Sainte-Fortunade: Château, Church and Countryside

Sainte-Fortunade brings together architectural history, religious art and sweeping countryside. The village lies on a plateau with panoramic views of the surrounding area. The château dates from the 15th century, was structurally altered in the 19th century and stands in a wooded park dating from the 19th century. Your trip can therefore focus on a range of different things: historic buildings, religious art or scenic walking routes.

Château and historic lane

The Château de Sainte-Fortunade has a medieval character. Its building history dates back to the 15th century; it was structurally altered in the 19th century. The wooded park also dates from the 19th century. This makes it possible to distinguish its origins from later alterations, rather than assigning the château to just one period.

At the foot of the château lies Barry-Bas, a medieval lane lined with aristocratic and bourgeois houses. The village landscape therefore includes a historic lane as well as the château. Its houses represent two different social groups, making Barry-Bas a subject in its own right alongside the château’s architectural history.

Church, chapels and art

The Romanesque choir in the parish church of Saint-Martial dates from the 12th century. The Comital Chapel of Notre-Dame is attached to the south side of the nave and served as the burial place of the Counts’ family. The architecture and former function can be clearly distinguished here: the choir is a part of the Romanesque church, while the chapel is connected with the family history of the Counts.

The church treasury contains the object “chef-reliquaire: sainte Fortunade.” The reliquary is dated to the 15th century and has been classified as a protected object since 25 June 1891. Notre-Dame-des-Métayers is another chapel with its own history: it was rebuilt in 1868 with a bell-gable wall. After its restoration in 1987, it received frescoes depicting rural work and leisure, as well as a Madonna with botanical motifs by Guido De Bonis. The dates mark different stages: the rebuilding and the later decoration.

Walking trails and countryside

The Les Puys de Sainte-Fortunade circular trail offers panoramic views of the Monédières and the Monts d’Auvergne. The municipal walking trail network also includes the blue-marked Sentier de Sources en Hameaux. The two details offer different kinds of guidance: the circular trail focuses on named scenic views, while the Sentier is identified by its blue markings and its place in the walking trail network. Check trail conditions before setting out.

Specialties and events

Farcidure and Millassou are two distinct dishes from the regional cuisine of Corrèze. Farcidure is a potato bread cooked in water. Millassou, also known as Miassou or Milhassou, is made from grated potatoes cooked in a frying pan. The two dishes therefore share a main ingredient but differ in preparation and form.

The annual religious tradition includes a procession to Chabrignac, held on 22 August. During the summer season, Marchés de Producteurs de Pays are organised and coordinated in Sainte-Fortunade and brought to life with events. The Christmas market is also organised and complemented by events. The dates of the summer markets and Christmas market can vary from year to year; if you want to plan your trip around them, check the latest event dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Ussac, Marcouyeux, Margerides, Naves, Masseret, Bugeat, Saint-Germain-les-Vergnes, La Chapelle-aux-Saints

For the wider travel overview: Corrèze.