Welcome to duravel

Duravel is situated at the foot of wooded hillsides sheltering it from northerly winds thus ensuring a sunny and warm climate.

A vaste plain bordered by the River Lot spreads in a southerly direction, consisting primarily of centuries old family vineyards.

The town with its narrow streets, stone houses and old church is set on the flancs of the hillside.

The surrounding countryside with its hills consisting of acres of woods, green pastures and vineyards offer numerous possibilities for walks.

This peaceful village is situated 6km from the Lot valley. The river Thèze passes nearby where you can fish for trout. It has a campsite, several bed and breakfasts and self catering gîtes. Cassagnes is a good starting point to visit the area and the bastides villages (new towns) of Villefranche du Périgord, Monpazier, Monflanquin, Tournon d'Agenais, Bonaguil Castle as well as the Lot and Dordogne Valley.

Cassagnes is perched on a hill top overlooking the Thèze Valley and the RD 673 (Fumel-Gourdon) surrounded by chestnut forests and valleys, much appreciated by hikers. Below in the Thèze Valley is a large lake where you can fish and picnic in the shade.

The church has kept some interesting aspects dating back to the 12th century, the southern graveyard gate (classified national monument in 1925) and the choir area (restored in 1965) where you can admire the sculptures around the apse. There are three stone "wash houses" situated on springs, called Pas de Sivié,  Fontaine de Tarrieu and Moulin de la Courtine.

XIII th century Bastide situated in the center of the Thèze Valley on the border of the Périgord, the Agenais and the Quercy (Lot Valley).

• A typical bastide (medieval new town):

Characterised by its grid layout of streets revolving around its village square, it is noted for its impressive architecture with arcades and "cornieres". The XIV century church dedicated to St Louis, with its bell tower, overlooks the village.
In the area:

Puy l'Evêque, Cahors, several bastides, Bonaguil castle, Sauveterre-la-Lémance, Fumel, Rocamadour, Padirac, St Cirq Lapopie.

Set in the Thèze Valley Saint Martin le Redon seems to have been inhabitated since the earliest times. Archeological searches have brought to light vestiges of the Paleolithic, Neolithic periods and more recently the bronze age. Offering a rich and abundant nature with fertile land in the valley, forests and a fresh water spring (Saint Martial) renown for its dermatological virtues.

It has been inhabitated continously since prehistoric times, through the Gallo Roman period until the present times. There is still a roman road visible, going through the village, which used to join St Martin and Duravel

This Roman road became in the middle ages "le chemin des auverganat". Nowadays it is a popular path for holiday makers persuing walking holidays. The Romanesque church, the towers of Guiral castle at Cazes-Marnhac, Mescalpres (a mysterious gothic tower set in the woods) all date from this medevial period. Some of the village houses date back to the XVII and XVIII centuries. It's from Saint Martin le Redon that you get the best view of the impressive outline of Bonaguil Castle, a perfect example of medieval military architecture.

Leisure:

Leisure activities are linked to the exceptional beauty of the surrounding country side with its many trekking circuits, fishing in the Thèze river (trout). There is a fish farm at Moulin de Guiral where you can fish your own trout. There is a tennis court at your disposition.

Set on the border of the Périgord-Noir, the Quercy and the Agenais on the right bank of the River Lot. Just 5 kms from Fumel, Soturac is positioned on the border of the Lot and the Lot et Garonne.
Surrounded by vineyards this is the beginning of the famous AOC Cahors wine country. To the east lies Cavagnac amidst sumptuous surroundings, stretching all the way to Bonaguil Castle.
Sights:

• Parish church rebuilt in 1893.
• The hamlet of Couvert close to Bonaguil.
• The castles of Gaudusson (XIXth century), Fossat (XVIIth century), Lavaur (XVIIth century).
• Medieval village of Cavagnac with its typical stone houses and XVIII century church bell tower and Roman wall.
• La Source Bleue is the fourth largest source in France with a rate of flow of 2m3/second. It it noted for its blueish color.

Touzac is situated on the banks of the Lot River. A small village of 500 acres, its territory is composed of a vast plain with agricultural farm land and vineyards, part of the AOC Cahors appellation. The restored XVII century neo-Romanaque church is noted for its remarquable canopy.

Close by is the Hotel Restaurant La Source Bleue with its famous fresh water spring. It was the home of Marguerite Moreno a renown actress and silent movie star. She is buried in the local cemetary.

• Leisure, activities:

Many activities are organised all year round, fête votive in July (patron saint day), bingo, flea markets, local products markets etc... There is a football club a tennis court as well as a small festivities hall at your disposition to host events.

There is a motorcycle club called "Moto Nostalgie" which re-groups 50 or so vintage motorcycle enthusiasts who organize rallies in the area. Please contact the town hall for further information.

Duravel church was given to Moissac Abbey by the local overlords in 1055. The monks rapidly rehabilitated this priory and started treating here their sick colleagues striken by malaria (the Moissac area was covered in swamps at that period), and by building a new church.

The church received for safe keeping the relics of the three saints: Hilarion, Poémon and Agathon.