Destination Spotlight

Focus on BERGERAC

Bergerac is the second largest town in the Dordogne and can trace its name back to the gallo-roman town “Bracarius”. Situated on the banks of the Dordogne, the town has always been a commercial centre and the river itself (nicknamed the River of Hope) has been used for trade from the bronze age.  The area boasts a wealth of history with paleolithic, neolithic, gallo-roman and medieval sites all to be found in the surrounding area.

In 1131, following the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to Henry Plantagenet, the English took possession of the area and bequeathed a number of picturesque villages and “bastides” which can still be seen today.  The area, however, was ravaged during the 100 years war and finally returned to the French in 1453.  Despite this, the area is still known as the most English of all the French departments and is home to a thriving expat community. 

Bergerac itself is economically thriving, with a population in excess of 27000. It boasts an old quarter with half-timbered houses, an old port and many museums dedicated to the history, culture and gastronomy of the district.

Need to know

How to get there

Ryanair offers direct flights to Bergerac from Liverpool, East Midlands and London
Flybeoffers direct flights to Bergerac from Bristol, Exeter, Birmingham, Southampton, Leeds/Bradford.

Don’t miss

• Tourist Train–get your bearings and enjoy a guided tour of Bererac.  This “petit train” departs regularly from the Quai Salvette from April to the end of October.
  
  
• Boat Trip –enjoy an hour trip along the river on a traditional “gabarre” boat. Trips depart April to October from the Quai Salvette in Bergerac.
  
  
• La Maison des Vins de Bergerac –housed in 16th and 18th century buildings in the heart of the old town, this is a must see for anyone who enjoys wine or old architecture.
  
  
• Aquapark – four pools of varying depth located on the Route de Bordeaux, 5km outside Bergerac in Saint-Laurent-Des-Vignes, this small aquapark offers a fun day out with children. On-site you’ll find four large pools ofvarying depth with a water slide, canoeing, cycling, mini-golf, fishing, snack bar and a picnic area.  Open every day from 15th May to 15th September.

Where to stay

There is a great choice of accommodation in the area from international hotel chains and small guesthouses to self-catering villas and campsites. The local tourism office (see below) can provide information.There are also a number of British tour operators that can provide accommodation in the area.

What to eat

Duck confit
Truffles – La Truffiere de la Bergerie, Sainte-Foy-De-Longas Tel:05 53 22 72 39 (open all year, by appointment only)
Foie Gras – La Ferme de Biorne, Lunas
Walnuts – visit the Maison de la Noix for everything you need to know about this local speciality.  Open July and August 10h-12h30 & 15h-19h

What to buy

Wine!  The area around Bergerac is sometimes known as the Perigord Pourpre, its name deriving from the rich purple-red wines that originate here.   In fact, there are 13 appellations in the surrounding countryside so you’re sure to find something to suit your taste buds – particularly if you follow the “Route des Vins”.  A map can be obtained from any of the region’s Tourist Offices or from the Maison des Vins in Bergerac Maison des Vins in Bergerac.
Or buy local produce and crafts direct at one of the traditional markets. These can be found in Bergerac as follows:

Also,on the first Sunday in every month, there is a flea market in the Old Town but be sure to be there early for the bargains!

Sightseeing in the surrounding area

• Sarlat – for a picturesque medieval town, market and shopping.

• Monbazillac – for the famous chateau and wine tasting.

• Montpazier – for an english walled town, considered one of the most beautiful in the region.

• Les Eyzies – for discovering cro-magnon man, his shelters and his cave paintings.

• Grotte de Lascaux– for some of the most famous pre-historic cave paintings. 

• Rocamadour – for a picturesque town with houses, churches and chateau built up the cliff face.  The walk from the town gates up to the chateau are not for the fainthearted but, for the less mobile, follow the signs for the "parking" at the Chateau and use the lifts or enjoy a trip from the parking in the valley up to the town on the “Petit train”.  “Le Rocher des Aigles” at the top is popular with all ages, particularly if you can time your visit to coincide with the birds’ magnificent aerial displays.

• Gouffre de Padirac – for a trip down into the depths of the earth and an underground boat trip.

• The forests of Liorac - La Force and Villamblard are recommended for outdoor pursuits and have marked hiking, cycling and horse-riding routes.

Reading to get you in the mood

Chocolat by Joanne Harris
Rick Stein's French Odyssey by Rick Stein
The French Kitchen – a cookbook by Joanne Harris & Fran Wardle
Walking in the Dordogne: 30 Walks in the Region by Janette Norton
A Vineyard in the Dordogne: How an English Family Made Their Dream of Wine, Good Food and Sunshine Come True by Jeremy Josephs
Dordogne Berry Limousin Green Guide from Michelin Green Guides

For more information

Office de Tourisme de Bergerac
97, Rue Neuve d’Argenson
24100 Bergerac
Tel: 05 53 57 03 11
Open; Mon-Sat 9h30-19h30
(Also in July and Aug only)Sun 10h30-13h and 14h30-19h

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