The archaeological site of the Dolmen des Roques No. 2 places Durbans within the history of megaliths: the monument dates from the Neolithic period. At the same time, the commune is part of the Zone centrale du Causse de Gramat. When choosing a holiday rental, you can weigh up whether the cultural monuments and architectural history or the natural environment should be the focus of your trip.
Megaliths on Different Scales
The site of the Dolmen des Roques No. 2 is in an exceptional state of preservation for the Quercy. The burial chamber, which opens to the southeast, is also well preserved. Three tumuli are located near the dolmen and form part of the sequence of monuments at Les Roques. This links its classification as a Neolithic monument to specific features of the site and its surroundings.
Further measurements make the different forms tangible. The tumulus of the Dolmen Peyre de l’Homme has a diameter of 23 metres and is 1.70 metres high. At the Dolmen Verdier Petit, the surviving capstone is broken; it measures 5.60 metres long, 3.10 metres wide and 0.45 metres thick. Different scales are represented side by side: the diameter and height of a tumulus, and the length, width and thickness of a capstone. The Dolmen Verdier Petit is on agricultural land; crops must be respected.
Farms, a Chapel and Their History
The Ferme de la Borie Grande may date from the late 18th or early 19th century. In the 19th century, a farming family's home was converted into a manor house; the renovation bears witness to the family's growing prosperity. The farm also includes a monumental barn. It is characteristic of the large barns of the Causses from the second half of the 19th century. The house and barn thus offer different perspectives on architectural history: one on the conversion of a residence, the other on a building in its regional context.
The 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 Days and one on the day after 15 August. On 25 May 2017, a first Mass was held to mark its reopening. These dates give the chapel both an architectural and a historical context; the former Mass dates describe past practice, not a recurring schedule today.
Natural Environment and Light Aviation
Durbans is part of the Zone centrale du Causse de Gramat. This zone contains twelve habitats of natural heritage importance, belonging to four categories: agricultural and pastoral land, aquatic and wetland habitats, rocky habitats, and forest habitats. This range offers a different thematic perspective from the archaeological monuments and historical architecture.
The AĂ©rodrome de Figeac-Livernon is also located in the commune of Durbans. Its paved runway is 900 metres long and is intended for light aviation. Beginners and experienced pilots can fly ULMs and light aircraft at the airfield. Information about the facilities and activities may change, so check the current situation at the AĂ©rodrome before making specific plans.
Choosing Durbans as a Place to Stay
To help choose a location, first consider which themes you want your trip to focus on: megalithic monuments and their varying dimensions, the architectural history of the farm and chapel, or the diversity of habitats in the Zone centrale du Causse de Gramat. If cultural monuments are the deciding factor, you can assess Durbans as a search location for a holiday rental with these local features in mind; the natural environment adds another dimension to your choice.
Discover more destinations: Assier, Strenquels, Concorès, Le Bouyssou, Loubressac, Salviac, Saint-Chamarand, Thégra
For the broader travel overview: Lot.
