Duras
Approximately 8kw from Poitevins is the town of Duras.
Duras
Our charming local villageLocated just 8 km from Poitevins, the town of Duras offers a captivating experience during the summer months. This picturesque village, home to a magical 12th-century Château, comes alive with a spectacular light show. As you wander through the grounds under the stars, you’ll witness its rich history unfolding before your eyes. The event transcends language barriers, allowing you to connect with the proud locals who once defended Duras.Before the evening light show, enjoy the vibrant night market and live music performances. Explore the variety of local food vendors, bars, and restaurants, all contributing to a lively atmosphere that provides a glimpse into the French way of life, deeply rooted in family and community values.
Key InformationHistoric Charm of Duras:The quiet town of Duras offers visitors attractions such as the 12th-century Chateau de Duras, a medieval clocktower, and charming houses to explore.
Countryside ExplorationSurrounding Duras are quaint villages with ancient churches and castles, including Monteton, Loubes-Bernac, Esclottes, and Sainte-Colombe-de-Duras, offering a glimpse into the region's rural heritage.
Wine and Chocolate DelightsVisitors can indulge in the region's culinary delights, including wines from the Berticot cooperative cellar, representing the Côtes-de-Duras appellation, and chocolates from Maison Guinguet, known for its delicious chocolate-coated prunes and other fruity treats.
A pleasant town, if rather quiet, Duras has one main sight that attracts visitors: the Chateau de Duras. There is also a medieval clocktower, and a sprinkling of attractive houses to enjoy while exploring, and the impressive Maison des Vins commemorating the highly regarded wines of the region.You can start your visit right in the town centre with a look at the clocktower. This building was originally part of the 12th century ramparts that once defended the town. Apparently there were originally four of these imposing gateways but now only one remains. Note that the clock and the steep Perigourdine style roof were added to the tower much later, in the 17th century.
FarmDuras ChateauDuras Château was originally constructed in the 12th century and was fortified in the early 14th century. In the 17th century, it was transformed into a more comfortable residence, with numerous luxurious additions. Like many French châteaux, it suffered significant damage during the Revolution, but in the second half of the 20th century, it underwent extensive renovations, restoring much of its former gloryChocolate ShopThe adventure began in 1950 with Pierre Guinguet, a prune broker. In 1972, his son Jean and his wife Maryse joined the company and developed the activity of transforming Ente plum into prunesSabine and Patricia, the two daughters of the family, joined the Guinguet company and began to develop delicious chocolate recipes.Quite naturally, one of the first products to become known beyond the borders of Lot-et-Garonne was the famous chocolate-coated prune.Week after week, MAISON GUINGUET develops new recipes seeking to combine delicious chocolate with the fruity treasures that nature offers in the immediate surroundings.The delicious hazelnuts, harvested and roasted on site, will inspire Sabine to create new products that contribute to the growing reputation of Maison Guinguet.
Farm
