Belvès facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Belvès
|
||
|---|---|---|
|
Part of Pays-de-Belvès
|
||
 |
||
|
||
 Belvès
Location in France
Belvès
Location in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
|
||
| Country | France | |
| Region | Nouvelle-Aquitaine | |
| Department | Dordogne | |
| Arrondissement | Sarlat-la-Canéda | |
| Canton | Vallée Dordogne | |
| Commune | Pays-de-Belvès | |
| Area
1
|
23.66 km2 (9.14 sq mi) | |
| Population
(2019)
|
1,237 | |
| • Density | 52.28/km2 (135.41/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) | |
| Postal code |
24170
|
|
| Elevation | 82–288 m (269–945 ft) (avg. 190 m or 620 ft) |
|
| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | ||
.svg)
Belvès (pronounced "bell-VES") is a charming former commune in southwestern France. It's located in the Dordogne department, which is like a county or region in France. On January 1, 2016, Belvès joined with other nearby areas to form a new, larger commune called Pays-de-Belvès.
This lovely place is known for being one of the "prettiest towns in France." Imagine a town with beautiful old buildings and a peaceful atmosphere! The closest big city to Belvès is Bordeaux, which is famous for its history and wine.
Contents
Discovering Belvès: A French Gem
Belvès is a special place that has kept its old-world charm. It's often called one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France," which means "Most Beautiful Villages of France." This title is given to small towns that have amazing historical buildings, beautiful scenery, and a unique character.
What is a Commune?
In France, a commune is the smallest unit of local government. Think of it like a town or a small city. Each commune has its own mayor and local council that manage things like schools, roads, and local services. Belvès used to be its own commune, but now it's part of a bigger one called Pays-de-Belvès. This helps different small towns work together.
Life in the Dordogne Department
Belvès is located in the Dordogne department. A department in France is similar to a state or a large county. The Dordogne is known for its beautiful countryside, ancient caves, and delicious food. It's a popular place for tourists who want to explore French history and nature.
Exploring the Landscape
The area around Belvès is quite varied. The town itself sits at an elevation of about 190 meters (around 623 feet) above sea level. However, the land around it can go as low as 82 meters (269 feet) and as high as 288 meters (945 feet). This means you might find rolling hills and valleys, perfect for exploring or just enjoying the view. The total area of the former commune was about 23.66 square kilometers (about 9.13 square miles).
People of Belvès
The number of people living in Belvès has changed over the years. Understanding population changes can tell us a lot about a town's history and how it has grown or shrunk.
Population Changes Over Time
Here's a look at how many people have lived in Belvès at different times:
- 1864: 2,504 people
- 1962: 1,680 people
- 1968: 1,714 people
- 1975: 1,623 people
- 1982: 1,581 people
- 1990: 1,553 people
- 1999: 1,428 people
- 2008: 1,457 people
- 2018: 1,300 people
As you can see, the population was higher in the past and has slowly decreased over time. This is a common trend in many smaller towns as people sometimes move to bigger cities for work or other opportunities. In 2019, the population was recorded as 1,237 people.
Famous Faces from Belvès
Sometimes, people who grow up in small towns go on to do amazing things. Belvès is no exception!
Jacques Rispal: A French Actor
One notable person from Belvès was Jacques Rispal. He was born on August 1, 1923, and passed away on February 9, 1986. Jacques Rispal was a French film actor who appeared in many movies during his career. He acted in about 100 films between 1952 and 1986, which is a lot of movies! He was a familiar face in French cinema for many years.
See also
In Spanish: Belvès para niños
