Bergerac

Located in the southwest of Francein the heart of the DordogneBergerac is a charming commune famous for its magnificent old houses and lush vineyards producing excellent wines.

Explore Bergerac's treasures - location and description

The town of Bergerac is a veritable jewel for explorers and enthusiasts of all kinds of leisure activities, whether in its historic old town, in the footsteps of Cyrano de Bergerac or in the heart of nature.

Must-sees in the old town

The old town of Bergerac, on the north bank of the Dordogne, is classified as a "ville d'art et d'histoire". You'll be captivated by the charm of its cobbled streets, lively squares and historic monuments.

Not to be missed:

The 16th-century Maison de Peyrarède, home to the Tobacco Museum. This museum evokes the history of tobacco growing through a variety of collections.
Notre-Dame church, the town's oldest religious building, built in the 12th and 13th centuries in Romanesque style and decorated with sculptures.
The Cloître des Récollets, a remarkable 17th-century building that now houses the Musée du Vin et de la Batellerie, illustrating the history of winegrowing and river transport.
Château de Monbazillac, a Renaissance masterpiece overlooking the vineyards of the famous sweet white wine. It is open to visitors all year round and offers tastings.

In the footsteps of Cyrano de Bergerac

Bergerac remains inseparable from Cyrano, the hero of Edmond Rostand's play, despite the fact that the real Cyrano never lived here. The town pays tribute to him through a variety of places and events:

The statue of Cyrano in Place Pelissière symbolizes the character's courage and spirit.
The Cyrano circuit, a walking trail with explanatory panels and quotations, takes in the town's landmarks.
The Cyrano Festival, a summer cultural event offering shows, entertainment, exhibitions and conferences dedicated to Cyrano and his times.
The planned Cyrano Museum, housed in the house where Savinien de Cyrano is presumed to have been born, will present documents, objects and costumes relating to the famous character.

Unforgettable outdoor activities

Nature and sports enthusiasts will find plenty to do in and around Bergerac, thanks to a wide range of outdoor activities.

Gabarre trips on the Dordogne allow you to admire the landscapes and castles along the river.
Hiking and cycling trails take you through vineyards, forests, bastides and typical villages. Electric bikes and rosalies are also available for hire.
Golf, with options such as the 18-hole course at La Marterie or the 9-hole course and hotel-restaurant at Château les Merles.
A hot-air balloon flight offers an exceptional experience and a unique perspective on the Dordogne valley, flying over vineyards, castles, bastides and villages.

Taste local specialities

Bergerac, an Eden for lovers of good food and authentic flavors, is enriched by an abundance of local produce. These delights are both a source of pride for its residents and a veritable invitation to a gustatory voyage for its visitors.

Between vineyards, restaurants and markets, you'll discover plenty to delight your senses and satisfy all your gourmet cravings. Here are a few ways to savour Bergerac's emblematic flavours.

The Bergerac wine route

With an AOC to its name, Bergerac boasts 13 excellent wines, covering more than 12,000 hectares. Whether you prefer red, white or rosé, Bergerac wines are the perfect accompaniment to the rich gastronomy of the Périgord. Embark on the Bergerac Wine Route to explore the vineyards, meet the winemakers and unravel the mysteries of winemaking.

From cellar tours to tastings, you'll be enchanted by key stops such as Château de Monbazillac, Château de Pique-Sègue, Château de Barbe, not forgetting Château Montplaisir.

Where to find the best restaurants in the region

In addition to its wine, Bergerac is also known for its generous, traditional cuisine. Duck confit, duck breast, porcini mushrooms and Périgord black truffles are just some of the highlights. There's a wide choice of places to enjoy these dishes, from Michelin-starred restaurants to family-run inns.

The Imparfait restaurant stands out for its inventive, refined cuisine, while the Château les Merles restaurant will delight fans of generous portions with authentic flavors. For an exotic taste experience, let yourself be seduced by the oriental flavors of the Inyaqab restaurant.

Local markets, a feast for the senses

Local markets offer a unique opportunity to cook local produce or simply immerse yourself in a bath of colors and scents. You'll find an abundance of fresh produce, local crafts and regional delicacies.

It's the perfect opportunity to meet producers, share their passion and buy quality products at fair prices, supporting the local economy. Be sure to visit the Bergerac market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, the Lalinde market on Thursday mornings and the Eymet market, which comes alive every Tuesday evening during the summer.

Smart travel in Bergerac

Bergerac, a relevant year-round destination, particularly shines according to your travel plans and budget allowance. Whether you arrive by car, train or air, the city promises easy mobility solutions in and around its heartland.

