Le Chateau de Duras. Duras, Aquitaine, France.

The Chateau of Duras, originally erected in the 12th century, was fortified in the 14th century with the support of the Pope Clement V. The chateau was a key position in the hundred years' war, and as such it was captured and lost numerous times - passing through the hands of the Duke of Aquitaine, the King of England and the King of France. In the 17th Century the castle took on a less defensive roll as the seat of the Duke of the Duras region. As such, the castle was transformed from a fortress into a 'demeure de plaisance' - a place to entertain important guests complete with ballroom, large kitchens and pleasure gardens. The Chateau was mostly destroyed during the French revolution and was left for over a century to ruin. In the 1960's it was bought by the people of the village and has since been slowly restored.

The large front court, as seen from the terrace for the Chateau.

The 'Salle de la Charpente', in the roof of the castle, with its large timber trusses and its twelve fireplaces was often used as a ballroom in the time of the Duke.

One of the two wells of the chateau.


More information on the Chateau de Duras can be found here.