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, located on the north bank of the Dordogne River, has been designated a "City of Art and History." You’ll be captivated by the charm of its cobblestone 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 inextricably linked to Cyrano, the hero of Edmond Rostand’s play, even though the real Cyrano never lived here. The city pays tribute to him through various sites and events:

The statue of Cyrano, erected on 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.

Boat rides on the Dordogne offer a chance to admire the scenery 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 its own AOC designation, Bergerac offers a selection of 13 exceptional wines, produced across more than 12,000 hectares. Whether you prefer red, white, or rosé, Bergerac wines are the perfect accompaniment to the rich cuisine of the Périgord. Embark on the Bergerac Wine Route to explore the vineyards, meet the winemakers, and uncover the secrets 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

Beyond its wine, Bergerac is known for its hearty cuisine, deeply rooted in tradition. Duck confit, duck breast, porcini mushrooms, and the black Périgord truffle are among the must-try dishes. There’s a wide range of options for enjoying these dishes, from Michelin-starred restaurants to family-run inns.

The Imparfait restaurant stands out for its inventive and refined cuisine, while the Château les Merles restaurant will delight those who enjoy generous portions with authentic flavors. For an exotic culinary experience, let yourself be captivated by the Middle Eastern flavors of the Inyaqab restaurant.

Local markets, a feast for the senses

Local markets offer you a unique opportunity to cook with local produce or simply immerse yourself in a riot of colors and scents. There, you’ll find an abundance of fresh produce, local crafts, and regional delicacies.

It’s the perfect opportunity to meet the producers, talk about their passion, and buy high-quality products at fair prices, thereby 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 is held every Tuesday evening during the summer.

Smart travel in Bergerac

Bergerac, a great destination year-round, stands out particularly depending on your travel plans and budget. Whether you arrive by car, train, or plane, the city offers convenient transportation options both in the city center and the surrounding area.

In addition, we offer a variety of accommodations—ranging from traditional to modern—to ensure that your stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

The best times to visit

With its mild oceanic climate, featuring warm summers and mild winters, the best time to visit Bergerac will depend largely on what you’re looking for.

Here are a few tips:

For lovers of vineyards and festivals, the best time to visit is from June through September, when the vines are in bloom and the grape harvest brings the region to life. This is the perfect time to enjoy events such as the Cyrano Festival, the Wine and Gastronomy Festival, and the Jazz Festival.
If it’s the heritage and culture that draw you to Bergerac, plan your visit between April and October to enjoy long days and mild temperatures—ideal for exploring monuments, museums, and fortified towns away from the crowds.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the months from May through October offer pleasant weather and lush green surroundings—perfect for cycling, canoeing, golf, or even hot-air balloon rides.
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 highway from Bordeaux to Clermont-Ferrand, or via National Route 21 through the Périgord region. Free and paid parking options are available in the city center, in addition to carpooling 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 offers flights to several major cities. Shuttle buses and taxis are available for the trip to the city center, and car rentals are available at the airport.
To explore the surrounding area, the Péribus network, the bike paths along the Dordogne and Vézère rivers, the hiking trails, or even a gabarre ride on the river are all enjoyable options.

Accommodations in Bergerac: From Traditional to Modern

The variety of lodging options in Bergerac is sure to satisfy every preference and budget, including:

For an immersive experience in the heart of Bergerac, I Love Bergerac offers charming rooms in an 18th-century building, complete with a garden, a swimming pool, and a delicious breakfast.
If you're looking for a historic getaway just outside Bergerac, Château les Merles—a Renaissance-era estate nestled among the vineyards—offers exceptional service, a gourmet restaurant, a spa, and a golf course.
Looking for a nature getaway nearby? The Moulin de la Rouzique, a former paper mill converted into eco-friendly lodging, welcomes you with a park, a river, and a museum to explore.
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 those who love exploration and culinary delights. Whether your passion is historical heritage, culture, natural wonders, or gourmet delights, this city has something to satisfy all your expectations.

The city also pays a heartfelt 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 lodging options to suit everyone, from the most traditional to the most 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 River. This offers a relaxing and unique way to enjoy the river scenery and the local historical heritage. Reservations can be made through Périgord Gabarres, which offers guided tours 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?

The markets in Bergerac are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. around the Notre-Dame Church, on Place Louis de la Bardonnie, Place Gambetta, and at the market hall. Depending on the season, you can also find organic markets, flea markets, markets featuring porcini mushrooms, markets specializing in fatty meats, and chrysanthemum markets.

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.