Ribérac is a village in Dordogne, in the region of New Aquitaine, about thirty kilometers west of Périgueux, on the borders of the department of Charente.
The town, which has nearly 4,300 inhabitants, is renowned as the "capital" of the Périgord Vert, bordered by the forest, in the green valley of the Dronne.
Already inhabited during the Bronze Age and then in Roman times, the site of Ribérac is exposed during the Norman invasions: fortifications are erected and then a priory is founded in the ninth century. At the beginning of the 11th century, a castle was erected, which over the centuries was the possession of various seigneuries (Turenne, Talleyrand, Bergerac...). Strongly damaged after the wars of Religion, it ended up being destroyed in the nineteenth century.
Meanwhile, the city has grown into a commercial and administrative town where even a few small industrial units were established in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Today, the city has an interesting architectural heritage due, in particular, to its former sub-prefecture status, in the heart of a preserved natural environment which makes it an attractive place to stay, not to mention its gastronomic richness...
A visit to the city begins with the Collegiate Church of Our Lady, erected in the 12th century. First chapel of the castle, it became collegiate at the beginning of the XVIth century but it is burned by the Huguenots during the wars of Religion. The walls of the apse and the base of the bell tower resist the sinister, and the reworked building is considered church of the parish, from the Revolution until 1935. One can still admire its paneled ceiling decorated with paintings of the nineteenth century and The painted cupola that surmounts the choir. Restored, the collegiate hosts henceforth exhibitions of contemporary art and concerts. Free visits from March to October. Information and information on +33 5 53 90 03 10.
Still in the area of religious heritage, see also the church of Saint-Pierre-de-Faye (12th century), considered an exemplary testimony of Romanesque art, or parish church Notre-Dame-de-la- Paix (1935), which replaced the collegiate church which had become too small. It is a neo-Byzantine style and was constructed of reinforced concrete (a very innovative technique).
Finally, the stunning Saint-Martial church surmounted by a defensive "room" (12th) is also worth a detour.
Apart from the 14th century manor house of the 14th century and remodeled in the 19th century, the other remarkable buildings of the city are civil and were built in the 19th century: the Palais de Justice, the former theater, the town hall) And private mansions attest to the prosperity of the time.
All information for guided tours on the heritage of the city on +33 5 53 90 03 10.
The outdoor swimming pool is open from mid-June to mid-September for sports and recreation. It is equipped with a swimming pool and play facilities. For further information, please call +33 5 53 91 58 58.
To practice canoeing and kayaking on the river, the starting point is located near the camping of Ribérac. Information and reservation on +33 6 77 30 89 63.
Ribérac and its region are also suitable for many walks on marked or managed trails, which allow to appreciate the formidable natural and environmental patrimony of the Dronne valley (zone protected by its biodiversity) and the neighboring forests. All information and brochures on hiking or cycling available on +33 5 53 90 03 10 and on horseback riding possibilities on +33 5 53 56 05 04.
In a different way, in addition to the exhibitions presented at the collegiate church, a visit is possible at the Atelier Contempora, rue Notre-Dame: exhibitions of sculptures, photos and paintings all year round, and painting courses. Information at +33 5 53 90 47 43.
In mid-May, the Floralies, in the park of the town hall, bring together horticulturists and craftsmen. On the program: exhibitions, animations, market.
In mid-July, the Fest'In Festival will take place over two days at the Beauvieres Park, with a diverse program of international artists (rock, reggae) to French and electronic artists.
But Ribérac has also built its notoriety on the wealth of its markets. Every Friday morning, more than 200 non-sedentary traders (half of them food producers) come together for what is one of the most important markets in the region.
In addition to this appointment, from April to October, on Tuesday morning the Place de la Liberté, local craftsmen and farmers offer a market of producers.
From the beginning of December to the end of February, on Friday morning, Ribérac also hosts a truffle market, in the pure tradition of Périgord. In November there was a nut market.
Finally, the market to the fat, true showcase of the gourmet terroir of the region. Every Friday from November to February are offered geese and ducks (whole or foie gras, confits etc.). Numerous animations and tastings accompany this appointment appreciated by a large public. Information at +33 5 53 92 47 50.
