Why French Corrèze is France’s best-kept secret: Discover the Ancienne Ecole in Troche
France’s Corrèze is one of the country’s best-kept secrets, offering visitors a wealth of natural beauty, culture and history. Located in central France, it is best known for its idyllic rural landscapes and traditional villages, making it a great destination for a relaxing holiday. One of the most charming places to stay in the area is Troche, especially the former school building that has been converted into a luxury villa. Here we look at why this historic building is an ideal base for exploring all that French Corrèze has to offer.
Located atop a hill in Troche, the Ancienne Ecole (Old School) offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Built in 1898 by local stonemasons in the traditional manner, it was used as a primary school until 1967, when it finally closed its doors due to dwindling pupil numbers. Today, however, it has been lovingly restored and converted into an attractive holiday home with all the modern conveniences you could wish for. It has four bedrooms (three with a double bed and one with two single beds), two bathrooms, a spacious living room me open kitchen; plus a large terrace where guests can enjoy meals al fresco or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
For those wishing to explore this beautiful corner of France, there are plenty of activities available in the vicinity of the Ancienne Ecole. Just a few minutes away is Uzerche, known as one of ‘The most beautiful villages in France’ thanks to its picturesque cobbled streets with 15th-century half-timbered houses. There are also several beautiful castles nearby, including Chateau de Brivezac overlooking the town square with its baroque-style gardens; while Chateau de Valencay offers stunning views over the lush valleys below and impressive formal gardens full of exotic plants and sculptures. The area also has some wonderful natural attractions, such as Lac du Causse, where you can swim or canoe; while nearby Collonges-la-Rouge is an incredibly well-preserved medieval village, where visitors can take guided tours through its narrow alleys or visit one of the many craft workshops nearby, such as pottery or leatherwork workshops.
Further afield, there is much more to discover: Limoges is just 40 minutes away by car – here, tourists can explore the many art galleries, including the world-famous porcelain painters Bernardaud & Co; or marvel at some of Europe’s oldest stained-glass windows in Saint Etienne Cathedral, which dates back to 1273 AD!
Other nearby towns worth visiting include Tulle, whose centrepiece is undoubtedly the Notre Dame church; Brive-la-Gaillarde, which gives access to some spectacular caves known as Grottes du Rocher des Fades; or Pompadour, where horse lovers may want to pay homage to Haras National, the national stud farm founded by King Louis XV in 1717! For those who prefer to be outdoors, there are also many hiking trails through the forests around Troche, including La Boucle de la Haute Vienne – perfect for spotting rare wildlife such as wild boar, deer, foxes and badgers!
In short, whether you are looking for cultural experiences, outdoor adventures or just a quiet and serene place to relax – French Corrèze has something for everyone! And what better way to experience everything this region has to offer than from your own private villa like Ancienne Ecole? With its comfortable accommodation combined with easy access to so many attractions – this hidden gem in the centre of #Troche really does offer visitors everything they need for an unforgettable holiday!
The Ancienne Ecole is located in the middle of the rugged and therefore beautiful nature of the Corrèze. These photos were taken during walks of about one to two hours from the Ancienne Ecole Troche.
Click here for some great hiking trails directly from, or near, the Ancienne Ecole Troche.
