Belvès.
Where history lives,
and life slows down.
Welcome to Belvès – One of France’s Most Beautiful Villages.
A Village with Seven Bell Towers and a Thousand Stories
Nestled on a hilltop in the heart of the Dordogne, Belvès is a medieval bastide village filled with charm, history, and everyday life. Whether you’re here to explore its cobbled streets, shop in the lively markets, enjoy local food and wine, or simply soak up the peaceful Périgord Noir countryside – you’ll find plenty to love.
This is your guide to Belvès. Discover where to eat, where to stay, what to see, and what not to miss – from hidden walking trails to summer festivals, artisan shops, and cosy cafés under the trees.
Take your time. Wander slowly. You’re in Belvès now.
Why choose Belvès for your next adventure?
If you’re dreaming of a holiday in the Dordogne, there’s one hilltop village that offers the perfect balance of charm, location and atmosphere: Belvès. Officially recognised as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, Belvès is a medieval gem nestled in the heart of the Périgord Noir — and it makes an ideal base for exploring the very best of the region.
Ideally Positioned at the Heart of the Dordogne
Belvès is superbly located within what many refer to as the golden triangle of châteaux, with quick and easy access to some of the region’s most iconic sights. From here, you're within a short drive of:
Monpazier, a beautifully preserved bastide town;
Saint-Cyprien, with its vibrant Sunday market;
La Roque-Gageac, a stunning village set between cliffs and the river;
And Sarlat-la-Canéda, the jewel of the Périgord, known for its winding streets, rich history, and gastronomy.
Whether you’re after fairy-tale castles, prehistoric caves, river adventures, or lively markets, Belvès puts it all on your doorstep.
The Full Dordogne Experience – Right Here
A holiday in Belvès gives you access to everything that makes the Dordogne so special: canoeing on the river, visiting troglodyte dwellings, hiking through lush countryside, wine tasting, and discovering medieval architecture at every turn.
When you've had your fill of sightseeing, come back to Belvès and unwind. This small village is full of life, especially in the summer. Enjoy a drink on a sun-drenched terrace, choose from a growing number of cafés, bars, and restaurants, and soak in the local vibe.
Night Markets, Local Buzz, and Authentic Charm
Belvès comes alive during the weekly night market, when locals and visitors gather in the square to share food, laughter, and live music. It’s a joyful, authentic experience that captures the spirit of the Dordogne – and one of the best reasons to stay in the village rather than rushing off after a day trip.
More Reasons to Choose Belvès
Authenticity: It’s less touristy than some nearby towns, offering a more relaxed, lived-in charm.
Walkability: Stroll from the village centre to panoramic viewpoints, old churches, or for those who like a longer walk, even down to the river without needing to get in a car.
Friendly Community: Whether you’re staying a week or a month, you’ll quickly feel at home.
All-Year Appeal: Spring blossoms, golden autumns, and festive winter events mean Belvès has something to offer in every season.
So why choose Belvès for your next holiday?
Because here, you can truly have it all: adventure, history, food, tranquillity – and that special Dordogne magic that makes you want to come back again and again.
Wandering through Belvès
On this site, you’ll find suggestions for things to do, local tips, and stories from the past and present. Whether you’re here for a few hours or dreaming of something longer, www.pays-de-belves.com is here to guide you gently through the village and its surroundings.
Discover the Beauty Behind the Stones…
→ Explore things to do in or around Belvès
→ Find out where to Eat or Drink in Belvès
→ Be up to date with Events in Belvès
→ Meet the Artisans of Belvès-in progress
Steeped in History, Surrounded by Nature
Belvès is the kind of village you stumble upon and never quite forget. Seven bell towers rise above the tiled roofs, whispering stories from a thousand years ago, while cobbled streets curl like ribbons around secret courtyards and sandstone facades.
Here, history isn’t behind glass — it’s under your feet, in the troglodyte caves, beneath the old market hall, and in the cool hush of the chapels. Every turning corner seems to hold a story: of pilgrims, tradespeople, monks, musicians and everyday villagers whose lives left a trace in the very stone.
Step beyond the streets and you’re in the lush green folds of the Périgord Noir — a countryside of walnut groves, chestnut woods, and little paths that follow streams and wind between hills. You might find yourself picnicking near a chapel in the forest, watching deer dart across a trail, or walking past fields glowing gold in late afternoon light.
Whether you’re here to explore the past or breathe in the landscape, Belvès offers both — layered together, side by side. It’s a place to walk, to pause, to wonder. A place where nothing moves too fast — and everything feels just right.
