Ribérac is about 5 mins away and has a couple of good supermarkets, a lively square with several bars, cafes and restaurants, an indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, and even a small cinema. The Friday market is said to be the best in the Dordogne. There are also all the usual shops: bakers, butchers, florists, pharmacies, doctors, banks, iron-mongers, and so on. There is a good tourist information office where you can get details of places to visit, sports facilities, and local events.

Only 2.5 km from Maine de la Garde is the small picturesque village of Siorac-de-Ribérac. It has a very good, family run restaurant, "Le Lavoir", with a small epicerie/bar attached. It also has a 12th century Romanesque church, which is so typical of the area.

Going a little way west from Ribérac just over the Charente border is Aubeterre sur Dronne. Its charming narrow streets wind through white stone houses and ancient buildings. Built in the shape of an amphitheatre this former stronghold is classified as one of France’s prettiest villages. The most outstanding and impressive monument in Aubeterrre is the underground church of St John. Carved entirely out of rock, the main nave reaches a height of 20m.

There is fishing, swimming and a sandy beach at the lake La Jemaye (14 km). This is a relaxed, family friendly place with walking and cycling paths, a bird hide, pedaloes, canoes, horse riding, children's play areas, picnic areas, cafés etc.

About 15 km down the road to Brantôme you come to the pretty village of Bourdeilles where there are two chateaux of different periods built on a fortified hill – a medieval fortress (13th – 14th century) and a Renaissance palace (16th) with a remarkable collection of furniture. On the River Dronne you can rent a canoe. Brantôme itself attracts lots of visitors for its history, architecture, riverside walks, artisans, shops and restaurants.

The old Roman part of Périgueux is a must to visit. There is a market on Saturday. The cathedral of Saint Front is spectacular.

St Emilion and Bergerac are not to be missed. Both are well worth visiting and are only about an hour away by car.

For the golfers.There is a small 9 hole golf course about 12 km away. There is a first class 18 hole course just the Ribérac side of Périgueux about 18 km away. There is a restaurant there for the family. Lovely course with full rental facilities.