Sitting proud on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Nauze valley, this fortified town boasts seven bell towers and an 11th century keep that is still standing, despite numerous invasions and wars.
Belvès, Perigord Noir
East of Bergerac and south of Siorac-en-Perigord lies the town of Belvès
This town is well worth a detour for a few days.
It has a number of troglodyte caves which were used as rather austere homes from the 12th century onwards and were discovered by accident at the turn of the 20th century.
This charming medieval town has a lovely central square, Place d'Armes, which holds a market on Saturday mornings and is the focus for games of pétanque.
Its Eglise de Notre-Dame holds a number of concerts during the Festival Bach in August
Events in Belves
The Bach festival certainly stands out as one of the most popular events to be hosted in Belvès.
A night market hosted each Wednesday during the summer months is also very popular, due to their live music entertainment, festive atmosphere and great food.
Their weekly market is on a Saturday.
Events in Belves
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Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
History & Culture in Belves
High on the hilltop the old Roman fortress reflects the towns strategic importance and development from as early as the 11th century. This walled part of the town remains visible today along with the seven towers, bell tower and city gates.
After the marriage of Helen of Aquitaine to Henry Plantagenet the town came under English rule and the area was one of the major battlegrounds of the Hundred Years' War and the town suffered much damage.
It also suffered greatly through the Wars of Religion and for a time was held by the Protestants. With a fraught history full of battles between the French and the English it's amazing that so much remains intact.
In 1907, a warren of subterranean cave dwellings were discovered. These troglodyte houses were occupied between the 13th - 18th century, after which they were blocked up and forgotten. They were discovered by accident as the wheel of a cart that was crossing the central Place d'Armes broke through the roof of one. There are currently eight houses that have been excavated and are open to visitors.
The Castle of Belvès dates from the 16th century, whilst the imposing church Notre Lady of the Assumption and Our Lady of Montcuq was built in the 13th century and is a good example of an undecorative Gothic style.
Sights & Attractions in Belves
Plenty to see and do in this small bastide town. Apart from enjoying the pretty buildings, narrow streets and traditional market square that surrounds you, the views from the top of the town are stunning.
The Troglodyte Cave Dwellings are incredibly interesting and a great insight into life in the Middle Ages. The seven towers of course are well visited and are a great example of the heritage and architecture of the region.
Sights in Belves
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Chateau de Belves, Belves
Medieval castle perched high above the pretty town of Belves
Treat yourself to an intriguing discovery with this intimate and charming medieval castle. Walk in the garden and enjoy unforgettable views of the Nauze valley.
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Troglodyte Cave Dwellings, Belves
In the heart of the medieval village of Belves
Discover the daily life of peasants who inhabited these underground dwellings in the Middle Ages, between the 13th & 18th centuries.
Dining in Belves
Restaurants in Belves
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Eleonore Restaurant, Monpazier
'Haute cuisine' in an intimate, inviting location
Part of the successful Edward 1er Hotel, the restaurant has a lot to live up to. Welcoming and professional staff greet you into the small 28 seat dining room and you are sure to be delighted by the experience and attention to detail from start to finish.
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L'Auberge Medievale Restaurant, Audrix
A great discovery.
The young chef at this restaurant, David Beyney, produces creative French cuisine using local products. It is a real gem of a restaurant, located high in the Périgord village of Audrix. There is also a small attractive hotel attached.
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L'Esplanade Restaurant, Domme
Great truffle specialities
Perched on a cliff, the Hôtel l'Esplanade has a great setting with good rooms and more importantly, a fantastic restaurant.
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Ferme-Auberge de la Rhonie Restaurant, Saint-Cyprien
Traditional farm food
This traditional farm serves good quality Périgord dishes using locally-sourced ingredients from its own farm and those nearby. It also has a lovely gîte which sleeps up to five people.
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Le Moulin de la Beune Restaurant, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Food of the Perigord inside an old stone mill house
A bright restaurant with stone walls, old wooden beams, fireplace and inviting allure, offer up culinary delights from the region. A strong focus is on local local treats and seasonality.
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Hostellerie du Passeur Restaurant, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
The finest local food in the finest of locations
With a terrace set alongside the Vezerie river and within a hotel clad in Virginia Creeper and decorated with heart, warmth and style, the restaurant is hugely inviting.
