Dunes, a 13th-Century Bastide
Dunes is built around the former central market hall. Discover the old weavers’ quarter, the Martyrs Square, and the half-timbered houses.
With its square lined with arcades and half-timbered houses from the 16th century, its church from the 14th-15th centuries, its restored baroque wooden altarpiece and its 11th century tower converted by the Templars into an agricultural commandery, the bastide of Dunes has preserved its character and is full of charm.
Dunes is also a martyr village. On June 23rd, 1944, a unit from the SS Das Reich division murdered 11 villagers, one by one, hanging from the balcony of the Post Office. Three others were killed while trying to escape. This tragic event deeply affected the collective memory of the village and the square was renamed Martyrs’ Square.
In the town hall foyer, explore the history of the hanged men and the archaeological collection resulting from the excavations of the Templar Tower (Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 12:30 pm, and Wednesday from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm). Leaflet available at the Town Hall reception.
Tel: +33 (0)5 63 39 90 51
