Discovering Corrèze (Dept 19)
Updated: Oct 8
Introduction
Corrèze (Department 19) is one of the three departments that make up the historic region of Limousin, now part of Nouvelle-Aquitaine in south-west central France. Known for its rolling hills, forests, rivers, medieval villages and peaceful countryside, Corrèze offers an authentic slice of rural France that has remained largely untouched by mass tourism.
For English-speaking buyers, retirees, remote workers and anyone looking for a quieter way of life, Corrèze provides excellent value for money, welcoming communities and easy access to nature. While it lacks the beaches of the Atlantic coast or the glamour of Provence, it makes up for it with space, affordability and a relaxed pace of life.
Corrèze At a Glance
Feature | Information |
Region | Nouvelle-Aquitaine |
Historic name | Limousin |
Department number | 19 |
Department capital | Tulle |
Largest towns | Brive-la-Gaillarde, Tulle, Ussel, Malemort, Égletons |
Population | Approximately 240,000 |
Area | 5,857 km² |
Climate | Temperate with warm summers, cool winters and higher rainfall in upland areas |
Best suited for | Retirees, families, outdoor enthusiasts, remote workers and second-home owners |
Is a car recommended? | Yes—essential in most rural areas |
English-speaking community | Small but well-established in several areas |
Lifestyle summary | Peaceful rural living, beautiful scenery, affordable property and strong community spirit |
Why Choose Corrèze?
Corrèze appeals to people who are looking for an authentic French lifestyle away from busy tourist destinations.
Lifestyle
Life moves at a gentler pace here. Many residents enjoy spending time outdoors, shopping at local markets, participating in village events and supporting independent businesses. It suits people who appreciate nature, community and a slower rhythm of life.
Community
The department has friendly local communities and a modest but growing number of British, Dutch and Belgian residents. While English is spoken in some businesses and among expats, learning French will greatly enhance everyday life and help build stronger relationships.
Scenery
Corrèze offers remarkable natural beauty.
Expect:
Forested hills
Deep river valleys
Lakes
Meadows
Waterfalls
Traditional stone villages
The Millevaches Plateau and Dordogne Valley are particularly spectacular.
Accessibility
Although rural, Corrèze is surprisingly well connected.
A20 motorway links north and south France.
A89 provides east-west access.
Brive Airport offers international connections.
Rail services connect with Limoges, Toulouse, Bordeaux and Paris.
Food
Local cuisine is hearty and seasonal.
Specialities include:
Beef
Duck
Walnuts
Mushrooms
Chestnuts
Apples
Artisan cheeses
Weekly markets remain central to local life.
Culture
Corrèze retains many traditions through:
Agricultural fairs
Music festivals
Historic celebrations
Village fêtes
Artisan markets
Medieval architecture remains beautifully preserved.
Property
One of Corrèze's biggest attractions is affordability.
Buyers often find:
Character stone cottages
Farmhouses
Village homes
Renovation projects
Country estates
Properties generally offer considerably more space than many other regions of France.
Pace of Life
This is one of France's quieter departments.
If your priorities include peace, countryside and community rather than nightlife and shopping, Corrèze deserves serious consideration.
Corrèze Is It Right For You?
Lifestyle | Rating | Why |
Retirees | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent healthcare, peaceful surroundings and affordable housing. |
Families | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Safe communities and good schools, although rural areas have fewer facilities. |
Second-home owners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Attractive countryside and relatively low property prices. |
Entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Good opportunities in tourism, hospitality, artisan businesses and online enterprises. |
Remote workers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Increasing fibre coverage and peaceful working environment. |
Outdoor lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Walking, cycling, kayaking, fishing and nature are on your doorstep. |
City lifestyle | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | Larger towns provide services but urban living is limited. |
Popular Places to Live
Brive-la-Gaillarde
Description
The department's largest town combines historic character with modern amenities.
Ideal for
Families
Professionals
Retirees
Advantages
Excellent shopping
Hospital
Airport nearby
Strong rail connections
Busy year-round
Things to consider
Property prices are generally higher than elsewhere in the department.
Tulle
Description
The administrative capital sits in a narrow valley with steep hillsides and historic architecture.
Ideal for
Professionals
Retirees
History lovers
Advantages
Government services
Cultural activities
Attractive old town
Things to consider
Steep streets may not suit everyone.
Ussel
Description
A traditional market town in the north-east of the department.
Ideal for
Families
Outdoor enthusiasts
Remote workers
Advantages
Affordable housing
Access to forests
Good local services
Things to consider
Cooler winters than southern Corrèze.
Argentat-sur-Dordogne
Description
A picturesque riverside town on the Dordogne.
Ideal for
Retirees
Holiday-home owners
Nature lovers
Advantages
Beautiful scenery
Watersports
Strong tourism economy
Things to consider
Busier during summer.
Meyssac
Description
Known for its distinctive red sandstone buildings and lively market.
Ideal for
Couples
Retirees
Food lovers
Advantages
Attractive architecture
Friendly atmosphere
Excellent local produce
Things to consider
Limited employment opportunities.
Collonges-la-Rouge
Description
One of France's most famous villages, built almost entirely from red sandstone.
