Pays du Dropt

A small tourist region in the north of the department, the Pays du Dropt owes its name to the river that crosses it and which partly marks the separation between Agenais and Périgord. It is made up of pretty villages, beautiful country houses, castles, churches and mills, green hills and valleys, vineyards and vineyards...

Duras

Duras is the flagship commune of this part of the Pays du Dropt. It is famous for its elegant castle which stands proudly above the Dropt valley as well as for its vineyard, small, discreet but of a high quality of production.

Duras @ Lot et Garonne guide

Today, this part of the department makes you want to stop and stay for a few days. You will find peace and serenity here, between valleys, Romanesque churches and priories and vineyards. However, this has not always been the case throughout history.

The Duras region, once very wooded and cleared by the monks of Conques and Sarlat in the 10th century, was long torn between the English and the French during the famous Hundred Years' War. The Duras castle suffered the devastating consequences, destroyed and pillaged by Du Guesclin, because here, they had chosen their side, that of the other side of the Channel.

Rebuilt and then ravaged again during the Revolution, the castle immerses you in the heart of a very tumultuous history. Visit the old brick icehouse, the archaeological museum, the prison, the moats, the room of secrets and the astonishing room of ghosts of great historical figures. Finally, from the castle, admire a remarkable view of the valley, especially at the top of the watchtower.

During your walk to the north of Duras on the edge of neighboring Périgord Pourpre, you will be able to discover a multitude of small villages and abbeys in a very hilly landscape: Soumensac, Loubès Bernac, etc.

Loubès Bernac @ Lot et Garonne guide

Leaving Duras and following the charming Dropt valley, stop at Allemans du Dropt, a superb little village that is very well maintained. Note especially the very beautiful frescoes in the 15th century church. During your little stroll through the alleys, do not miss a remarkable wooden market hall and a very pretty bridge over the Dropt.

Germans from Dropt @ Lot et Garonne guide

Lauzun @ Lot et Garonne guide

After your stroll in Allemans du Dropt, you can take a short trip to Miramont de Guyenne, a former fortified town and now a lively commercial town.

Further north, at the extreme limit of Périgord, discover the beautiful village of Lauzun and its castle. A little to the east, find the bastide of Castillonnès, from the 13th century, built like many others by Alphonse de Poitiers. Typical layout, square with corners, pleasant alleys and beautiful residences, 14th century gate, remains of ramparts... await you.

Castillonnès @ Lot et Garonne guide

Another remarkable bastide in Pays du Dropt: Villeréal. It was also founded by Alphonse de Poitiers in 1267. Your visit takes you to admire the remarkable wooden market hall, perfectly preserved, the imposing fortified church. Pretty streets are to be visited on foot, in particular the rue Saint Roch. A large agricultural town, the bastide is very lively in summer, and very popular like the whole region by our English friends. They have never been insensitive to the charm of the region.

Villereal @ Lot et Garonne guide

ZOOM ON THE WINES OF Bergerac duras

In 2014, Duras wine was attached to the large inter-professional association of Vins des Bergerac Duras (IVBD). Since 1937, the red, rosé, sweet and dry Côtes de Duras have benefited from an AOC (Appellation d'origine Contrôlée).

It is said that the origins of the vineyard date back to the 2nd century and that Pope Clement V, the first Pope of Avignon, already appreciated it in the 14th century.

The appellation extends over approximately 2,000 ha on plains of river and marine sediments and then on small hillsides higher up which are more calcareous. The wines of Bergerac Duras are round, sweet and fruity and the reds aged in oak barrels will be appreciated by those who like full-bodied and tannic wines.

Don't miss a visit to the Maison des Vins de Duras, a modern and fun museum. It is open all year round and will please the whole family. You will learn more about these wines, you can taste bottles and participate in seasonal events.