The ancient Egyptians used turquoise in jewelry. Turquoise is greenish-blue or pale sky blue. The name means Turkish stone as it came to Europe by way of Turkey. Turquoise was mined more than 6,000 years ago in Sinai.
Coulonges is situated in the Charente (Poitou-Charentes region) in the west of France at 21 km from Angouleme, the department capital. (General information: Coulonges is 377 km from Paris).
Limeuil is classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, and has a popular river beach where the Vezere and Dordogne rivers join. See Limeuil guide. Listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, the 13th century bastide town of Monflanquin has an attractive arcaded central square.