie, said to date from the 10th century

- the Chateau (Hotel) Becharie

- the Hospice and the associated chapel

- the renaissance style Maison Eyssartier

There are many other interesting buildings and several smaller houses with features of architectural interest - ornate stone doorways, turrets etc such as the Chateau de Tayac, or the small Chapel Notre-Dame de Becharie at the upper (south-eastern) end of the fortifications.

There is a quite remarkable number of monuments for one town, but no need to try and remember all these buildings if you are visiting - the Uzerche tourist office have a detailed map to make sure you see all the most interesting sights!

After exploring the old town head down into the valley below where it is possible to walk along the banks of the Vezere River, with tables provided for picnics, and nice views of the river with the old town behind.

Attractions nearby

Because of its location, Uzerche is well placed for those wishing to pursue outdoor sports such as canoeing, hiking, mountain biking and mountain climbing.

The chateau at Arnac-Pompadour is 20 kilometres to the west of Uzerche, and other recommended places to visit include the villages at Treignac (to the north-east) and Segur-le-Chateau (to the west). Both of these villages are classified among the 'most beautiful in France' and within about 20 kilometres of Uzerche.

Photos of Uzerche (click any picture to start the gallery)

Tourist classifications for Uzerche: Recommended detour town (plus beau detour); Listed town of Art and History; Recommended place to break a long journey (village d'etape);

Suggested places to visit near Uzerche, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Correze 25km; Chateau de Hautefort 37km; Terrasson 38km; Collonges-la-Rouge 40km; Turenne 40km; Chateau de Jumilhac 40km; Excideuil 41km; Argentat 46km; Saint-Amand-de-Coly 46km; Saint-Leonard-de-Noblat 47km; Meymac 49km; Curemonte 49km; Montignac 50km; Thiviers 50km; Lascaux caves 51km; Limoges 52km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Uzerche

Uzerche tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche - recommended detour (30km) : Gouffre de la Fage - site of natural beauty (35km) : Jardins du château de Hautefort - remarkable garden (37km) : Jardins de l'Imaginaire - remarkable garden (38km) : Saint-Hilaire-les-Places - ville fleurie 4* (41km) : Abbatial church de Saint Pierre (Solignac) - religious monument (44km) : Millevaches en Limousin - regional natural parc (45km) : Abbaye de Saint Amand de Coly (Saint-Amand-de-Coly) - religious monument (46km) :

French version: see Uzerche (Francais)