
In the 12th century, the town was called Luce, Lucia, the name of a Roman villa. She took the name Sainte-Maxime in the 13th century, Saint Maxime de Beaufort in 1738 and eventually Beaufort-sur-Duron.The municipality's economy depends on tourism and agriculture. It is known for its "Beaufort" cheese and is also a small ski resort.