Things to do in Belves
Things To Do in Belves
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Traditional Barge Boat Trip, Beynac-et-Cazenac
30 person boat trip with commentary
Passing under the limestones cliff of Beynac you will travel along the Dordogne valley to Marqueyssac and the hanging gardens, Chateau de Fayrac and Chateau de Castelnaud.
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Montgolfiere et Chateaux, Beynac-et-Cazenac
Hot air balloon flights above the beautiful Dordogne & Perigord
Shortly before sunset, or at dawn, following the preparation of the flight you can take off with Lionel, a professional balloonist and paraglider who has been working as a guide in Dordogne for more than 15 years.
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Perigord Dordogne Montgolfieres, Beynac-et-Cazenac
Discover the beautiful landscapes for the Dordogne from the air
Come fly over the Dordogne, Perigord, castles, manors, fortresses, the valleys of the Dordogne and Vézère, discover it in all its charm.
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Canoe Vacances, La Roque-Gageac
Canoe holidays on the river Dordogne
Enjoy a single or multi-day trip down the river Dordogne to town such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Montfort and Fayac.
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Canoes Rivieres Loisirs, Limeuil
Accessible to all, you can travel the region at your own pace
With family, in a group, with friends and at any age, you can explore at your own pace two of the most beautiful rivers of Périgord.
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Traditional Barge Boat Trip, La Roque-Gageac
48 person traditional boat trip with commentary
This traditional wooden barge will take you on a picturesque cruise down the river Dordogne from La Roque-Gageac to the Castelnaud bridge.
Watersports in Belves
Watersports in Belves
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Canoe Vacances, La Roque-Gageac
Canoe holidays on the river Dordogne
Enjoy a single or multi-day trip down the river Dordogne to town such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Montfort and Fayac.
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Canoes Rivieres Loisirs, Limeuil
Accessible to all, you can travel the region at your own pace
With family, in a group, with friends and at any age, you can explore at your own pace two of the most beautiful rivers of Périgord.
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Canoe Dordogne
Enjoy a gentle kayak down the river Dordogne from La Roque Gageac
Hire a canoe or kayak from this company and you can enjoy a gentle river cruise and the chance to explore the wonderful Dordogne river and its banks.
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CANOEric, Le Bugue
Canoeing and kayaking down the Vereze valley in the heart of the Dordogne
Easy canoeing for everybody. You can navigate with family or friends in peace. You’ll be given a solid equipment, stable canoes and buoyancy aids.
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Perigord Adventure & Loisirs Canoe, Beynac-et-Cazenac
Canoe hire on the Dordogne river through the beautiful Perigord
Enjoy a relaxing day close to nature as you canoe along the river and explore the waterways of this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
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Canoes Loisirs Watersports, Vitrac
Kayak & canoe rental on the Dordogne river south of Sarlat
Offering various routes along the Dordogne river to enjoy the sights of the Perigord Noir region. Discover hidden treasures during a relaxing journey down the river.
Holiday Rentals in Belves
Holiday Rentals in Belves
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La Cloche Villa, Prats-du-périgor
3 bedroom Villa in Dordogne. Sleeps 8
Surrounded by a patchwork of fields and forests in the picturesque Perigord Noir area, the charming village of Prats-du-Perigord, with its honey coloured stone buildings topped with pitched roofs of deep red tiles, is most typical of the region.
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La Croix Villa, Prats-du-Périgord
3 bedroom Villa in Prats-du-Périgord, South West France. Sleeps 8
This recently renovated semi-detached stone village house is a delightful addition to our collection of properties in the picturesque Dordogne region. Situated along one of the narrow lanes in the village of Prats-du-Périgord, La Croix is a restoration that blends the traditional with the contemporary to great effect.
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Le Mas Villa
5 bedroom villa in Dordogne. Sleeps 10
Renovated 16th century farmhouse in Dordogne.
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La Maison Fleurie Villa, Frayssinet-le-Gelat
2 bedroom Villa in Dordogne. Sleeps 4
The undulating countryside north of the River Lot is dotted with chestnut woods and stone villages. In a tiny hamlet, close to the border with the Dordogne (3km), sits La Maison Fleurie, a picturesque stone cottage, adorned with pots of colourful flowers.