What's more, we offer a variety of accommodation options, from authentic to modern, to ensure your stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

The best times to visit

Enjoying a moderate oceanic climate, with warm summers and mild winters, the ideal time to discover Bergerac will depend essentially on your aspirations.

Here are a few tips:

For vineyard and festival lovers, the best time to visit is from June to September, when the vines are in full bloom and the grape harvest brings the region to life. This is the time to enjoy festivities such as the Cyrano festival, the wine and gastronomy festival, or the jazz festival.
If it's heritage and culture that attracts you to Bergerac, opt for a visit between April and October, taking advantage of long days and mild temperatures, ideal for exploring monuments, museums and bastides, away from the crowds.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the May-to-October period promises a favorable climate and lush greenery, perfect for cycling, canoeing, golf or even hot-air ballooning.
Looking for local markets and local specialties? September to December offers an abundance of harvests and delicacies such as foie gras, caviar, not forgetting truffles, walnuts and ceps.

Getting around Bergerac: tips and advice

Getting to and around Bergerac is easy, whether by car, train or plane. Here are a few recommendations:

By car, Bergerac is accessible via the A89 freeway from Bordeaux to Clermont-Ferrand, or route nationale 21 through the Périgord. Free and paid parking options are available in the town center, in addition to car-sharing areas.
By rail, Bergerac station caters for TER and Intercités trains from Bordeaux, Sarlat, Périgueux and Agen, with options for city buses, cabs and bike hire to reach the center.
By plane, Bergerac-Dordogne-Périgord airport provides connections to several major cities. Shuttle buses and cabs are available for transfers to the center, with car rental available at the airport.
To explore the surrounding area, you can take advantage of the Péribus network, bike paths along the Dordogne or Vézère rivers, hiking trails, or a gabarre ride on the river.

Accommodation in Bergerac: from authentic to modern

The choice of accommodation in Bergerac will satisfy all preferences and budgets, with :

Immersed in the heart of Bergerac, I Love Bergerac offers charming rooms in an 18th-century building, complete with garden, pool and tasty breakfast.
If you're looking for a historic stay just outside Bergerac, Le Château les Merles, a Renaissance building nestled among the vines, offers exceptional service, a gourmet restaurant, spa and golf course.
Looking for a natural escape nearby? The Moulin de la Rouzique, a former paper mill transformed into eco-friendly accommodation, welcomes you with a park, river and museum to discover.
For an extraordinary experience, the Domaine de Puybéton cabins, perched in a 15-hectare park, offer a breathtaking view, a Jacuzzi and a gourmet basket to enhance your stay.

Conclusion

Bergerac presents a undeniable charm for lovers of exploration and culinary delights. Whether your passion is historical heritage, culture, natural wonders or gastronomic delights, this city has something for everyone.

The town also pays vibrant tribute to Cyrano de Bergerac, a symbol of panache and generosity, highlighting the unique spirit of this destination. Easily accessible by car, train or plane, Bergerac offers a variety of accommodation options to suit everyone, from the traditional to the contemporary.

Don't wait any longer to plan your trip to Bergerac. You're sure to have a memorable experience!

FAQ

What's Bergerac's speciality?

The gastronomy of Périgord, rich in local products such as wines, truffles, walnuts, strawberries, duck, foie gras, cheese and chestnuts, is Bergerac's specialty. These ingredients form the basis of the generous, flavorful dishes that characterize the region's cuisine.

Where to walk around Bergerac?

To discover the Bergerac area, there are several activities to choose from. You can opt for :

- A gabarre cruise on the Dordogne. This offers a relaxing and original way to appreciate the river landscape and local historical heritage. Bookings can be made with Périgord Gabarres, which offers guided excursions suitable for everyone.

- Visit Monpazier. Considered one of the most beautiful bastides in Périgord, this medieval village has preserved its traditional architecture, arcaded squares and remarkable buildings such as the churches of Saint-Dominique and Sainte-Catherine and the Bastideum, an interactive cultural space.

What are the market days in Bergerac?

Bergerac markets are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7am to 1pm around Notre-Dame church, Place Louis de la Bardonnie, Place Gambetta and the market hall. Depending on the season, organic, flea, cep, fat and chrysanthemum markets are also available.

Is Bergerac a good place to live?

Bergerac's charm lies in its tourist and cultural appeal, framed by an attractive natural and historical environment. However, the town faces a number of challenges, such as an aging population and a precarious economic situation, which hinder its dynamism. As a result, Bergerac's quality of life can vary according to individual needs and expectations.