Curemonte, in Corrèze, is one of the most beautiful villages in France. Its dominant position led many local noble families to settle there over the centuries and several châteaux and noble residences still remain today.
Vue aérienne du village de Curemonte en CorrèzeFondation du patrimoine
It is built on a rocky ridge and it takes its name from Cura Montis (Domain on the Mountain), hence Curemonte. From the high Middle Ages, it was an area of retreat during the numerous troubles which shook the region.
The city with three châteaux
Reliant on the viscounty of Turenne, Curemonte quickly became a co-lordship, where noble families lived together. This is why three castles and many noble houses that are recognizable by their towers can still be admired in the village today. Although its noble enclosure only has two châteaux today, it housed the towers of several families for a long time.
Château de Plas (1475/1547)Fondation du patrimoine
The Saint-Hilaire Château is the oldest in the village. Built in the 13th century by the family it gets its name from, it then became the property of the Cardaillac family. It is distinguished by its 15th-century round towers.
In the 1911, the property was acquired by the Jouvenel family. Colette's daughter, Colette Renée married Jouvenel, lived there when World War II broke out. The novelist took refuge there and wrote the book Journal à rebours.
Château Saint-Hilaire (Late XIVth century)Fondation du patrimoine
The Château des Plas was built in the 15th century by the family of the same name. Two centuries later, they bought the Saint-Hilaire castle from the Cardaillac family and for the first time there was only one owner of the noble enclosure of Curemonte.
Château de la Johannie (Late XIVe Early XVe siècle)Fondation du patrimoine
The Johannie Château is the third one in the village that can still be seen today. It was built in the 15th century, outside of the noble enclosure, and it has no defense system.
In the 1970s, it was the first private building in the village to be restored, thanks to the creation of the Association of Friends of Curemonte.
Enceinte seigneuriale et église fortifiéeFondation du patrimoine
Outside the enclosure, but in close proximity to it, is the church of Saint Bartholomew. A bridge built above the street allowed the Plas family to go to mass directly from their home. I It was destroyed in the 19th century.
3 churches for one village:
While the three châteaux of Curemonte are the result of a long medieval history, the three churches have a much more recent history as the three parishes were reunited following the Revolution. This image shows the Saint Bartholomew church, in the village center.
Intérieur de l'église Saint-Barthélémy (XIIth century)Fondation du patrimoine
Surrounded by the town, the Saint Bartholomew church was founded in the 12th century. It was probably a dependency of the Priory of the Order of Malta, which was adjacent to the building at that time.
Side chapels and an extension were added over the centuries as the village population grew.
The church is classified as a Historic Monument because of its three altarpieces, including this one dating from 1672.
Thanks to the work of the Association of the Friends of Curemonte, it benefited from a complete restoration between 1980 and 1990, which revealed the polychromy of its vaults.
Église de la Combe (2nd half of the XIIth century)Fondation du patrimoine
The second church of Curemonte is the church of Saint-Hilaire de la Combe.
Founded in the 12th century, it was at that time adjacent to a château and some houses. But, in 1465, during the war of the Public Good, the whole thing was burned down in retaliation at the lord for participating in the revolt against King Louis XI.
Église de la Combe vue du ciel (2nd half of the XIIth century)Fondation du patrimoine
Only part of the church was saved from this total destruction. It was linked to Curemonte in the following years.
Left uncared-for since the second half of the 18th century, the roof finally collapsed in the 1950s.
In order for it to be saved, it was classified as a historical monument and a framework was put back in place in 1972.
Nef de l'église de la Combe (2nd half of the XIIth century)Fondation du patrimoine
The interior of the building was restored between 2015 and 2017 by the Association of Friends of Curemonte and with support from the Fondation du Patrimoine (Cultural Heritage Foundation). It is now used to host temporary exhibitions.
New stained-glass windows were donated by Michiyo Durt-Morimoto, a master glass artist in Japan who fell in love with the village and has a home there.
Décor peint de l'église de la CombeFondation du patrimoine
During this recent restoration, many magnificent painted decorations were revealed. They vary widely and date from the 12th to the 18th century.
Église Saint-Genest de Curemonte (XIIth century)Fondation du patrimoine
The third and final church of Curemonte also dates from the 12th century. This one is the church of Saint-Genest, located in the hamlet of Les Granges, almost a mile from Curemonte. It became part of this parish in the middle of the 18th century.
Fresque de l'Église Saint-GenestFondation du patrimoine
Restoration work carried out by the Association of the Friends of Curemonte from 1998 onwards again revealed sumptuously painted decorations.
Some examples are these depictions of the crucifixion and the weighing of the souls, painted in the church's choir.
The church now houses a museum displaying the parish's liturgical objects, including the last horse-drawn hearse.
A completely restored village
In addition to its châteaux and churches, Curemonte has a medieval and Renaissance heritage that can be admired while strolling through its narrow streets. Turrets and mullioned windows adorn many of the private homes in the village.
Halle couverte de Curemonte (c.1800)Fondation du patrimoine
This is also true of the public buildings, as seen in this market hall and buildings.
This was the first building to be supported by the Association of Friends of Curemonte. In 1975, it benefited from Operation Village, a movement driven the Ministry of Culture, and was entirely restored.
Halle de CuremonteFondation du patrimoine
Paradoxically, it is one of the newest buildings in the town. Created after the Revolution, on the site of a former Priory of the Order of Malta, it housed the fairs and markets of the city and became the capital of the Canton.
Today, this hall hosts an exhibition showing the many works that have been carried out by the Association of Friends of Curemonte. It is now called the Halle Jean Lalé, in honor of the founder and first president of the association, now deceased.
Maison privée restaurée avec la Fondation du patrimoineFondation du patrimoine
As a result of the impetus generated by the Association, many private owners have undertaken to restore their houses, often with support from the Fondation du Patrimoine (Cultural Heritage Foundation).
Jardin des résonnances by Jacques PernoFondation du patrimoine
This emulation encouraged artists to settle in the village. This was the case with this Garden of Resonances, which was inspired by oriental gardens and created by Jacques Perno, a writer living between Curemonte and Kyoto.
Destination Limousin : CuremonteFondation du patrimoine
You can enjoy the splendor of Curemonte and discover the history of its monuments in this video.
Many thanks to Jean Bouyssou, President of the Association of the Friends of Curemonte, for his welcome and his valuable help in creating this content.
To support the Fondation du Patrimoine (Cultural Heritage Foundation) in its work to restore rural heritage, please click on this link: https://www.fondation-patrimoine.org/les-dons-et-soutiens
