Photos

The old town of Uzerche is built on a huge mound of rock rising above the Vézère river which snakes its way around three sides.
In Gallic times this strategic position attracted its first settlers.
Between the VI th and VIII th centuries Uzerche enjoyed a reputation as an important political center.
During the VIII th century, Pépin Le Bref, in war against the Duke of Aquitaine, fortified Uzerche by enclosing the town with eighteen towers .
At the same time history tells us that the Saracens besieged the town for seven years .
The starving inhabitants of Uzerche tooks their last bull, fed him their last grains of food and set him free .
On finding the animal, the Saracens cut it open and realised that the town was endowed with everlasting ressources .
The Saracens grave up and Uzerche was liberated


During the X th century a Benedictine Abbey was founded in Uzerche. The XII th and the XIII th centuries became the golden age for the town and its richness can be appreciated today .
With Uzerche's increasing juridical importance in the XVI th century, the town became the regional capital of the Lower Limousin

At the same time, and during the following two centuries Uzerche continued to develop.

The local gentry created a distinct architectural style by building their magnificent new houses with turrets and towers giving strenght to the saying :

" those who have a house in Uzerche have a castel in the Limousin "