Daurat

Daurat is a small commune situated in the Corrèze department of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in central France. Covering an area of approximately 14.67 square kilometres, the municipality lies within the Massif Central foothills, characterised by gently rolling hills and mixed forest and pasture land. The elevation varies from 472 metres to 902 metres above sea level, and the terrain contributes to a mild climate typical of the submediterranean zone.

Historically, Daurat has roots that can be traced back to the early Middle Ages. The name is attested in medieval charters where it appears as “Dauret” or “Daurec,” likely derived from a Gallo-Roman property owner. Over the centuries, the village developed around a central church built in the 12th century, which remains a landmark of Romanesque architecture. In the modern era, the local economy has been primarily based on agriculture, forestry, and small-scale artisanal production, with a notable emphasis on cattle raising and dairy manufacturing.

The commune’s population has experienced fluctuations, with a modest increase in recent decades as part of a broader trend of rural revitalisation in France. Contemporary Daurat is administratively part of the arrondissement of Tulle and the canton of Seilhac-Monédières, and it participates in intercommunal cooperation through the Communauté d'agglomération Tulle Agglo.

In addition to its place name, Daurat is a French surname borne by several notable individuals, including the 19th‑century French painter Charles Daurat and the contemporary French film director Stéphane Daurat. The name is occasionally associated with the field of archaeology, most notably the French scholar Jean-Louis Daurat, who contributed to early studies of the Bordeaux region. Overall, Daurat exemplifies the small, historically rich communities that dot the French countryside.