Turenne and Collonges la Rouges

A day exploring the local villages and although a stinking hot day, it was lovely following the little streets and seeing the beautiful old buildings.

Viscounty of Turenne
Turenne was on a hilltop and had an amazing history. For many years the Viscounty of Turenne had the right to mint it's own money, measure local justice, hand out titles and was free from paying tax to the crown.   Turenne prospered until  the last Viscount got into debt so badly he had to sell the castle to Louis  XV in the 1700's . Louis put an end to the money minting, tax free status and bowled the castle and the good times were over for Turenne. The castle keep is still in tact and the little village surrounding the castle is picture book pretty. Interesting to see the 'salt  chair', the salt was stored in cupboards in the seat of the chair and the chairs were placed by the fireplace to keep the salt dry.

Collonges la Rouges

Another little village that could grace any travel catalogue as it is so picturesque. The local limestone is red and all the buildings are  therfore......red.

 It was super hot when we were there, the town was chock full of tourists, quite  a contrast to quiet little Turenne. 

No scuplture of the day today, too hot for any more exploring so we beat a retreat to the hotel air conditioning and a  quiet sangria...or two.