Commanderie d'Arveyres

The Commanderie d'Arveyres is a medieval commandry located on a promontory overlooking a bend in the Dordogne River, approximately 5 kilometers from Libourne. The 4-hectare site contains the remains of fortified buildings, wine cellars, and a modern residence.

The commandry was founded in 1153 as a Templar establishment and passed to the Knights Hospitaller in 1318. It maintained authority over local justice and territory until the French Revolution ended its power.

The commandry served as a vital stopping point for pilgrims journeying to Santiago de Compostela, making it a center of spiritual exchange and community life. The site reflects how religious orders shaped the movement of people across medieval Europe.

Wear sturdy shoes when exploring the uneven terrain, which can become slippery after rain. Local volunteers regularly organize heritage events that offer insight into the site's history and ongoing restoration efforts.

A medieval garden shaped like a Maltese Cross was created in 2017 to display historical medicinal and vegetable plants. The garden reveals which plants the former residents cultivated and used in their daily life.

Location: Arveyres

GPS coordinates: 44.88720,-0.29394

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:24