Not only does Collonges-la-Rouge proudly proclaim the status as one of ‘The Most Beautiful Villages in France’, it’s also the founder of the association.
Despite inhabitants putting down roots as early as the 8th century, the village became a stronghold of the Counts of Turenne by the 14th century and one of the largest fiefdoms in France.
Collonges’s hallmark is undoubtedly its blazing red buildings (hence the name) built with sandstone rich in iron oxide, unusual for other areas in France but characteristic of parts of the region.
Visitors can enjoy a stroll along the narrow alleyways fringed with these flamboyant medieval gems and draped with either clusters of grapes, lashings of wisteria or crowned with an elaborate tower.