Durbans: Dolmens, Farms and the Causse de Gramat

Anyone looking for a hotel in Durbans can plan their stay around a range of themes: Neolithic megalithic structures, rural architectural history, natural landscapes and light aviation. The archaeological sites do not all tell the same story. Their forms, dimensions, historical uses and settings in the landscape offer different points of focus for your trip.

Dolmens and Megalithic Sites

The archaeological site of Dolmen des Roques No. 2 in Durbans is a megalithic monument from the Neolithic period. Its state of preservation is exceptional for the Quercy; the burial chamber, which opens to the southeast, is well preserved. The preservation claims therefore refer to two different scales: the archaeological site in regional comparison and the individual burial chamber. Three tumuli are located near Dolmen des Roques No. 2 and form part of the sequence of monuments at Les Roques.

The tumulus of Dolmen Peyre de l'Homme is 23 metres in diameter and 1.70 metres high. At Dolmen Verdier Petit, the surviving capstone is broken. It measures 5.60 metres long, 3.10 metres wide and 0.45 metres thick. These measurements refer to different features: the tumulus at Peyre de l'Homme and the capstone at Verdier Petit. Dolmen Verdier Petit is on agricultural land; please respect the crops.

Historic Farms and Chapel

Ferme de la Borie Grande may date from the late 18th or early 19th century. In the 19th century, a farming family prospered and transformed its home into a stately residence. The farm also includes a monumental barn, characteristic of the large barns of the Causses in the second half of the 19th century.

Chapelle Notre Dame de l’Assomption in Cornouiller, near Durbans, dates from 1857. Until the 1970s, two Masses were held there each year: one in May for the Rogation processions and one on the day after 15 August. On 25 May 2017, a first Mass was held there to mark its reopening. The annual dates and the service for the reopening belong to different periods in the chapel’s history.

Natural Landscapes and Light Aviation

The Zone centrale du Causse de Gramat also includes Durbans. The zone contains twelve habitats of natural history significance, belonging to four categories: agricultural and pastureland, aquatic and wetland habitats, rocky habitats, and woodland habitats. Alongside the architectural and funerary monuments, this offers a distinct natural-history focus for planning your trip.

Aérodrome de Figeac-Livernon is located in the commune of Durbans and has a 900-metre paved runway for light aviation. Beginners and experienced pilots can fly ULMs and light aircraft there. Activities and facilities may change, so check the airfield’s latest information before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Cavagnac, Saint-Martin-Labouval, Rampoux, Albas, Lanzac, Gourdon, Sainte-Alauzie, Gramat

For the overview of the wider region: Lot.