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Lou Calvel Villa, Cazals
2 bedroom Villa in Cazals. Sleeps 5
A haven of tranquillity, Lou Calvel sits within private woodland in the picturesque Lot region of South West France where the densely forested landscape teems with a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Hedgerows of bluebells, posies and colourful orchids provide both walkers and keen photographers with much to admire while local market stalls always offer a wealth of freshly harvested, seasonal produce including asparagus, herbs and a wide variety of wild mushrooms.
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Pech Marty Villa, Monflanquin
3 bedroom Villa in Dordogne. Sleeps 6
A sparkling retreat which offers something for everyone, Pech Marty will delight all who stay there. Set in spacious grounds with views over the surrounding countryside towards the 'bastide' town of Monflanquin, this lovely stone building has been sympathetically restored to become a most relaxing and comfortable 'home from home'.
Hotels in Belves
Hotels in Belves
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Edward 1er Hotel, Mopazier
Classic château hotel in the bastide town of Monpazier
This splendid château in Monpazier has been built using the classic honey stone brick and slate roofing of the region. The hotel is excellently run, has an appreciated quiet location and tastefully decorated rooms.
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Le Chateau de Monrecour Hotel, Saint-Vincent-de-Cosse
15th Century rural Chateau
With a magnificent backdrop of the surrounding Dordogne hills, the Chateau with its big halls, stone fireplaces and chandeliers is the perfection location for weddings, events and seminars.
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La Belle Etoile Hotel, La Roque-Gageac
"One of the countries most beautiful villages" & a hotel with style to match
Situated perfectly in the beautiful old village of La Roque-Gageac, the hotel is bookmarked between a mighty rock face and meandering River Dordogne. The streets are laced with buildings made of stone, now synonymous with the region.
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Villa Marguerite B&B, Cadouin
Bourgeois house in Cadouin
Just 300m from the Cadouin Abbey and in the heart of the Pèrigord Noir, the Villa is in the ideal location to explore the surrounding area and region. Decorated with charming antique furniture, a tasteful touch and with exposed stone walls, the B&B is a place you cannot help but embrace.
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Manoir de la Malartrie, Vezac
19th century manor with fabulous views
Offering a magnificent view of one of the most beautiful villages in France, the 19th century Manoir de la Malartrie is beautifully decorated inside, using antique furnishings and sleek wooden finishes.
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Property For Sale in Belves
Property for Sale in Belves
See all Property for Sale in Belves-
Chateau Domme, Domme - Ref.MP112594
5 bedroom chateau for sale
The chateau is located in a calm area close to the shops, 45 minutes from Brive airport and 75 minutes for Bergerac airport.
Chateau Domme, Domme - Ref.MP112594
€967,200 -
Les Eyzies Property For Sale - REF 3380612, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Magnificent chartreuse north of Les Eyzies for sale
The property,dating from the 17th century, lies in a quiet, open valley, fed by a small stream.
Les Eyzies Property For Sale - REF 3380612, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
€3,500,000 -
Paunat House, Tremolat - Ref.2014
3 bedroom house for sale
Perigord authentic house with about 160m2 living space surrounded by a lovely garden and orchard of 1600m2.
Paunat House, Tremolat - Ref.2014
€249,000 -
Chateau For Sale, Sarlat-la-Caneda - Ref.13318
Manor for sale around Sarlat la Caneda
In a typical environment of the Dordogne, superb set of properties with a mansion with a living room of 68m2 and 6 rooms and a listed 3 bedrooms cottages and private pool, a second holiday 3 bedrooms, large heated pool, in a lovely over 1.8 hectares garden.
Chateau For Sale, Sarlat-la-Caneda - Ref.13318
€1,410,000 -
Stone House, Couze-et-Saint-Front - Ref.2713
2 bedroom stone house for sale
Typical stone house Perigord style dating from 1807 completely renovated.
Stone House, Couze-et-Saint-Front - Ref.2713
€171,200 -
Character Property, Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin - Ref.MP112684
4 bedroom house for sale
Located about 50 minutes away from Bergerac airport, this house has a living space of 265m2 and a garden of 6398m2 of land.
Character Property, Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin - Ref.MP112684
€465,000




































