Discover the Area

Beautiful villages, Chateaux, the River Dronne, beaches, markets, cafes, the medieval city of Perigueux, and so much more…

When you stay at Le Pommier Gites, apart from relaxing and enjoying yourselves, you may want to discover some of the things our area has to offer.

We’re on the outskirts of Riberac so a short drive takes you to the supermarkets, cafes, restaurants and shops, and a great market on Fridays. Riberac is on the river Dronne, so you can also hire Kayaks.

Our nearest city is Perigueux, with a medieval centre, and a stunning cathedral.

Bourdeilles has a chateau, and is on the way to Brantome, which has an abbey. Both are on the river, and are very picturesque.

There are beaches for swimming at Etang de Jemaye, St Aulaye, Aubeterre, and Lisle, which are great for the children.

Kayaking is available from several sites.

Suggestions for days out include Bergerac, Saint Emilion Bordeaux, Angouleme, and Sarlat.

Linda and Alex James

Riberac

Riberac is only a 5 – 10 minute drive from us, or you could cycle or walk (about 40 minutes with great views).

It is best known for the large and lively market held every Friday morning. On Tuesday evenings in the summer there’s live music in the square. Wander the town to discover some splendid buildings, small shops, restaurants, and a swimming pool.

Brantome

Known as the Venice of the Perigord, Brantome has a stunning riverside setting dominated by the beautiful abbey.

There are shops and restaurants, and a great ice-cream place in the caves just along from the abbey. You can do a boat trip, or pick up canoes here, and we like to picnic on the riverbank.

Grand Etang de La Jemaye

Grand Etang de la Jemaye, and the beaches on the River Dronne are favourites with the children in the summer.

The lake, a normally peaceful location comes alive with a beach, swimming (with life guards on site), playground, beach bar and picnic areas. Go early in your holiday as the kids will probably beg you to take them again! Outside the school holidays it’s a great place for walking.

Bourdeilles

A pretty riverside village with more than one chateau. It’s also on the way to Brantome.

At the top of the village there are views back along the river towards the chateau.

Chateau de Bourdeilles – built on a rocky outcropt, this chateau combines a 13th century medieval fortress with tower, and a renaissance building housing a rich collection of furniture.

Perigueux

Perigueux is the capital of the Perigord, a city with a stunning cathedral and a medieval heart. Get lost (we still do!) in the maze of medieval streets opening out into squares filled with restaurant tables, and don’t even try to resist the chocolate shops! There are lots of events – the Mime festival at the end of July, Nuits Gourmands in August, and Vintage Days in September.

Saint-Jean-de-Cole

Another Plus Beaux Village de France, Saint-Jean-de-Cole is a bit further past Brantome.

It’s an exceptionally pretty village with a privately owned chateau and 12th century Romanesque church facing onto a square.

Walk towards the river, past flowery streets, until you reached the setting of a cobbled medieval bridge. It’s absolutely charming!

Saint Emilion

Grand Etang de la Jemaye, and the river beaches at Aubeterre and St. Aulaye are favourites with the children in the summer. The lake, a normally peaceful location comes alive with a beach, swimming (with life guards on site), playground, beach bar and picnic areas. Go early in your holiday as the kids will probably beg you to take them again! Outside the school holidays it’s a great place for walking.

Bergerac