Tours de Carbonnières

Tours de Carbonnières are the ruins of a medieval fortress perched above a wooded valley in the commune of Goulles, in the Xaintrie area of the Corrèze department, Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Two square granite towers stand on a rocky spur between the Bedaine and Maronne rivers, making this one of the most striking viewpoints in this quiet corner of southwestern France.

What will you see at the site?

The site consists of two towers dating from the 11th to the 14th century. The south tower was built for defense, while the north tower served as a residence — both rise to roughly 20 to 25 meters, an unusually imposing scale for a feudal stronghold in this region. At the foot of the outcrop, traces of a village remain; it was inhabited until 1951, when it was finally abandoned. The fortress is linked to an old medieval co-lordship associated with the Carbonnières and Montal families. The ruins have been listed as a historic monument since a decree issued on 23 November 1970.

From the towers and the surrounding ridge, the view opens onto the Maronne and Bedaine valleys — the forested, hilly landscape of Xaintrie, a region known for staying off the main tourist routes and keeping its wild character intact.

How do you get there and visit?

The starting point is the small hamlet of Auyères, just below Goulles, where a car park is available. From there, a marked interpretive trail of about 3.5 km leads to the towers, taking around 45 minutes to complete. Access to the towers themselves is free and unguided, with information panels along the way explaining the site's history.

Hikers looking for a longer outing can choose from two other routes starting at the same car park: a roughly 9 km loop (about 3 hours of walking) and a longer 12 km trail linking Tours de Carbonnières with the nearby Tours de Merle, another ruined stronghold in the area, which takes around 4 hours to complete.

Who is this site for?

The location is family-friendly — a Terra Aventura treasure-hunt trail runs through the area, turning the walk into a puzzle-solving game that appeals to children as much as adults. History enthusiasts will appreciate the raw, unrestored state of the ruins, while photographers and hikers will find the quiet and open views typical of the sparsely visited Xaintrie countryside.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, with mild temperatures for a longer walk and vegetation around the towers that isn't yet — or is no longer — too dense, which makes for clearer views and better photos. In summer, an early start is worth it, since the approach runs across open, exposed ground that heats up quickly. The ruins are accessible year-round, as the visit takes place entirely outdoors with no fixed opening hours.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to Tours de Carbonnières free? Yes, visiting the towers is completely free and self-guided, with no booking required.

How long does a visit take? The short interpretive trail from the Auyères car park to the towers and back takes about 45 minutes. Visitors wanting a longer hike can choose the 9 km loop or the 12 km trail to Tours de Merle.

Is the trail suitable for children? Yes, the path is marked and relatively easy, and the on-site Terra Aventura game gives younger visitors an extra reason to stay engaged along the way.

Where can I park? The car park is located in the hamlet of Auyères, below Goulles — this is where the walking trail to the towers begins.