Arveyres brings together a Templar site, the Church of Notre-Dame and the Dordogne, giving your stay a clear focus on culture and the river. The Commandery is 300 metres from the town centre and overlooks the river; the church stands on a hill with views over almost the entire commune and the Dordogne Valley. If you are looking for a destination where heritage and river scenery play a part, these places provide a concrete point of reference.
Arveyres and the A89
The 505-kilometre A89 connects Bordeaux with Lyon via Clermont-Ferrand and runs through Arveyres for several kilometres. The Arveyres toll plaza is at Exit 10; almost the entire motorway is tolled. If you are travelling by car, you can use this information to plan your route. As toll rules can change, check them before setting off.
The Commandery: history and garden
The Commandery of Arveyres was part of a network of establishments on both sides of the Dordogne crossing, along the access routes to Spain. This historical context links the site to the river crossing and the routes to Spain. The grounds today include a four-hectare wooded natural area, the former fortified house, which was once a Templar building, and the remains of a wine cellar. The site thus brings together natural and architectural features alongside traces of its former wine cellar.
The medieval garden is laid out in four arms shaped like a Maltese cross. Its plants are presented according to the Capitulary of Villis from 812. The layout and plant selection give the garden two distinct characteristics: a clearly defined geometric design and a connection to a historical text. Visitors interested in historical garden design will find a specific point of interest here.
Notre-Dame and views over the valley
The Church of Notre-Dame replaced the earlier church in 1842. It stands on a hill and overlooks almost the entire commune as well as the Dordogne Valley; Libourne is also visible from there. This gives the church a distinct place alongside the history of the Commandery: here, a specific date in the area’s history goes hand in hand with views over the commune and valley.
The two sites can also be considered in terms of their different highlights. At the Commandery, the focus is on its historical connection to the Dordogne crossing, the former fortified house and the garden. Notre-Dame adds the replacement of the earlier church in 1842 and views of the surrounding landscape.
The Dordogne: access points and natural environment
The Dordogne can be accessed at two points in Arveyres: Port d’Arveyres and Port Laroque. Port du Noyer is also relevant for finding your way around: this area is part of Arveyres and lies opposite Libourne. The Jeanne d’Albret pontoon was built with an accessibility ramp, a paved area furnished with benches, and parking spaces that are freely and free of charge accessible. Check local conditions before visiting.
The Dordogne is tidal in Arveyres as far as Castillon-la-Bataille. The tidal range is about 4.50 metres; the tides, which occur twice a day, contribute to diverse and species-rich river ecosystems. Fish in this stretch include pike, zander and perch, as well as white fish such as carp, bream, bleak, glass eels and roach. Migratory species include eel, lamprey and allis shad. Both the tides and the variety of species listed shape the natural character of the Dordogne in Arveyres.
Discover more destinations
Aubie-Et-Espessas, Cantenac, Lignan-De-Bordeaux, Saint-Étienne-De-Lisse, Le Temple, Saint-Christoly-Médoc, Pompignac, Lussac
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