Self-guided tour (1h30)
The self-guided tour is equipped with signage, audiovisual rooms and models. A visit at your own pace in about thirty rooms allows you to soak up the atmosphere of the places from the kitchens to the tower. The Château comes to life through the stones and it is easy to imagine the festivities in the Three Marshals’ Hall, the restless movements of the servants in the Kitchen “aux cent fagots”, the smell of bread in the Bakery…
An audioguide allows you to wander around the castle in complete autonomy. You will have a detailed description of the functions of the rooms and their architecture, as well as the history of the monument.
During your visit, you will find…
A setting in situation of furniture of collection
As if you were there! You enter the duchess’ apartments and discover the life of a 17th century castle. Duras chose to furnish two wings of the Château. Thanks to a partnership with the Mobilier National, the former Garde-Meuble de la Couronne, whose mission is to furnish the official buildings of the French Republic. The furniture was chosen from an inventory carried out after the Duke’s death in 1789.
The audio-visual rooms
Two rooms complete the visit of the castle. In the Ghost Room, 5 historical characters return from the dead to tell you the history of the place, while in the Model Room you will plunge into the heart of the history of the Château and discover its transformations over the centuries.
The earthenware exhibition
Revolutionary earthenware tells you the Great History and the artists’ point of view on their society. By examining the symbolic decorations of these earthenware pieces, you will be able to feel the hope of justice and equity that prevailed at the end of the 18th century.
Climbing to the tower
For the more courageous, a climb of 120 steps will give you a panoramic view of the entire Duras region.
The discovery of the basement space reserved for servants
Located under the main courtyard, discover the rooms reserved for domesticity! The Bakery, the Kitchen with 100 bundles, well will make you discover the life of the servants within this ducal residence.
Adults groups
The classic tour:
From the Middle Ages to the Revolution, via the Renaissance, the fortress of Duras has spanned the ages: a privileged witness to the evolution of architecture through the centuries. Discover its history through this visit.
The life of the Castle of the Dukes of Durfort-Duras.
Through the architecture of the castle and its furnishings, discover the important place of the Dukes of Durfort-Duras at the court of the Sun King.
The archaeology of the buildings
Learn the history of Duras Castle through its stones by discovering a little known subject: the archaeology of the buildings. From the 14th-century castle to the transformations of the 17th and 18th centuries, the visit will take place mainly from the outside in order to understand this site in a different way.
Restoration work
Bought at an auction in 1969 by the commune of Duras, which was close to ruin, the Château is now living at the rhythm of restoration work. Classified as a Historic Monument, it continues to evolve and now has about thirty rooms. You will be placed in the shoes of the Architect of the Historic Monuments and the craftsmen who give back to this place its splendour of yesteryear.
School groups
Come and learn history at Duras Castle while having fun!
A professional team of heritage mediators offers all year round, by appointment, educational workshops for all school audiences (from kindergarten to high school).
There will be something for everyone! The visits and workshops are adapted to each school level.
Green area and playground at the foot of the castle. If necessary, a room will be made available free of charge for lunch.
Free of charge
Teachers and 1 companion for every 10 children. Beyond that: children’s rate
► Kindergartens
Guided tour (1h)
Walk for kindergarteners
During a visit, children discover the Middle Ages through the fortified castle, its defences and the life of men in medieval times.
Educational workshops (duration 1h15)
The Middle Ages told
Playful immersion in the time of the lord and his lady in the heart of his fortress. On the program: models, games, music, disguise and stories.
Coat of arms (5-6 years old)
Each child, after a presentation of the coats of arms of the Middle Ages, creates his or her own coat of arms according to his or her tastes and interests.
► Primary
Guided tours (1h15)
The castle of duras and the Middle Ages
Discover the lordly fortress, the places of life and defences as you wander through the castle.
The multiple facets of Duras Castle
Through its labyrinth, relive the history of the castle over several centuries. Discover the architectural transformations from a fortified castle to a pleasure residence.
Educational workshops (1h30)
The art of writing in the Middle Ages
After a history of calligraphy in the Middle Ages, armed with calames, the students will practice this new writing technique.
Coats of arms and the art of heraldry
Students will learn to blazon, decipher the language of heraldry. They will make a personalized coat of arms using this new language: colour scores and symbols will no longer be a mystery.
Hunt for details
In groups, armed with detailed photos, students will have to sharpen their sense of direction and curiosity. Old photos are mixed with recent ones, appearances are often deceiving.
For this workshop, it is necessary to provide one guide per group (for a class of 25 pupils, there will be 5 groups of 5 children and therefore 5 guides).
► Colleges-lycées
Guided tours (1h15/1h30)
Feudal France through the castle of Duras
Through the different levels of the monument, the hierarchy of medieval society is brought to light. Discover the history of France: the Hundred Years War will no longer have any secrets.
The castle of Duras, from the Renaissance to the French Revolution
In parallel with the absolutism of the Sun King, the castle was transformed into a residence for pleasure thanks to the title of Duke by the Durfort-Duras. The castle underwent profound upheaval in the XVII-XVIIIth century before the final coup d’arrêt of the French Revolution.
Daily life inside the castle of Duras
From the food of the peasants and the nobles, from the work of the peasants to the life of the lords, without forgetting the theme of hygiene, relive life between war and peace at Duras Castle.
The archaeology of buildings
Learn the history of Duras Castle through its stones by discovering a little known subject: the archaeology of the buildings. From the 14th-century castle to the transformations of the 17th and 18th centuries, the visit will take place mainly from the outside in order to understand this site in a different way.
Restoration work
Bought at an auction in 1969 by the commune of Duras, which was close to ruin, the Château is now living at the rhythm of restoration work. Classified as a Historic Monument, it continues to evolve and now has about thirty rooms. You will be placed in the shoes of the Architect of the Historic Monuments and the craftsmen who give back to this place its splendour of yesteryear.
Educational workshops (1h30)
The art of writing in the Middle Ages
After a history of calligraphy in the Middle Ages, armed with calames, the students will practice this new writing technique.
Coats of arms and the art of heraldry
Students will learn to blazon, decipher the language of heraldry. They will make a personalized coat of arms using this new language: colour scores and symbols will no longer be a mystery.
Hunt for details
In groups, armed with detailed photos, students will have to activate their sense of direction and curiosity. Old photos are mixed with recent photos, appearances are often deceiving.
For this workshop, it is necessary to provide one guide per group (for a class of 25 pupils, there will be 5 groups of 5 children and therefore 5 guides).
