The château
The first castle was built in this spot in 1137, on a rocky outcrop above the River Dropt – a position that was of course strategic and defensive, but now has the bonus of providing superb views over the valley. It was in the 14th century that it was upgraded to a fortress, then in the 17th and 18th centuries it underwent further transformation to become a stately home with terraced gardens. It is open daily to visitors and sometimes special evening events are held with music, food and night walks.
Wine tasting
At the ‘Maison des Vins’ in Duras, there is a permanent family-friendly exhibition called ‘The Keys to the Vineyards’. You can buy local wines here and also get advice on organising your own vineyard tour. The well regarded local wines are of the appellation Côtes de Duras (AOC). They tend to be dry reds based on Cabernet Sauvignon, Melot and Malbec, and whites often based on Sauvignon Blanc grapes. In the past the area was known for its sweet white wines but now this only accounts for a small proportion, perhaps reflecting changing tastes. A small number of rosés are also produced here.
The area
Other typical bastide villages and towns to explore in the area include Monségur, Eymet and Pellegrue, plus the larger town of Sainte-Foy-La-Grande. It is often fun to visit on market day, to enjoy the bustling atmosphere and pick up some fresh local produce for cooking up at your villa. The Dropt valley is great for scenic drives, cycling on country roads, and walking between the vines. There is a treetop adventure park about 5km from Duras, and canoes or kayaks can be hired to paddle on the Dropt river at Allemans-du-Dropt.
