Riberac
Have a wander around to discover a variety of small shops, café/bars and restaurants. On Fridays throughout the year, Riberac hosts the biggest market in the area. The Office de Tourisme has plenty of local information. www.riberac-tourisme.com
Brantome
One of the most visited towns in the area thanks to its gorgeous good looks. A stunning abbey, a riverside setting that looks like a painting come to life and a pretty town that’s perfect for wandering and sitting at a cafe watching the world go by. The Abbey’s Church belfry, built into the rock, is said to be the oldest in France dating to the 11th century.
Tip: Behind the Abbey are caves which go back to the 8th century and one of them contains a depiction of the “Last Judgement” from the 15th century – well worth a look.
Read more about Brantome
Aubeterre sur Dronne
A beautiful village with a spectacular monolithic church carved out of the rock. Do the tour because you can only appreciate it from the inside. The village is arranged around a lovely square with shops and restaurants but do explore the roads around the square to discover the second church and other businesses. At the bottom of the hill there is a sandy beach and river swimming.
Verteillac
A village with cafes and restaurants, but if you’re here on the first Sunday of the month there is a large Brocante (antique) market.
Perigueux
A city with a maze of medieval lanes lined with shops opening into squares with restaurants. The cathedral is stunning (walk down to the river for the best view) and is illuminated after dark.
