Uzerche is perched on a hill in the Massif Central, a large plateau that covers about 91,000 square kilometres (35,135 square miles) of south central France. The region is hilly with deep river valleys. The River Dordogne, regarded by many people as the most beautiful in France, runs through the region en route to the Atlantic Ocean. Fine porcelain made in the nearby city of Limoges has long enjoyed a worldwide reputation for excellence. Also found in the region are the famous Grotte de Lascaux and the Grotte Du Pech-Merle, underground chambers decorated with magnificent Palaeolithic wall paintings of animals.

The folk music of France shows not only regional diversity but also influences from the European classical tradition. Melodies often move in conjunct, or stepwise, motion, and duple or triple times are common. Drones (sustained notes) are prevalent, played on instruments such as the bagpipe, hurdy-gurdy, or fiddle. Songs generally have a single melody line, while some instrumental ensembles—as in this example from the Auvergne region of central France— are more complex, employing a limited type of polyphony.