Places to see at Les Rivieres
Les Rivieres is well placed for discovering Aquitaine and the Charente. Whether it be wine, food, architecture or history, within just a couple of hours driving are some of the most interesting town and cities in the world.
Towns & Cities
Angouleme sitting on the river Charente, is the department capital of the Charente. The old district is located on a hill overlooking the river with good views of the area, and a the 12th century cathedral of St. Pierre. There are several museums in the city, including Le Nil, devoted to paper and paper-making. Angouleme holds the national comic strip festival in January, and in the summer there are classic car festivals with street races. Angouleme is 30 minutes away and has a train station providing TGV links to Paris, Lille (for connections to St Pancras via Eurostar) and Bordeaux, plus an airport connecting to Stansted.
Aubeterre sur Dronne is a member of an organisation of 100 villages acknowledged as the most beautiful in France, and is just 30 minutes away. It is built on the side of a stone outcrop in the shape of an amphitheatre looking out over the R.Dronne and it’s flood plain. This former stronghold with it’s charming narrow streets winding through white stone houses and ancient buildings has a tree lined square half way up and is surrounded by restaurants, the Hotel de France, a puppet theatre and a butterfly museum. Just down from there is a very impressive underground church – check out on the Aubeterre ‘link’. There is good fun here for children of all ages – the puppets and butterflies not being the least. Below, on the river, is a ‘river beach’ with canoe & kayak hire – the river here is navigable for many miles.
Bergerac, with it’s airport, is becoming increasing popular as the point of arrival for British holiday makers. More than this though it is better known for it’s fine wines and as the French capital of tobacco. The old town is very interesting with the riverside port originating from the time when Bergerac was a link between the coast and the interior regions of the Auvergne and the Limousin.
Bordeaux is famous the world over as the center of French wine-making. Situated on the Garonne river, it is about 2 hours away. Not only noted for it’s fabulous wines, but also for it’s beautiful architecture. The large shopping centers are located the ‘Bordeaux Lac’, but the stylish metropolitan boutiques, as well as cafes and restaurants, are to be found in the city center. The Bordeaux airport provides connections to British airports.
Brantome known as the Venice of the Perigord, is a beautiful town, 45 minutes away. The river Dronne winds through the town. Canoeing, kayaking and boat tours are available on the river, as well as guided tours in the abbey, or visit the museum which is set in the cliff face.
Cognac, situated on the river Charente and about 90 minutes away, is an historic town giving it’s name to one of the world’s most famous eau-de-vie. Tours of the distilleries and vineyards can be arranged at the local tourist office. Also available are boat trips up the river to Angouleme.
Perigueux is the ‘departmental’ capital of the Dordogne, lying on the river Isle. Originally built by the Romans around 100 AD, and, not suprisingly, there there are several museums containing the remains of Roman buildings and artifacts – see the Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum. The cathedral of St Front is very impressive, especially when viewed from the other side of the river. This was rebuilt in 1852 by the architect Abadie, who used the design as the basis for the more famous Sacre Coeur Basilica in Paris. The church of St Etienne de la Cite dating from the 12th century and is also worth a visit. There is also a pedestrianised ‘old’ part of the city with narrow streets, pavement cafes and chic shops. With a population of only 35,000 this city, with it’s grand buildings, gives the impression of being much greater.
Riberac is a busy market town serving the region. It has most facilities – cash machines, four supermarkets, 24 hr. diesel/petrol, butchers & bakeries. Typically it has one major road serving as the ‘High St.’ which, in the town centre, widens out and is connected with a large ’square’.
This where the Friday morning market is held and is a ‘must see’ so set aside the morning – the food part is something special! Around this central part are some excellent restaurants, cafes and bars.
Other Places of Interest
Lascaux Caves – world famous site with earliest examples of wall paintings.
Grotte De Villars – more caves, but this time with splendid examples of stalagmites and stalactites.
Futuroscope Park – science theme park.
Limoges – world famous for its china.
St Emillion – the premier location place for wine tasting.