Pardaillan offers a range of themes to help you plan your trip: Marguerite Duras’s family history at Le Platier, the architecture of the Église de Pardaillan, wine and plums, and a 14.5-kilometre loop. You can decide whether to shape your stay around culture, food and drink, or a longer outdoor excursion.
A loop for active days
The Marguerite Duras loop in Pardaillan is 14.5 kilometres long. It gives you a specific route to plan if you want to include a longer hike or bike ride in your stay. The route sheet was updated on 8 September 2020; check the route details before setting out. The loop is a distinct activity to enjoy alongside the town’s historical and culinary attractions.
Church history and Flamboyant Gothic architecture
The Église de Pardaillan is distinguished by its Flamboyant Gothic architecture and was originally part of a Benedictine priory. Its 16th-century chapel became the village parish church. This gives us two distinct chapters in its history: its early connection to the priory and its later role as a parish church. Flamboyant Gothic refers to a late Gothic style with flowing lines reminiscent of flames. The term offers a particular way to appreciate the church, while its history tells of its former and later functions.
Marguerite Duras and the house at Le Platier
The Maison Marguerite Duras – Au Platier preserves the ruins of the Donnadieu family home. Marguerite Duras and her family lived in the house at Le Platier from 1922 to 1924, and again for several months in 1931. The two periods of residence were separated in time and provide a tangible literary connection to the town’s history. Those interested in Duras can connect her name not only with Pardaillan, but also place the periods when her family lived there in context.
The Maison is open to visitors free of charge all year round. As access information may change, please check it before your visit. The historical site is the family home, whose ruins have been preserved; the periods when the family lived there were 1922 to 1924 and several months in 1931. This makes the site particularly interesting for travellers wishing to explore Duras’s life and family background.
Wine and plums from Pardaillan
Local agricultural produce also offers a tangible insight into the community. Domaine Prévot covers 11 hectares and produces AOC wines from Duras. The winery offers wine tastings; check before you arrive to see whether a tasting is possible on your chosen date.
At Domaine du Vieux Bourg, wine growing and plum cultivation go hand in hand: the estate includes 30 hectares of Côtes de Duras vineyards and 30 hectares of plum orchards. Land use may change over time. The Domaine produces Agen prunes with the protected geographical indication IGP; its product range may also change. The estate’s boutique also sells Côtes de Duras wines. Check in advance for the current selection if you wish to buy particular wines.
The two estates have different focuses: Domaine Prévot is notable for wine production and the wine tastings it offers; Domaine du Vieux Bourg combines vineyards with plum orchards and Agen prunes. Along with Duras’s history, the church, and the 14.5-kilometre loop, these details offer several ways to decide what to focus on during your trip.
Discover more destinations: Bias, Fargues-sur-Ourbise, Mauvezin-Sur-Gupie, Andiran, Aiguillon, Saint-Étienne-De-Villeréal, Castillonnès, Mézin.
For the wider travel overview: Lot Et Garonne.
