Ribiers is surrounded by extensive apple and pear orchards. The village’s character also includes historic buildings, a year-round Tuesday market and seasonal leisure activities. When planning your trip, it is worth considering the different schedules: cultural sites and the market follow different timetables from the summer bathing area.
Village history and historic buildings
The old village of Ribiers includes the ruins of Château Saint-Étienne, with collapsed walls and two or three partially restored towers. The contrast between collapsed and partially restored sections gives the site an uneven architectural appearance. Notre-Dame de Clairecombe is also a ruin: it belonged to the former Chalaisian abbey of Clairecombe and was built at the end of the 12th century. The two ruins offer different historical perspectives: the old village is the point of reference at the château, while Notre-Dame is associated with the former abbey.
The Cadran solaire de Ribiers sundial is located on the façade of the church in the village square. It is a single, clearly situated feature alongside the ruins. The Chapelle Saint-Eutrope in Antonaves is mentioned as early as the beginning of the 15th century; it was renovated 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 market and the weekly rhythm
The Petit marché de producteurs du mardi matin is held year-round on Tuesdays at Place de la Fontaine. If your stay falls on a Tuesday, this gives you a clear weekly event to factor into your plans. The market follows a different timetable from the seasonal bathing area: it is part of the year-round weekly rhythm. As recurring market times can change, check the date before your trip.
Seasonal recreation at Plan d’eau
At the exit from Ribiers in the direction of Sisteron is the Plan d’eau de Ribiers, a seasonal, supervised bathing and leisure area. It is open seasonally in July and August; check the seasonal opening times before travelling. The site includes a water slide, children’s play equipment, small boules and football areas, and picnic tables. Swimming lessons and aquagym round out the activities. The combination of supervised swimming, play areas, small sports facilities and classes makes the bathing area more than just a place to swim. As facilities and scheduled activities may change, check specific offerings before your visit.
Horse riding and climbing
The Centre équestre de Ribiers offers one- to two-hour rides through Provençal landscapes and lavender fields in the southern Hautes-Alpes. Activities are organised by appointment, so arrange your visit in advance. Ribiers is also home to the Falaise de Pierre Impie climbing crag. This gives you a choice of distinct activity ideas: rides of a set duration and a dedicated climbing spot.
The activities follow clearly different schedules: the market takes place on Tuesdays year-round, the bathing area is open in July and August, and rides require an advance appointment. If one of these activities is central to your stay, plan your travel dates accordingly.
Discover more destinations: Montbrand, Chorges, Poligny, L'epine, Montgenevre, Saint-Bonnet-En-Champsaur, Ribeyret, Cervières.
See the regional travel overview: Hautes-Alpes.
