Bergerac
Sitting on the banks of the River Dordogne this is a beautiful place to visit.
Bergerac
Art, History, Wine, and Old Town CharmBergerac, nestled along the northern bank of the Dordogne River in the western Dordogne department, stands out as a major town rich in art and history. Its old town, just north of the river, captivates visitors with its charming streets and squares, boutique shops, and medieval architecture, including half-timbered houses and the notable Place Pelissiere.
Key InformationHistorical Port and RuinsBergerac's old town is shaped by its historical port and medieval castle ruins, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich past.
Charming Streets and ShopsWander through Bergerac's narrow streets lined with boutique shops, immersing yourself in the town's quaint ambiance.
Cultural AttractionsExplore Bergerac's cultural landmarks, including statues and museums like Maison de Vins, to uncover the town's fascinating history and heritage.
Art and HistoryBergerac has proudly displayed its City and Country of Art and History Label for several years. And for good reason… A maze of streets and squares, each more charming than the last. We look up to admire the half-timbering, the pointed windows, the ornate doors. Above all, don't miss a moment of the historical anecdotes: “during the arrival of Catherine de Medici, the fountains of the rue des Fontaines spewed wine to awaken the ardor of the Catholics! ".Summer EventsDuring the summer there are occasional concerts which take place in the cloister. It is a lovely setting for them and worth going if you get the chance. In December there is usually a small but good quality Christmas Market here with products from local artisans, very useful if you are doing some Christmas shopping.The National Tobacco Museum is based here in Bergerac, and is quite interesting. (Tobacco is still an important crop in the region, that you will probably see growing in the fields.)Up from the old town, there is a newer, more modern part to Bergerac, with more conventional streets and a larger range of 'modern' shops.There are a number of restaurants in both 'old-town' Bergerac among the attractive medieval half-timbered streets and in the pleasant newer parts of Bergerac. There are also various open-air cafes where you can pass a very pleasant hour just watching people going about their business.Saturday MarketThe market, held on a Saturday, is at the higher end of the town around the church. It is a particularly good one and draws locals and visitors from the surrounding area.After exploring Bergerac you can take an organised boat trip - gabare - up the river (start from the car-park at the bottom end of the old-town) to see the town and the nearby countryside from a different perspective. (You can also take the gabare from villages further up the river at Beynac or La Roque Gageac where you will pass various villages and chateaux along the route).