Fraisse, Chassaignes, near Riberac, France

A “soupçon” of the area

We are situated in the valley of the river Dronne between the two market towns of Riberac and Chalais and also on the fringe of the Forest of the Double which contrasts with the rolling spaciousness of the river valley. The Dronne valley is a very picturesque rural area, no heavy industry, but abounds with small towns and villages linked by lazy, traffic free roads, ideal cycling country. Restaurants are scattered liberally throughout the region.

Leisure Activities

There is a golf course within easy reach and a pulic course at Perigueux.
Bicycles can be hired at Riberac.
Swimming, although there is our own pool, there are safe public swimming beaches at Aubeterre and St. Aulaye and open air pools at Riberac and Brantôme.
There is horse riding at Aubeterre.
Canoeing is available at most of the towns along the river.
Water sports are available at Le Grand Étang de la Jemaye, a lake 20 minutes away
Fishing permits can be obtained from the bar at Bourg-du-Bost
Most of the villages, too numerous to mention, have historic churches and several have local museums featuring country life of a by-gone era.
The coast is about two hours away at Royan if you fancy some sea air.
The prehistoric sites along the Dordogne valley and the other feature towns and villages of the area are about 2½ hours away.
If you are feeling adventuresome there are balloon trips at La Roque Gageac, in the Dordogne valley.

Shopping Facilities

Riberac has branches of two of the national supermarket chains, Leclerc and Intermarché whilst Chalais has just the one, Intermarché.
French supermarkets do not open on Sundays.
However Aubeterre (10mins. away) has a farmers market on Sundays where greens, veg, fruit and cheese can be purchased and the local butcher and baker are open until mid-day.
Market day at Riberac is Friday and Chalais Mondays, both close at mid-day.
There is a baker at St. Antoine Cumond, 5 minutes by car, baking daily.
Chemists are located at Chalais and Riberac but also at Aubeterre and St. Severin

Places to visit

Aubeterre, just ten minutes away, is one of the show villages of France and fully justifies the label. There are many places of interest including a monolithic church which has many unique features and is a must see. Around the tree-lined square there are several restaurants. The puppet theatre is good fun for children of all ages.

Riberac, is the nearest market town, 15 minutes away, is very pleasant with cafes and restaurants bordering the main square. The Friday market is reputed to be the largest in the Dordogne.

Chalais

About 20 minutes away over the border in the Charente, Chalais features the nearest visitable château which dominates the town. The market here is on Mondays, closing at mid-day.

Périgueux (approx. 45 minutes)

The Départment town of the Dordogne is situated on the river Isle. The old quarter is full of boutiques for a spot of retail therapy and it goes without saying cafes and restaurants. There are Roman ruins and several museums. The cathedral of St. Front is very impressive, especially when viewed from the other side of the river. This was rebuilt in 1852 by the architect Abadie, who used the design as the basis for the more famous Sacré Coeur basilica in Paris. The church of St. Etienne de la Cité dating from the 12th century is also worthy of your time.

Angoulême (approx. 45 minutes)

The Départment or county town of the Charente is situated on the river of the same name. The old district is located on a hill overlooking the river with good views and features the 12th century cathedral of St. Pierre. There are several museums, one Le Nil, is devoted to the history of paper and paper-making.

Bergerac (approx. 1 hour)

Though everybody has heard of Cyrano the hero of Edmond Rostand’s play was inspired by the 17th century philosopher Cyrano de Bergerac whose name had nothing to do with the town. Bergerac is the tobacco capital of France as well as being the centre for the Bergerac “brand” of very drinkable wines. The old town is very interesting with the riverside port originating from the time Bergerac was a link between the coast and the interior regions of the Auvergne and Limousin.

St. Emilion (approx. 1 hour)

Very picturesque, giving it’s name to one of the most famous of the French wine areas. Naturally the main focus is on the wine trade and tours of the chateaux and wine tasting can be arranged at the local tourist office. There is also another église monolithique to compare with the one at Aubeterre.

Cognac (approx. 1½ hours)

Situated on the river Charente and owing its name to a prominent Roman, Cognac is a historic town which evolved and gave its name to one of the world’s most famous eau-de-vie. Tours of the distilleries, where you can enter into the spirit of things, can be arranged at the local tourist office. Boat trips can be taken upstream to Angoulême.

Towns / Villages in the Dronne valley

La Roche-Chalais, Saint-Aulaye, Aubeterre, Riberac, Tocane Saint. Apre, Bordeilles, Brantôme

Other visit worthy villages close by

St. Privat des Prés, Petit Bersac, Siorac de Riberac

Bordeaux - needs a book to itself and the towns along the river Isle are full of interesting features.