The structures are entirely built of red clay, which is easily found in the surrounding hills. The roofs are made of slate.
Collonges got its beginning in the VIIIth century, when monks founded a priory on this spot. Farmers, trades people and artisans quickly followed and settles around the monastery. Most of the structures were built in the the XVth and the XVIth centuries, but the church's bell tower can be dated back to around 1100.
At its peak, Collonges had about 1500 inhabitants. After the French Revolution, that number dwindles slowly, but steadily. Wanting to preserve not only the village, but its history, an association called "Les Amis de Collonges" was founded in 1927.
Today, Collonges is one of the most visited sites in the Limousin and home to about 450 residents.
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4 comments:
Lovely pictures! I'm Lisa's friend Sara, newly settled in Paris. We're always looking for pretty villages in the countryside to check out- I have to make the trek to Limousin now!
Hi Sara. Yes, you must take a trip to the Limousin. It is quite beautiful and lots of cute towns to visit. I was also impressed by Brive.
Hi Katia,
I am a Carroll Gardener and my family is originally from Correze. I am glad that you are enjoying the nice villages in the area. It is actually Collonges not Collanges, but that's ok because we like to keep it confidential!
Ha, right you are. I'll correct it. It's listed in all the guidebooks for the area anyway, so no way to keep the tourists out....
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