Ideal for
Second-home owners
Heritage enthusiasts
Advantages
Stunning surroundings
Tourism income opportunities
Beautiful architecture
Things to consider
Busy during peak tourist season.
Treignac
Description
A charming village beside the Vézère River.
Ideal for
Outdoor enthusiasts
Artists
Retirees
Advantages
Walking
Kayaking
Peaceful atmosphere
Things to consider
Limited public transport.
Cost of Living
Compared with many French departments, Corrèze offers excellent value.
Property affordability
Property remains one of the department's strongest attractions. Traditional houses with gardens, rural cottages and renovation opportunities are widely available, particularly away from Brive-la-Gaillarde.
Shopping
Most everyday shopping is affordable. Larger supermarkets are concentrated around Brive, Tulle and Ussel, while smaller villages often have bakeries, butchers and convenience stores.
Utilities
Utility costs are broadly comparable with the rest of France, although heating costs can be higher during colder winters, especially in older stone houses.
Eating out
Local cafés and traditional restaurants generally offer excellent value, particularly lunchtime menus featuring regional produce.
General value for money
For buyers and retirees on a fixed income, Corrèze provides one of the better balances between quality of life and affordability in France.
Healthcare
Healthcare provision is good despite the department's rural character.
Main hospitals
Centre Hospitalier de Brive
Centre Hospitalier de Tulle
Centre Hospitalier d'Ussel
Healthcare availability
Most towns have GPs, dentists and pharmacies, although finding a family doctor can take time in some rural areas.
Access to specialists
Brive provides the widest range of specialist services, with additional care available in Limoges and Clermont-Ferrand when needed.
Pharmacies
Even smaller towns usually have at least one pharmacy, with emergency services available outside normal opening hours.
General healthcare considerations
France's healthcare system is excellent, but rural residents should expect to travel further for certain specialist appointments.
Education
Families relocating to Corrèze have access to a solid education network.
Schools
Primary and secondary schools are available across the department, with larger towns offering the widest choice.
Colleges
Brive and Tulle provide vocational training and higher education opportunities, while larger universities are accessible in Limoges, Clermont-Ferrand and Toulouse.
International options
There are no major international schools within Corrèze itself, although bilingual and private options exist in neighbouring departments.
Language schools
French language courses are offered through local associations, adult education providers and some community organisations.
Getting Around
Airports
Brive–Vallée de la Dordogne Airport
Limoges Airport (nearby)
Bergerac Airport (within reasonable driving distance)
Rail
Rail services connect Brive with Paris, Toulouse, Limoges and Bordeaux. Tulle and Ussel also have regular regional services.
Roads
The A20 and A89 motorways make driving relatively straightforward across the region.
Public transport
Bus services exist but are limited outside larger towns.
Is a car recommended?
Yes. A car is strongly recommended for everyday life, particularly if living in villages or rural areas.
Weekly Markets
Town | Main Market Day |
Brive-la-Gaillarde | Saturday |
Tulle | Wednesday and Saturday |
Ussel | Saturday |
Meyssac | Tuesday and Friday |
Argentat-sur-Dordogne | |
Treignac | Wednesday |
Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne | Wednesday |
Égletons | Sunday |
Local Food & Drink
Corrèze is known for its excellent regional produce.
Popular specialities include:
Limousin beef
Duck and foie gras
Chestnuts
Walnuts
Mushrooms
Apples
Traditional pâtés
Tourtous (buckwheat pancakes)
Millassou (potato dish)
Clafoutis
Local goat's cheese
Craft beers
Walnut liqueurs
Cider
Things to Do
Historic sites
Collonges-la-Rouge
Turenne
Château de Sédières
Medieval churches
Historic market towns
Outdoor activities
Walking
Mountain biking
Canoeing
Kayaking
Fishing
Horse riding
Wild swimming
Museums
Musée du Président Jacques Chirac
Edmond Michelet Museum
Local heritage museums
Festivals
Brive Book Fair
Agricultural shows
Music festivals
Village fêtes
Christmas markets
Nature
Explore:
Millevaches Regional Natural Park
Dordogne Valley
Vézère Valley
Lakes and waterfalls
Forests
Family attractions
Adventure parks
Nature reserves
Animal parks
River beaches
Steam train excursions nearby
Good to Know Before You Move
Language
French is used almost everywhere. While some English-speaking communities exist, learning French will make day-to-day life much easier.
Rural living
Many villages have limited shops and services. Planning ahead becomes part of everyday life.
Internet
Fibre broadband continues to expand across the department, although speeds may still vary in remote hamlets.
Seasonal tourism
Tourism increases during summer, particularly around the Dordogne Valley, but the department remains relatively peaceful compared with more famous destinations.
Climate
Expect warm summers, colourful autumns and cool, damp winters, particularly in higher areas.
Community life
Village events, local markets, sports clubs and volunteer organisations provide excellent opportunities to meet neighbours and integrate into French life.
Find Trusted English-Speaking Businesses
Whether you're living here, moving here, retiring here or simply spending part of the year here, finding reliable local services can make settling in much easier.
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Every listing is designed to help you connect with businesses that understand the needs of English-speaking residents, making it easier to build your new life in one of France's most popular departments.
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