Turenne has a long history in the Dordogne et Perigord region. There a small booklet sold in the village that gives some of the story..

Originally, Torenna (that was the original spelling) was an almost impregnable rock dominating the valley of the Tourmente and protecting the major routes between Limoges and Toulouse.

History records that the Rock of Turenne was fortified as early as 767.

The name TURENNE is a very old word and is thought to be of celtic or older origin. It's made up of 2 words: TURRA, which means "elevation or hill"; and ENNA, which means "the whole".

Interestingly, Turenne was a stronghold of Protestantism during the religious wars of the 1500's, and remained that way at least until 1629. Many of the homes that are further up on the slopes of the hill show the distinctive architecture from then. Yes...they're that old!