Places to visit... Perigueux
Riberac
Villars
Villebois - Lavalette

Perigueux (40 kms): Is the regional capital. Perigeuex has the largest hypermarket in the region and sophisticated shopping in the centre. The cathedral has an astonishing domed roof and the old town is full of charm. There are many good restaurants offering lunch at amazingly low prices.

Riberac (10 kms): Our local town, is famous throughout the region and beyond for its Friday morning market. The town is packed, parking is a problem but well worth the effort. A typical French country market, only larger than most.

Villars (50 kms): A magnificent cave complex with stalagmites and stalagtites as well as authentic cave paintings. The more renowned caves of Lascaux have been closed to the public for many years and, in any case, it was only possible to see reproductions of the prehistoric paintings there.

Villebois-Lavalette (18 kms): Another small town with twin chateaux - mediaeval and renaissance. There is also a remarkable old covered market or 'Halles'. Lunch at L'Auberge du Chateau where the menu du jour represents tremendous value - but be hungry!

Finaly, and not alphabetically, Bordeaux is approximately 1.5 hours away, with huge hypermarkets on the outskirts, elegant shopping in the centre and, of course, its vinyards. If sea and sand is required for a change, the magnificent old port of La Rochelle can be reached in less than 2 hours. A stunning harbour and promonade, the old town behind massive fortified walls and many restaurants offering seafood dishes 'to die for'.