THINGS TO DO IN RIBERAC: A SHORT GUIDE.
I’ve visited Ribérac many times whilst staying with family in the area. It feels like the definition of a French country town, with a pace of life that makes you want to slow down instantly.
Despite coming back over the years, I’m still always buzzing to explore the Friday market. Shoppers jostle with baskets slung over their arms, while the stalls brim with colourful chaos: stacks of straw hats, bright ceramics, and luxury soaps. The food section is irresistible – ripe melons, plump tomatoes, foie gras, and local sausages all competing for your attention.
Ribérac is a hub for the surrounding villages, and the Friday market is as much a social event as it is a place to shop. Conversations spill across stalls, neighbours linger over a glass of wine, and the whole town feels alive.
Often called the gateway to the Dordogne, Ribérac offers an easy-going slice of rural France that’s well worth a stop, whether you’re passing through or staying nearby.
Where is Riberac?
Riberac sits in the north-west corner of the Dordogne department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, around 45km (28 miles) south-west of Périgueux and 100km (62 miles) east of Bordeaux. Its location makes it an excellent base for exploring both the Dordogne and the neighbouring Charente.
Is Riberac worth visiting + why?
If you’re looking for an authentic working town with a brilliant market, Ribérac is an excellent choice. It isn’t polished for tourists in the way that some Dordogne villages are, which makes it feel more real. You’ll find friendly cafés, a few artisan shops, and enough sights to fill a day, but the joy here lies more in soaking up the atmosphere than ticking off a long list of attractions.
Ribérac is lively year-round, but the market is at its most colourful in summer when the stalls are piled high with peaches, melons, and fragrant tomatoes. Do note, market day in August can be particularly busy – park on the outskirts and arrive early if you want to beat the crowds.
Things to do in Riberac
There’s more to Riberac than its famous market, although that alone is worth the trip. Here are some of the best things to do:
1/ Visit the Friday market in Riberac
The Riberac market is one of the largest in the Dordogne and takes place every Friday morning. It’s a proper working market – part social gathering, part weekly shop – and attracts locals from miles around.
In summer, you’ll also find artisan stalls selling soaps, honey, wine, and handmade clothes alongside the seasonal produce.
Arrive early if you can; it’s easier to park and to get the best buys.
2/ Explore the town’s churches
Ribérac’s main church, Église Notre-Dame, dominates the centre with its pale stone façade and bell tower. Step inside for vaulted ceilings and a peaceful, light-filled nave. Beyond the centre, you’ll find smaller chapels that hint at the town’s medieval past.
3/ Go swimming or canoeing nearby
While Riberac itself doesn’t have a beach like some towns in the Charente, you can reach the river Dronne within minutes. Head to the leisure lake at La Jemaye, a short drive away, for a sandy beach, swimming, and shaded picnic spots.
In summer, you can also hire canoes for gentle paddles along the river.
4/ Cycle the countryside
The rolling countryside around Ribérac is ideal for cycling, particularly in spring and autumn. Expect undulating hills, sunflower fields, and quiet country roads. Ask your gite hosts about hiring bikes.
5/ Visit some of Riberac’s stores
You won’t find endless boutiques, but Ribérac does have a scattering of interesting shops. Cellier d’Aquitaine is a popular wine merchant and you can also enjoy a glass of wine there. Elsewhere, there are boutique clothing stores and interior stores.
6/ Take yourself on a mini-walking tour
The best way to explore Ribérac is on foot. Start in the central square, the beating heart of the Friday market and the best place for people-watching with a coffee. From there, wander through medieval lanes and cobbled alleys, where you’ll stumble across quiet courtyards and tucked-away corners.
7/ Slow down with coffee or lunch
For a quick coffee or glass of rosé, pull up a chair at one of the market cafés around the square. On Fridays, the atmosphere is lively and perfect for people-watching. For something more substantial, try L’Univers des Amis, a well-regarded local restaurant serving traditional French dishes with a modern touch.
8/ Visit nearby villages, towns and cities
Ribérac makes a great base for exploring the Dordogne and beyond. Head to:
- Verteillac – a charming nearby village with its own smaller market.
- Aubeterre-sur-Dronne – officially one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages, with a remarkable underground church.
- Périgueux – the Dordogne’s capital, with Roman ruins, excellent markets, and the striking Saint-Front Cathedral.
- Brantôme – nicknamed the Venice of the Périgord, with riverside walks and a lovely abbey.
Where to stay in Riberac
You won’t find big hotels here, accommodation is mostly in gîtes, chambres d’hôtes, and small campsites.
Within Riberac town, consider Repos à Ribérac B&B, a well-rated option in an historic building.
Out of town, you’ll find gites with a little more outdoor space. Consider the stunning Moulin de Larcy, or Domaine de Puyrousse.
For camping, Camping de La Dronne is just outside of the centre of town. An idyllic location close to a river with a great blend of the rural and practical.
Where else in France?
You can find more travel guides for France below.
- How to spend one day in Issigeac
- Lille
- Aubeterre Sur Dronne
- Visiting Food Markets in France: A guide for the best ones
- How to spend one day in Périgueux
- Things to do in Riberac
- Things to do in Verteillac
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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