Overview

The ancient city of Bergerac is located in the Perigord Dordogne region. Home to elegant medieval and Renaissance buildings and nestled on the Dordogne River it makes an ideal base for exploring the area. Gourmet restaurants, street entertainment, and the fact that the whole city can be explored on foot are all part of its charm. Bergerac is also renowned for its wine, and a short trip to the outskirts of the city reveals a landscape of vineyards that produce some of the world's finest vintages.

Explore Bergerac

Take a Boat Trip on Dordogne River. Hop on one of the traditional barges in the port of Bergerac and slowly glide along the river for a half hour each way. This is a great way to see the city from a different perspective.

Explore Old Town. The area immediately north of the river, follow the signs to 'vieille ville' or just walk straight up from the main riverside car park. This part of town has some beautiful streets and squares to explore with stunning medieval and renaissance buildings, and a good selection of shops and restaurants. The main square, Place Pelissiere is home to the Saint Jacques Church which formed part of the Saint Jacques de Compostella pilgrimage. Much of it was destroyed in the Wars of Religion but its lovely bell-tower and balcony are original.

At the lower end of Place Pelissiere is a fountain where locals once did their washing and all around the square there are cafes, old houses and small shops. It's the perfect place to stop and have lunch.

Wandering around the streets of Bergerac old town you will notice lots of lovely, half timbered buildings, there are some particularly good examples on La Rue Saint Clar many of which have the upper storey overhanging slightly the lower part of the building.

Stroll the banks of the Dordogne River. You'll find a lovely river walk from the quai area of town. Near where you get the boat. It's called the Promenade Pierre Loti and takes you out into the surrounding countryside. Historically this was important port although the only boats operating here now are the gabarres (traditional boats) that carry visitors for a trip along the river.

The building around the port is beautiful, and best seen by crossing the bridge and looking back to the town. You can follow the path along the river upstream to the new bridge, through a large grass area which is a perfect picnic spot.

Explore Bergerac new town. Just north of the old town is the newer center of Bergerac, mostly dating from the 19th century. It is centered along the Rue de la Resistance and where you will find a larger range of shops. At the western end of this road is the main church in Bergerac and various narrow streets of shops and cafes. At the eastern end or Rue de la Resistance is a large square surrounded by imposing buildings and where you will find the Bergerac Tourist Office. There is a market held in this part of town each Saturday, it is one of the largest markets in the Dordogne and is the best day to visit Bergerac.

Wine Tasting in Bergerac

Bergerac is known for its fine wines being the Dordogne's wine appellations, so a trip to the local vineyard is a must. The area is home to more than a dozen Appellation d'Origine Contrôlées (AOCs), covering red, white and rosé variations, including the sweet white Monbazillac and deep red Montravel. Naturally, vineyard tours and tastings are part of visiting this corner of France. If you don't do an organized tour, you can easily hop in the car and pull in at one of the many vineyards for tastings.

Bergerac Museums

Bergerac has a number of cultural museums to enjoy. The The Musée du Tabac provides a curious insight into the area’s involvement with the tobacco industry, whilst the Maison des Vins offers information about the many wines of the region. Art lovers, on the other hand, can head to the subterranean Musée Costi, which celebrates the work of Greek sculptor Constantin Papachristopoulos with a selection of his bronze busts.

Attractions Nearby

Visit the Chateaux. STunning Chateaux are doted all through the Dordogne. Most of them still privately owned and lived in. Chateau de Lanquais, just 25 minutes from Bergerac, is one of the best in the area.

Explore the nearby towns and villages. There are several within easy range of Bergerac, especially towards teh southeast of the town. These include Eymet, the medieval villages of Issigeac and the bastide town of Monpazier (considered on the 'most beautiful villages of France'), and Villereal.

About an hour further east you can reach the 'famous' Dordogne destinations such as Dome, La Roque-Gageac and Sarlat.