26 page booklet "Duravel, à la découverte du bourg médiéval et de
2000 ans d'histoire" (in French) for sale at the Duravel Tourist office. Price: 3€
VILLAGES
DURAVEL
Situation:
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.
A brief history: Ancient Gallo-Roman city, Duravel ( first named Diolindum), it was a Roman military camp on the strategic Bordeaux to Lyon road. Unfortunalely vestiges of this period were destroyed during the religious wars in 1596.
In the XIth century Duravel had a priory here which depended on the Moissac Abbey (founded by Clovis and restored by Charlemagne).
The bodies of three saints originating from Palestine and Egypt: Hilarion, Agathon and Poemon, were brought here where they still lie in the crypte.
Regular pilgrimages originating from the 12th century still occur and every five years they are celebrated with the "Fête de l'Ostension" the last one was in 2005 (see photo gallery).
In 1369, "100 year war" Duravel was attacked by the English serving under Robert Knolles.The 6000 inhabitants resited for six weeks and finally drove them away. In reward the king granted them their own coat of arms.
Town hall:
Mayor : Jaques Parmentier
Tél : 05.65.36.50.01
Fax : 05.65.30.65.63
Le Bourg
46700 Duravel
e-mail : mairie.duravel@wanadoo.fr
Opening hours : 9h - 12 h / 14 h - 15 h
Monday, Tuesday,
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday.
Sites:
Duravel has a rich cultural and architectural heritage with many things to see: XI century church (St Hilarion) with its square crypt, the vestiges of St Avit (national monument), old town houses, wash houses.
