Maison Regence

In the Dordogne department of south-western France, just a 45-minute drive from the region’s capital, Périgueux (38km), Maison Regence can be found in the heart of Riberac facing the bustling main square which hosts a wonderful market on a Friday morning.

Riberac is a traditional Dordogne market town with characterful houses, picturesque cafes and useful shops, just south of the Dronne River where you will find canoeing and kayaking opportunities in the summer months. From your house, just stroll around the corner to reach your nearest boulangerie for your morning pastries and fresh bread whilst one of the town’s most atmospheric cafes is just the other side of the main square with its tables beneath the shady trees. You can buy groceries at local shops within walking distance or drive under 2km to one of the larger supermarkets on the edge of the town.  

It's an attractive town to wander around with its handsome houses, little art galleries, the impressive Collégiale Ribérac and the pretty townhall. There is a good choice of restaurants and the town is especially famous for its Friday morning market, known to be one of the best in the Périgord, selling all sorts of seasonal fruit, vegetables, cheeses, meat, charcuterie, honey, local wine, baskets and so much more.

Within a short drive there are superb forest hikes through the ancient Forêt de la Double as well as Le Grand Étang de La Jemaye (15km) with its playground, nature walks, fitness trails and picnic areas alongside seasonal water-based activities and supervised swimming in the height of the summer.

The medieval town of Brantôme (38km) is a gorgeous day trip with its riverside setting and impressive abbey. Take a boat ride along the river and look out for canoeing and kayaking opportunities in stunning surroundings. There are further water-based activities along the Isle River near Montpon-Ménestérol (33km) to the south of Riberac.

Driving into the Parc naturel régional Périgord-Limousin, Nontron (50km) is a lovely village with a rich heritage, known for its historic knife production, whilst picture-perfect Saint-Jean-de-Côle (57km), just beyond Brantôme, is classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. Even closer to home is the small city of Périgueux (38km) with its excellent markets, restaurants and historic architecture.

Heading south, another great day out Bergerac (52km) by the banks of the Dordogne whilst the enchanting hilltop town of Saint-Émilion (67km) is just over an hour away with its beautiful historic centre surrounded by UNESCO World heritage vineyards.

You could even venture to Bordeaux (112km) and its famous wineries, reached in around a 90-minute drive depending on traffic, or drive north to Angoulême (56km) by the banks of the Charente, home to the highly regarded comic museum, Musée de la Bande Dessinée, and the annual vintage car race, Le Circuit des Remparts.

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The pace of life in the Dordogne is languid, laid back and positively infectious. Relax in bucolic beauty as you drift along the Dordogne River, or wander among the forests and hillside of the Périgord Natural Park.

The foodie scene too, is a relaxed affair. Take your time over your lazy lunches of local duck, black truffles and goats cheese. If you’re feeling energetic, you can even hunt for them yourself. The wine here is second to none, with infamous grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chenin Blanc all having a huge presence here.

The Dordogne is also brimming with history. Castles and chateaux are scattered throughout the region, among the enchanting medieval villages. History of an altogether more ancient sort can also be explored in the incredible prehistoric cave drawings of Lascaux and Grotte de Rouffignac.

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