The Castrum of Belvès – Walking Through a Fortified Past

Perched atop a rocky spur overlooking the Nauze Valley, the castrum of Belvès is the fortified heart of this medieval village. Its narrow lanes, ancient walls, and surviving towers reflect a landscape shaped for defence, governance, and community life—dating back nearly a thousand years.

A Fortress Village Since the 11th Century

Belvès began its story as a true castrum—the Latin term for a fortified settlement—around 1095, during the construction of the nearby Abbey of Fongauffier . The imposing Tour de l’Auditoire, a stone keep that still stands today, was the central stronghold and defensive tower for these early fortifications.

Seven Co-Lords, One Village

Local tradition holds that Belvès was once ruled by seven co-seigneurs, including one named Aymoin (or Aymon) . In the 13th century, power shifted to the archbishops of Bordeaux, cemented through purchases and donations between 1250 and 1307, leading to an episcopal residence in the village .

Fortified Walls and Ancient Gates

Belvès was once fully encircled by stone ramparts. Traces remain today—particularly near the old hospital gardens and behind houses—and some original gateways survive. The main western gate with its drawbridge, and a second east gate known as the Porte Malbec or Porte de la Halle (demolished in 1774), serve as reminders of its defensive past .

The Tower That Became a Dovecote

The Tour de l’Auditoire isn’t just a watchtower—it also became the village dovecote in the 16th century, a sign of adaptation from war to rural life . Its dual role encapsulates the story of Belvès: a place built for defence, later reshaped for community.

Narrow Lanes, Built for Defence

The tight alleyways—like rue Rubigan and rue des Fillols—aren’t random. Their narrow width slowed down attackers and prevented fires from spreading easily . The steep terraces beneath house walls once formed part of a defensive platform.

A Direct Gate into History

One of the few remaining original entrances into the castrum sits next to Place d’Armes, leading into rue Rubigan. It’s a physical link to medieval life—inviting you to walk the same streets people have used for centuries .

The Rise and Fall of English Garrison

During the Hundred Years’ War, Belvès changed hands repeatedly. In 1369, villagers expelled an English garrison and joined a revolt that saw them reclaim the town with help from Louis d’Anjou . The fortress would face another English siege in 1412–1429, before returning to French rule by 1451 .

Survival and Renewal After War

The war left Belvès nearly abandoned—half its houses were in ruins by 1462, and much of the population had fled . But peace returned swiftly. The castrum's walls were rebuilt, markets revived, and by the close of the 15th century, community life had been restored.

Resistance, Round‑Ups & Maquis

Belvès was as much a centre of resistance during World War II as it had been a site of medieval defiance. The first Nazi roundups of Jews in Dordogne took place in the Perigeux region on 26 August 1942, followed by the rise of local Maquis groups in the nearby Bessède forest .

A Guided Walk Through Time

Today, local guided tours take you through the castrum on Thursdays (11:45 am & 3:45 pm), starting at the tourist office in 1, rue des Filhols.

Tours cover:

The line of medieval walls

The Tour de l’Auditoire

Medieval alleyways and house façades

Stories of ruling seigneurs, wartime resistance, and village life .

Group and combined tickets with the troglodyte caves are also available.

Walk and Explore:

Here’s a suggested route to follow:

Step What to See

1 Start at Place d’Armes beneath the Market Hall

2 Enter rue Rubigan through the original gate (face downwards and the arched entrance is in the left hand corner)

3 Walk along rue des Fillols, spotting defensive terraces

4 Pass the Tour de l’Auditoire, once a keep and dovecote

5 Look for remnants of ramparts near hospital gardens

6 Cross to rue Jacques Manchotte and explore period homes

7 Finish with the panoramic terrace near the old presbytery

Facts from the Castrum Walk – Belvès Through the Centuries

1.The castrum path follows the very ridge lines that were part of Belvès’ original medieval fortifications, dating back to the 11th–13th centuries. As you walk, you’re tracing the routes of guards, villagers, and nobles who once patrolled this hilltop stronghold.

2. A castrum wasn’t just a castle—it was a fortified mini-village, usually reserved for a few key families or religious institutions. In Belvès, the castrum held houses, a chapel, and small alleyways, all behind protective walls.

3. Look for the Arched Passageways. Some doorways along the walk are built with ogival (pointed) arches—a style that became popular in the 13th century. These details tell you exactly which homes were once part of the noble or clerical class.

4. Many of the houses in the castrum still bear medieval mason’s marks—tiny engraved symbols that identified which stonecutter worked on which blocks. Look closely near corners and window surrounds.

5. The ‘Hidden Balcony’

Tucked behind one of the stone houses is a tiny terrace said to have offered a secret lookout over the valley during the Wars of Religion. Today it’s private, but the view it once gave—across the rooftops and towards the forests—was ideal for spotting movement far below.

Final Thought

The castrum of Belvès isn’t just an ancient fortress—it’s a place that has weathered war, rebirth, occupation, and liberation. Today, each stone, archway, and tower tells a layered story. To walk here is to walk through the lifeblood of a medieval village that continues to speak to us through its streets.