The former Château de Durfort is partly protected as a historic monument. The seigneurial tower, as well as the façades and roofs of the north wing, were granted protected status on 1 September 2008. The former Château de Durfort and its donjon date from a main construction phase in the 12th century and were probably built by the Bermond de Sauve family.
Those choosing Durfort-et-Saint-Martin-de-Sossenac as a destination can combine their stay with the desire to rent a holiday apartment.
Culture
Durfort is classified as a “Circulade Languedocienne de l’an mille” and is arranged around its donjon. The Temple of Durfort has two superimposed rows of galleries and was rebuilt in 1821. The village church of Saint Thomas was built in 1687. The former parish church of Saint-Martin was devastated in 1686 and set on fire by the Camisards.
The Mammouth de Durfort was found in 1869 during road construction work in Durfort. The tour devoted to the mammoth traces the animal’s history from its discovery in 1869 to the latest excavations in 2022. Au Tour d’Ulysse offers guided tours through lanes and to monuments, as well as participatory workshops on medieval construction techniques and historical pottery.
The lead-silver and zinc deposits of Durfort belong to the mining complex of the Pallières mines and have been exploited since at least the 13th century.
Paths and Activities
Durfort-et-Saint-Martin-de-Sossenac lies on the international hiking trail “Sur les Pas des Huguenots”, a Council of Europe cultural route focusing on the history of Huguenot refuge and exile. The cycle route “Le Tour du Piémont Cévenol” also passes through the village.
The themed trail “Jeux de vignes, je dis vin!” is a 7.8-kilometre circular route with yellow markings and information panels along the way. It runs through garrigue and the vineyards of the Duché d’Uzès and presents the local history of winegrowing, grape varieties and viticultural work.
The Haras de Durfort offers riding lessons and trail rides for all ages and ability levels. The programme includes individual and group riding lessons, as well as rides lasting one hour or longer, depending on the rider’s ability level.
Landscape
Forest paths lead to the remains of former orchards and historic charcoal-burning sites.
Wine
The Cave Coopérative Les Coteaux Cevenols produces organic, Terra Vitis and conventional wines under the IGP Cévennes and AOP Duché d’Uzès designations and offers wine tastings.
More destination pages: Navacelles, Jonquières-Saint-Vincent, Fons-Sur-Lussan, Lasalle, Aigues-Vives, Saint-Dézéry, Le Cailar, Ners.
