Belvès: Discover the history of a medieval town

Belvès offers several different ways to explore the history of the town: you can visit the Castrum independently, arrange a guided tour of the Château, and discover Les Troglos as part of a guided tour. Other highlights include a Gothic church with uncovered wall paintings, a Saturday market and the Boucle de la Pierre route, which starts in the village. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, it helps to first sort out which themes and types of visits in Belvès interest you.

Belvès and its history

Belvès is perched on a rocky outcrop above the Nauze valley. The town’s historical sites range from the Castrum, Château and Troglos to Notre-Dame de l'Assomption. You can explore Belvès from different perspectives: on a walking tour, on a guided tour underground, or through its architecture and art. The different types of visits vary, giving you practical guidance when planning your stay.

Castrum and Château: two different ways to visit

The Castrum of Belvès dates back to the 11th century. It can be visited independently throughout the year; the tourist office provides a town map to help you find your way. The walking tour takes 50 minutes. This gives you both the recommended way to visit and a specific timeframe for this activity. Check the official access information again before your trip.

At the Château de Belvès, a different type of visit is the focus: guided tours are available by appointment for groups of at least four people. Plan your visit by arranging an appointment and taking the minimum group size into account. The Château also preserves the only monumental program on the theme of the Nine Worthies known to date in Aquitaine. This distinctive feature makes the imagery a clear art-historical highlight and sets it apart from the time-limited Castrum walking tour. You should also check the access information for the Château before your trip.

Underground dwellings and church art

Les Troglos de Belvès comprises eight underground dwellings beneath Place de la Halle in the medieval town center. The guided tour descends six meters underground and offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the peasants who lived at the site 800 years ago. Unlike the 50-minute walking tour of the Castrum, this visit focuses on a guided tour, the descent and life at the time. The two visits therefore differ both in format and in their historical subject matter.

Notre-Dame de l'Assomption adds architecture and wall paintings to the picture of Belvès. The Gothic church was built on the site of a former Benedictine monastery. Exceptional wall paintings from the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th centuries were uncovered during interior restoration work. The paintings therefore span several centuries, while the church’s former monastic site is part of its architectural history. Those interested in art and religious architecture will find two different aspects of the town’s history here.

Market, route and planning your stay

A market is held on Place d'Armes in Belvès on Saturday mornings. As market times may change, check the current schedule before you arrive. The Boucle de la Pierre route starts in the village of Belvès. For travel planning, these details offer different points of reference: the market takes place on a specific day and at a particular time of day, while the route has a specific starting point.

There are three types of visits to choose from when planning your time in Belvès: exploring the Castrum independently, arranging a guided tour of the Château, and taking a guided tour at Les Troglos. The time and location details also differ: the Castrum tour takes 50 minutes, the Troglos tour descends six meters underground, and the Château requires an appointment and a minimum group of four people. If you’re looking for a hotel in Belvès, you can organize your plans around these features and then apply your personal accommodation criteria. Before your trip, check the official access information for the Castrum and Château, as well as the current market schedule.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Front-La-Rivière, Montrem, Anlhiac, Champs-Romain, Les Lèches, Besse, Sainte-Trie, Le Lardin-Saint-Lazare

For the broader travel overview: Dordogne.