In Durfort-Lacapelette, pilgrim routes, church architecture and walks through hilly countryside and vineyards come together. The Via Podiensis, also known as the GR65, passes through the town on the pilgrimage section between Lauzerte and Auvillar. There are also two circular walks of different lengths and durations. Churches from different periods of construction offer further points of interest for a culturally focused stay.
Pilgrim Routes and Churches
The Church of Saint-Martin is just a few metres from the Way of St James to Santiago de Compostela. Its location is part of the broader route of the Via Podiensis, which passes through Durfort-Lacapelette on the stretch between Lauzerte and Auvillar. Visitors interested in church architecture will find clear architectural details at Saint-Martin: the building is made of stone and brick and has a five-sided choir, a triangular gable and a bell gable with a single opening.
At Saint-Hilaire, architectural styles are connected with a longer history. The church is mentioned in 1214 and 1240 in a bull of Pope Gregory IX among the possessions of the Abbey of Moissac. Its reconstruction is cautiously dated to the last quarter of the 15th century; it was altered in the 19th century. The building has a flat-ended choir with a prismatic rib vault. The ribs rest on corbels decorated with monograms of Jesus and Mary.
The parish church of Saint-Sulpice in Saint-Simplice is also associated with several dates. It was rebuilt in the 17th century and partially reconstructed between 1895 and 1898. Its western door bears the date 1770. This date refers to the door; the later dates indicate the partial reconstruction.
Comparing the Two Circular Walks
The Durfort-Lacapelette–Le Bois de Cahors circular walk starts in Durfort-Lacapelette, is 11 kilometres long and takes 2 hours 30 minutes. It follows part of the Way of St James to Santiago de Compostela. The Du Moussou à Las Tours circular walk starts at Durfort-Lacapelette town hall. It is 10 kilometres long and takes 3 hours. This makes it one kilometre shorter, but 30 minutes longer. Both sets of figures are useful for planning your day: here, the shorter route does not also mean a shorter walking time. Route details may be revised, so check the current route to Le Bois de Cahors before setting out.
Chasselas, Orchards and Processing
The Du Moussou Ă Las Tours circular walk passes through hilly countryside, Chasselas vineyards and orchards. On this route, it is possible to visit a Chasselas producer by appointment. The visit therefore requires prior arrangements; the opportunity concerns a producer and not a specifically identified farm.
Bio des Coteaux operates an on-farm processing workshop in Durfort-Lacapelette for fruit, flowers, aromatic plants and vegetables. Its range therefore extends beyond fruit to include other plant-based produce. Visits to Bio des Coteaux are possible by telephone appointment only. Bear this requirement in mind when planning if you are considering a visit.
Discover more destinations: Garganvillar, Lavaurette, Bruniquel, Castelsagrat, Montech, Montfermier, Saint-Urcisse, Saint-Paul-DĘĽespis.
See the broader travel guide: Tarn-Et-Garonne.
