Collonges-la-Rouge, Corrèze, Limousin

Description:

Geography and Transport Links

Collonges-la-Rouge is a small village in the south-west corner of Corrèze, and classified on the list of the most beautiful villages in France.  It is located on the D38, which offers access to the A20 autoroute towards the west.  The nearest rail services are a short distance away at Turenne, with connections to Brive-la-Gaillard.  The nearest airport offering flights to the UK is Limoges-Bellegarde, with year-round services to a number of destinations.  Another option is the popular Bergerac airport which is only slightly further away at 136km.

Climate

Warm summers and moderate short winters are the norm in Collonges-la-Rouge, with average summer temperatures of 24C to 27C (12C to 14C low).  In winter the average temperatures drop to 9C to 10C (2C to 3C low).  The wettest month on average is April with 6.04cm of precipitation, whilst the driest is February with 3.33cm.  Collonges la Rouge is part of a zone which receives between 1750 and 2000 hours of sunshine per year.

Tourism

Identified by its red sandstone buildings and 15c-16c architecture, Collonges-la-Rouge is recognised as one of the most beautiful villages in France (les plus Beaux Villages de France).  There are many examples of interesting architecture such as the 12c St Pierre church, and the Maison de la Siren, a red sandstone building containing a museum of local heritage.  Every summer la place de la Conche is transformed into an open-air theatre, around the ancient wash-house.  The Ferme de la Veyrie is open to the public in season, making and selling walnuts and walnut oil.  The village hosts a comic strip festival in July, as well as an open air theatre. The Fete du Pain is held in August with bread being made and sold in the traditional way.

Economy

Collonges la Rouge is part of the Brive economic zone, which has an unemployment rate of 6.4%, compared against the regional rate of 7.2% and the national rate of 9.1% (INSEE 2006).

Facilities

Collonges la Rouge has several restaurants and shops, however many of the shops only open from April to September.  Facilities including Doctors, Dentists etc can be found in nearby Meyssac (1.7km).  The village has two outdoor pools that open during July and August, for year round swimming Brive (19km) has 2 indoor pools.

Education

The village has a state nursery/primary school, but the closest secondary school (College) is at Meyssac (1.7km).  Nearest colleges (lycee) are in Brive (19km).

Key Stats

Of the properties in Collonges la Rouge, 51.1% are classed as primary residences, with 48.6% being classed as second homes.  There are more females than males resident here (50.6% vs 49.4%), and there are more people aged 60 or over than the national average (33.5% vs 21.3%). The number of retired people is also more (31.8% vs 18.2%).  The percentage of people below the age of 19 is lower than the national average (20.2% vs 24.6%)

Key Facilities and Services: