The locality

The surrounding areas around Riberac are steeped in history dating back to around 300AD. The countryside in the area comprises mainly of farming, mostly sunflowers, maize, grapes and tobacco. There are many wooded areas supplying timber. The landscape is gently rolling, with high points giving breathtaking views. Nearby are many lakes including the Great Lake Jemaye popular for swimming, it has white sandy beaches, and special designated safe area for youngsters paddling, with a permanent team of life savers on duty during the summer season. There are two small restaurants on the front, and a large adventure play area for children, also tables and benches for picnics. There is a marked path for walking around the lake. Pedal boats and canoeing is a popular pastime.

Many of the local villages date back to Roman times, with many having splendid Roman churches. Aubeterre has one of the most famous Monolithic churches in France. At Bouteilles there is a chateaux and castle, housing some fine furniture and tapestries, in nearby Brantôme a famous monastery dominates the town, the town is on an island with bridges crossing the river Dronne. Here you can leisurely take a boat trip up the river, or dine out in some fine restaurants, or stroll around the park which holds many attractions throughout the summer months, e.g. antique fairs, country fairs, mule sales, plant and flower fairs etc.

Further a field there are two famous prehistoric caves, with 17,000BC paintings, and the famous cliff hugging medieval towns of Beynac and Domme with stunning views over the river Dordogne. La Roque-Gageac is also in this area here one can indulge in a sailing boat trip up the river Dordogne. Perigueux is the capital of the region, with two large bustling markets each week and an extraordinary church of many towers. In the direction of Bordeaux, is the famous town of St Emilion, a great wine growing area, visits can be made to the vineyards and wine tasting. There is a small train that carries you through the vineyards. Then there are numerous famous gardens to visit, chateaux, castles, boat trips on the three major rivers of the Dordogne, L'isle, Dronne and Dordogne.

This area also has many good museums.