Ribiers: Orchards, Village History and Swimming Area

Extensive apple and pear orchards shape Ribiers. The village’s character also includes historic sites in the old village and in Antonaves, a weekly market and leisure activities ranging from swimming to horse riding. If you’re looking for a hotel in Ribiers, you can first decide which of these aspects will shape your stay: architectural history, a market visit or outdoor activities. Each has its own character and timing requirements.

Ruins, a Sundial and a Chapel

The old village of Ribiers is home to the ruins of Château Saint-Étienne. They include collapsed walls and two or three partially restored towers. These different states of preservation shape the appearance of the site.

Notre-Dame de Clairecombe is the ruin of the former Chalaisian abbey of Clairecombe. The abbey was built at the end of the 12th century. Alongside the castle ruins, it is a historic site with a monastic connection and a clearly established date.

On the village square, the Cadran solaire de Ribiers is located on the façade of the church. The sundial adds a single detail at a specific location to the larger historic sites. Those interested in architectural history can explore different aspects of Ribiers: ruins, a former abbey and an object on the church façade.

The Chapelle Saint-Eutrope is located in Antonaves. It is mentioned as early as the beginning of the 15th century and was altered in the 19th century. Inside are an 18th-century painting, a 19th-century statue and an ex-voto in the form of a crutch. The mention, alterations and furnishings each provide their own point of reference in the chapel’s history.

Leisure Activities with Different Timing

The Plan d'eau de Ribiers is at the exit from Ribiers in the direction of Sisteron. This seasonal, supervised swimming and leisure area is open in July and August. Facilities include a water slide, children’s play equipment, small areas for boules and football, and picnic tables. Swimming lessons and aquagym are also offered. Facilities and programmes may change; check what is currently available before travelling.

The Falaise de Pierre Impie, a climbing crag in Ribiers, offers a different activity. Climbing is a distinct focus alongside swimming and the other activities at the Plan d'eau. Which activities interest you depends on whether you’d rather include swimming or climbing in your travel plans.

The Centre équestre de Ribiers offers one- to two-hour rides through Provençal landscapes and lavender fields in the southern Hautes-Alpes. You can account for the duration as a distinct block of time when planning your day. As rides are arranged by appointment, book one in advance. This makes the activity different in terms of timing from a visit to the seasonal swimming area.

Weekly Market and Travel Planning

The Petit marché de producteurs du mardi matin takes place year-round on Tuesdays at Place de la Fontaine. It is therefore a regular weekly fixture to consider when planning your trip. Market dates may change, so check the current date before visiting.

Different requirements apply when choosing your travel dates: the market depends on the day of the week, the swimming area on the season, and the rides on the appointment you arrange. If you’d like to plan your stay around one of these activities, you can compare these three scheduling considerations.

Discover more destinations: Les Vigneaux, Savournon, Freissinières, Aspremont, La Piarre, La Roche-Des-Arnauds, Villar-D'arêne, La Bâtie-Vieille

For the regional travel overview: Hautes-Alpes.