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Nestling in the green Périgord on the banks of the Dronne, Ribérac is a destination where history meets modernity. A town with many faces, Ribérac’s charm lies in its heritage, its cultural dynamism and its way of life, rooted in the traditions of the Périgord. Strolling through its narrow streets, visiting its monuments or enjoying the friendly atmosphere of its markets are all experiences to be savoured in this charming town.

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The fascinating birth
of Ribérac

From the IXᵉ century onwards, the region came under repeated assault from the Normans, who used the rivers, including the Dronne, to penetrate the Périgord hinterland. In the face of these threats, it became necessary to organise the defence and establish a checkpoint on this strategic axis.

In 866, Wlgrin, Count of Périgord and Angoumois, appointed a representative of his authority to watch over the Dronne crossing, not far from the site where Ribérac would later stand. This first fortified post was set up at Le Chalard, a riverside location that facilitated both defence and the control of trade.

In the 10th century, Alchier le Sourd, the representative of the Count’s authority, made the strategic decision to move the stronghold to higher ground, abandoning this position as too vulnerable. This was the birth of Ribérac’s first castle, laying the foundations for the town’s development.

Situated on an essential thoroughfare, Ribérac took advantage of this position to grow, attracting trade and commerce around its protective walls.

Ribérac

Discover the history of Ribérac
with Terra Aventura

Want to immerse yourself in the exciting history of Ribérac? Terra Aventura is the ideal adventure for young and old! This free geocaching game invites you to explore the local heritage through an interactive treasure hunt.

The concept is simple: using a smartphone and the dedicated application, you set off on a trail strewn with enigmas and clues to be solved, guiding you from one point of interest to another. Your objective? Find the treasure hidden at the end of the tour: a cache containing a collectible badge, the famous Poï’z, a little character emblematic of the Terra Aventura universe.

The “Ribérac, la Contemporaine” trail immerses you in the town’s history and heritage, while making it fun and immersive to explore. By following the route and taking on the challenges , you can explore the streets, monuments and key sites of Ribérac from a whole new angle, while having fun at the same time.

Suitable for all ages, Terra Aventura is the perfect experience for a day out with family or friends, combining adventure, culture and technology. So, are you ready to take up the challenge and unlock the secrets of Ribérac?

Ribérac

The collegiate church of Notre-Dame de Ribérac:
a jewel of the XIIᵉ century

A privileged witness to thehistory of Ribérac, the collegiate church of Notre-Dame stands out as a masterpiece ofRomanesque architecture. Built in the XIIᵉ century, this massive church with its white limestone walls is distinguished by its sobriety and elegance. Originally the chapel of the Château de Ribérac, it has undergone several transformations over the centuries, particularly after the damage caused by the Wars of Religion and the French Revolution.

Its architecture is impressive for its harmonious proportions and simple lines. The building, listed as a Historic Monument, features a pure nave, barrel vaults and a sober elevation that reflects the Romanesque spirit. The massive bell tower, added later, reinforces the defensive aspect of the building.

Inside, the collegiate church reveals an atmosphere of serenity, enhanced by magnificent murals. Recent restoration work has restored these frescoes to their former glory, testifying to the artistic refinement of the period. Religious and ornamental motifs appear in the side chapels and choir, adding a touch of colour and mystery to the whole.

Today, the collegiate church of Notre-Dame de Ribérac is more than just a place of worship: it is open to culture, hosting concerts and exhibitions, attracting history lovers and art enthusiasts in a unique setting.

Collegiale Notre-Dame à Ribérac

The living tradition
of the Ribérac markets

The beating heart of the town, Ribérac ‘s markets set the pace for local life. With local flavours, meetings with producers and a friendly atmosphere, these markets are an ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in theauthenticity of the Périgord and sample the region’s gastronomic riches.

The traditional market

Every Friday morning, Ribérac comes alive to the rhythm of its traditional market, one of the most popular in Périgord. This market, where local flavours mingle with conviviality, is a veritable sensory voyage through the specialities of the land.

The local producers’ market

From June to September, local producers take over the market on Tuesday mornings to offer fresh seasonal produce. A not-to-be-missed event for gourmets in search of authenticity.

Farmhouse fat and truffle market

From November until March, every Friday morning the Salle Polyvalente hosts a market dedicated to lovers of foie gras and truffles, exceptional products for which the Dordogne is famous.

The walnut market

In autumn, in October and November, Ribérac celebrates another jewel of the region: the walnut. This market, held on Friday mornings, showcases this essential ingredient of Périgord gastronomy.

Marché de Ribérac

Ribérac's eclectic heritage

Ribérac ‘s rich past lives on today in a varied heritage combining art and history. Lovers of painting will be particularly enchanted by a remarkable collection of Orientalist painters, on display at theHôtel de Ville. These works, inspired by distant landscapes and exotic scenes of life, offer a fascinating contrast with the Périgord environment and bear witness to an era when the Orient held a real fascination for artists.

Thechurch of Notre-Dame de la Paix is another of Ribérac’s heritage treasures. Its unique architecture, listed alongside the presbytery as a Historic Monument, makes it a remarkable building. Inside, visitors can admire the splendid coloured stained glass windows, whose light transforms the atmosphere of the place into a striking visual spectacle.

Between art and history, Ribérac captivates with the diversity of its heritage, blending local influences with inspirations from elsewhere, for a cultural discovery that is as unexpected as it is enriching.

Ribérac lives between history and modernity

Ribérac has succeeded in preserving its heritage while remaining resolutely forward-looking. Whether through its monuments, its markets or its events, it offers a wonderful immersive experience.

When you visit Ribérac, you’ll plunge into a fascinating past while enjoying a warm, authentic atmosphere. It’s a real journey back in time that awaits you, between culture, heritage and living traditions.