Dominating the valley of the Dropt, the castle of Duras is surprising by its crossing in the history of France! As early as the 12th century, the castle, a simple castrum, witnessed the conflicts between England and France, the latter being built in 1137 by Guillaume Amanieu, viscount of Benauge, Bezaume and Gabardan. 'Alienor of Aquitaine with the King of France.
Taking advantage of the Franco-English wars, and later of the Hundred Years War, the castle is adorned with walls, drawbridges, towers and keep to become an impregnable fortress thanks to the money of Bertrand de Goth... better known as The name of Pope Clement V, the edifice belonging to his family. This pontifical manna allows the castle and the family succeeding the Goth, the Durfort-Duras to cross all these war years, sometimes on the side of the French, sometimes on the side of the English... political and financial strategies elaborated according to alliances, l Political opportunism benefits this family!
The end of the Hundred Years War and Castillon la Bataille in 1453 could have augured an area of peace but it is badly know the lords of Duras who decide to oppose the Very Christian king by becoming Protestant in the sixteenth century. "King, a law, a faith", the king of France decides to fight against the nobles not following this maxim, the Wars of Religion ravage France, especially Guyenne and Duras is no exception, city and castle are besieged Several times by the royal army, the most memorable seat being that of Blaise de Montluc in 1562. The Durfort-Duras tried by several years of war abjure their Protestant faith and get, in passing, the title of count! The door of social ascension is open: count, marquis, duke and peer of France, the castle then becomes a showcase of the financial, military and political power of the Durfort-Duras.
During two centuries the castle will live to the rhythm of the architectural evolutions: transformations, enlargement, embellishments... thus becoming a villa inspired by the Renaissance and accompanied by French gardens. The French Revolution puts an end to all these works, henceforth the castle of Duras will live in another way!
Redeemed in 1969 at an auction by the commune of Duras, the castle, become in 1970 Historical Monument, has resumed a life chanted by works but restoration, more than 45 years without interruption! A stop under the entrance porch makes it possible to understand the extent of the work carried out thanks to the photographs of the years 1950-1960, the castle was close to the ruin. The constant dedication of the Duraquois, the permanent efforts of the municipality and the support of the State allow today to visit 35 rooms, to borrow the couriers, to go up to the Tower... The last novelty are the apartments of the Duchess. Indeed these apartments were opened in 2015, its room especially: paneled to the vault of the keep of restored woodworks of the seventeenth century, with tomettes and cabochons in perfect condition allow the castle of Duras to regain its letters of nobility!
Small revolution in the castle of Duras: the main facade made a beauty with the painting of the exterior joinery in brown red!
Throughout the season, the castle offers entertainment, exhibitions and night. Program on the website Castle Duras.
Vacances d'Avril au Château de Duras
- From 13 to 28 april 2024
- Chateau de Duras-chateau des Ducs
- Come and visit the Château de Duras during the Spring vacations and take part in the following activities : - - Investigation trail "The mystery of the stolen egg". Lead the investigation to find the thief. Paper-based game to be played during your visit to the château. Ages 6-7 and up. Please bring a pen. - - Creative workshops on Tuesdays April 16 and 23 at 2.30pm, from 4-5 years. Tuesday 16th "Medieval Bestiary" workshop and Tuesday 23rd "Decorate your shield" workshop. - - Guided tours on Saturdays April 20 and 27 at 3pm. Discover the history of the château with a guide. (Average length of visit : 1h-1h15) - - Wooden games throughout the tour. Let yourself be tempted and play ! - Places are limited for workshops and guided tours. Reservations required !
Balade et Cueillette Avec Agnès de Naturopathie per Tutti
- On 24 april 2024
- 3 ter place du 11 novembre
- Departure from the Duras market hall, 5 km walk, discovery of wild and edible plants, return to Duras for a tasting session. - Registration only with Agnés before Monday April 22.
Marché des Créateurs
- On 19 may 2024
- Designer's market in Duras ! - A place to sell, exhibit and meet the public !
Rémy Boiron "En Toute Simplicité"
- On 25 may 2024
- Salle du Foirail
- A show about the French language : you can enter with curiosity or on tiptoe. You'll come out smiling and cultured, because at its heart, French is seriously cool. A humorous and poetic journey through the history and geography of our lives with eloquence.
Soirée Guinguette Dans les Jardins de Berticot
- On 6 june 2024
- 1360 Route de Sainte Foy la Grande, Berticot
- Wine and tapas evening in the Berticot gardens, accompanied by a strolling accordionist. - A guinguette-style evening of good humor and good fellowship.
Berticot Wine Tour
- From 25 june to 20 august 2024
- 1360 Route de Sainte Foy la Grande, Berticot
- Every Tuesday, take a guided tour of the Berticot winery. End the morning with a tasting of our wines. A picnic basket is also available, so you can enjoy a sunny lunch in the Berticot gardens.
Visite de Notre Fabrique de Chocolats à la Maison Guinguet
- From 2 july to 29 august 2024
- Les cavales, Maison Guinguet
- In July and August, Tuesday to Thursday, workshop tours at 10 and 11 am. - Exceptionally, no visits on Thursday August 15. - An opportunity not to be missed, with videos and explanations on chocolate and Agen prunes. - Group visits by appointment. - Please arrive 15 minutes beforehand to organize the visit.
Spectacle - Projection en 4D Sons et Lumières sur le Château de Duras
- From 2 july to 29 august 2024
- Château de Duras
- Admire the grandiose 4D light frescoes at Château de Duras ! This monumental 40-minute sound and light show is the only one of its kind in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, with 2 totally new projections in 2024 ! - Will you dare to enter the main courtyard and immerse yourself in the history of the château ? Then summon your courage, traverse the bowels of the château and reach the fairy garden, and let yourself be carried away into the legendary and fantastic world of this place. - While you're waiting for this unforgettable event, make the most of your stay in Duras to visit the Château. On the evenings of the shows, the Château will be exceptionally open to visitors until 9:30 p.m. (usual rate, last admission at 8:30 p.m.).
Spectacle Majestueux de Fauconnerie
- From 6 to 24 july 2024
- Château de Duras
- During your visit to the Château, from July 6 to July 24, enjoy a life-size show. - "Enter the majestic world of falconry with little-known birds. A show that will amaze young and old alike ! - Your ticket to the château is valid for the whole day. You can therefore return to see the musketeer show at 2.30pm and the falconry show at 4.30pm. - Shows at 4.30pm, duration 45 minutes.
Spectacle de Mousquetaires au Combat
- From 6 to 24 july 2024
- Château de Duras
- During your visit to the Château, from July 6 to 24, enjoy a Musketeers in Combat show. - "Enter the world of bravery. A show that will amaze young and old alike !" - Your ticket to the château is valid all day. So you can come back in the afternoon to see the show. - Duration : 30 minutes. - Non-contractual photos
