Riberac is a traditional town and boasts the biggest market in the Dordogne. Held every Friday morning in the main square, you’ll find everything from wild strawberries and the freshest fish from the Ile d’Oleron to hand-made soaps and beautifully printed linens. Take your camera and you’ll get some fantastic shots. At just 15 minutes from home, you’ll find several large supermarkets here plus all the shops and services such as garages, pharmacy, gendarmerie and dentist.
Aubeterre, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, this is an unmissable stop on your journey and just 30 minutes from Château de Beauséjour. With its picturesque square full of café tables under shady plane trees, a monolithic church cut into a cliff and even a beach on the banks of the river that winds along below, it is a real gem.
This vibrant medieval city is around 15 minutes from Château de Beauséjour. With little lanes of timber-framed shops, hidden squares with bars and restaurants and a huge array of shops, this is where to get your retail fix. The bustling markets on Wednesday and Saturday are an absolute must and a visit to the magnificent Cathedral de St. Front is highly recommended, particularly in the heat of the afternoon!
Known locally as the “Venice of the Périgord”, this ancient and historic town sits on a loop of the River Dronne. Visit the stunning Abbey which dates back to the 11th century, get tickets for one of the concerts that take place in the caves behind, or just take a seat in the sun and watch the world go by. There are several outstanding restaurants here including Le Moulin de Roc and the Fréres Charbonnel (our favourite). The town also offers fishing, canoeing, cycle hire. Visit the lively market on Fridays where you'll find local produce in abundance and occasionally you may pick up a seasonal bargain at one of the many stalls!
Just a little downstream from Brantôme, has a pretty 16th Century Renaissance château: built alongside the earlier 12th Century Fortress with its stunning tower, it has a bird’s eye view of the town. Visit Le Donjon restaurant for a leisurely lunch facing the château or in their flower filled courtyard under the shade of huge canvas sails.