Place Jules, Ribérac, Dordogne

If your dream holiday house in France is one within easy walking distance of the boulangerie yet a haven of peace, then this imposing 18th century mansion, situated in the centre of the little town of Ribérac, is for you.  The walled garden is safe for children and the proximity to local entertainment means you do not have to run a teenage taxi service or take turns to drive at night, giving you the makings of real fun and relaxation for all.

Drive through the lively market town of Ribérac, turn into a quiet side street which in turn leads into a small Place, along one side of which runs the imposing façade of Place Jules. Enter directly off the street through impressive front doors or drive through the electric gates into a large, lawned and cobbled courtyard with the cooling tinkle of an ancient fountain.

To the right and behind you is the main house. The rooms are large and newly decorated in a contemporary style but with nod to its historic past. There is a formal dining room, a comfortable drawing room and a master bedroom, all furnished in rich colours and the latter with an impressive ‘Napoleonic’ style bed. In fact all the bedrooms and bathrooms are large and light and are a very pleasant feature of this house. The well-equipped, farmhouse-style kitchen overlooking the courtyard makes it easy to make the most of one of the two lovely outdoor dining areas.

At the end of the courtyard is a very large barn which has been converted into a games room with table tennis, darts and table football. Beyond this the garden creeps up a small hillside giving superb views over the town and countryside, providing glorious tranquillity for adults and a safe adventure playground for the young. There is a raised terrace overlooking the pretty flower beds, woodlands and winding pathways leading to the heated pool and a long terrace with an electric awning.

The Friday market and main square, with restaurants and bars, and the high street are all just a short walk and there is a farmers market on Tuesdays. In October walnuts are for sale and in the winter months there are special markets for the sale of foie gras and truffles. On the sporting front, in Ribérac itself you can book tennis courts by the hour or by the week. There is also canoeing, riding and several 9 hole golf courses within 20 minutes plus 18 holes at Perigueux. In the unlikely event that you tire of the private pool, Ribérac has a large open air one complete with diving boards and a special area for children. There is also the riverside ‘beach’ at the beautiful village of Aubeterre.

For the culturally inclined there is a little cinema and in summer, a short walk from the house, wonderful concerts in the deconsecrated 12th century church, Collegiale-Notre-Dame de Ribérac and the more recent Romanesque church of Notre Dame de la Paix.  July Ribérac hosts a 4-day pop concert of more than local repute and throughout the summer there are antique markets, food fairs and festivals (some with major firework displays) all around the region. The whole area is famed for food and drink and tastings and tours abound.

There are four restaurants within walking distance and others in Verteillac, Bertric Buree, Lusignac and the middle of nowhere just ten minutes away by car. Cooking is rustic…… or French, International, fish, Chinese – you can take your choice. The wine of the area needs no introduction. Bordeaux, Graves, Sauternes, Medoc and many more. Pineau de Charentes, a fortified white wine, is the local aperitif of choice – also delicious over melon!

As seen in Conde Nast Traveller Magazine April 2019 – click below for article
Conde Nast Traveller April 2019 (Place Jules)