Why this peaceful medieval village in Corrèze makes for a dramatic film location

The village of Saint-Robert sits proudly on its limestone plateau at 350m, overlooking the Yssandonnais landscape for miles around. It lies on the western side of Corrèze, only about two kilometres from the border with Dordogne.

In 2020, the village became the main filming location for ‘Présidents’, a comedy drama by Anne Fontaine about the lives of two former French presidents once they leave office. 

The film featured Jean Dujardin as Nicolas Sarkozy and was well received in France and Europe. A village festival scene was shot in the public gardens and the main square with its impressive architecture can be spotted in the film.

Saint-Robert also appeared on screen in 1984 as the location for a television series called ‘Des grives aux loups’, about a rural family in the early 20th Century. You can read about the filming on boards set around the public garden as the story was based on the writing of local resident Claude Michelet and also featured many villagers.

Saint-Robert may once again become the location for a film set. In April, film-makers attending the Festival du Cinéma de Brive visited the village during a tour of the region’s emblematic sites as they scoped out potential locations.

One of the Plus Beaux Villages de France

At just over half an hour’s drive to the north-west of Brive-la-Gaillarde, Saint-Robert has been officially classified as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France since 1982. The village dates to 1122 when Benedictine monks, disciples of Robert de Turlande, chose the location to build a priory. Though the priory church is all that remains from this time, its strategic hilltop position gave it an important role to play in the history of the area. 

In the 14th Century, the church was fortified with square towers, loopholes for archers and a watchtower and became the defensive stronghold of the village. Having suffered damage during the wars of religion and later uprisings, the church was restored in the 19th Century.

Surrounded by lush rolling countryside, Saint-Robert is a peaceful haven where you can amble through the beautiful village and delve into the history of the area. Its rich heritage has been well preserved and you will discover its medieval character among the narrow streets, impressive stately residences and fortified remains. 

As you wander round the village you can still see several of the grand maisons nobles, such as the Château de Verneuil with its pretty chapel or the Château d’Aragon which belonged to the Noailles family.

A magical water fountain

Just before you enter the village on the old road from Ayen, you may come across the miraculous fountain of Saint-Maurice. Legend holds that water from the fountain has healing powers to cure sick and weak children and pilgrims would come from far and wide to seek help. On August 15 every year, a procession to the fountain before mass still takes place and the waters are also reputed to help people age well!

To make even more of a visit, there are three marked trails to enjoy, which start from the village and explore the surroundings. You can head out on foot or mountain bike and as you follow the routes you will be treated to views over to the Elle valley to the south east and the Dalon valley just north west as well as the hilltop villages of the surrounding Yssandonnais region. 

The village hosts a lively calendar of events including local fêtes and markets and is renowned for its Festival Saint-Robert. This classical musical event takes place between the end of July and mid August, with concerts held in the church which is now classified as a Monument Historique.

Saint-Robert is listed as one of Brive Tourism’s top 14 visits and you will find more information on how to get there and where to stay on their site.