Bergerac, Perigord Pourpre
On the banks of the River Dordogne nearly 120km east of the city of Bordeaux
The largest town in the area, Bergerac, still retains a quaint old feel, with a change in pace in the summer months.
Nestled on the banks of the Dordogne river, which enabled its growth back in the 11th and 12th centuries when it supported the region's wine export business.
In the 16th century it was a focus of the Wars of Religion, which eventually resulted in a peace treaty being signed in Bergerac.
Today its attractive old town, with cobbled streets and boutiquey shops, bring in the tourists from its international airport. In fact tourism and wine making are now the town's biggest and most successful industries.
History & Culture in Bergerac
Originating from the 11th century when a castle was built on the site on the banks of the Dordogne river, the area quickly grew up around the castle and the town became a popular stop over for travellers, pilgrims and traders.
The area has always been a popular hub for wine production but later was also known for tobacco and earthernware. The appearance of the 'vine louse' was a turning point in the local economy, this vine disease from America devastated the Bergerac vineyards in 1880, forcing the wine makers to replant on better plots. The graft of a French vine stock to American roots impervious to the parasite relaunched the wine making activity.
The town's name at least is perhaps better known from the play and film 'Cyrano de Bergerac', where French favourite, actor Gerard Depardieu plays the main character Cyrano. The story of Cyrano de Bergerac is actually based on a real person, who was a poet and duelist from the 17th century. As the story goes, he is in love with Roxanne, but due to his appearance he is afraid to admit it. When a cadet, Christian, enlists Cyrano's help to woo Roxanne by writing love letters for him, Roxanne quickly falls for Christian without knowing that she is actually falling for the words written by Cyrano. She marries Christian, and Cyrano continues to keep the other man's secret, even after tragedy strikes.
However, the actual Cyrano never lived in Bergerac, there was no Roxanne.
Sights & Attractions in Bergerac
The area of Bergerac offers some of the finest wines due to the excellent soil drainage and proximity to the Dordogne river. There are numerous châteaux and vineyards to be visited in this part of the Dordogne.
In addition to the vineyards and estates there are also plenty of other châteaux and gardens to be visited that offer fun for all the family. Within the city of Bergerac itself you will find several museums, including the Musée du Vin which gives you a good insight into the history of the region.
The most recent statue of the infamous character 'Cyrano de Bergerac' is situated in the square outside the Eglise Saint-Jacques, which has plenty of cafés and is a pleasant place to stop for lunch, coffee or a glass of the local Bergerac wine.
Sights in Bergerac
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Musee du Vin & de la Batellerie, Bergerac
Located in Bergerac
The creation of Wine and River Transport Museum (Musee du Vin & de la Batellerie ) tells us about the heritage and history of the Dordogne River that runs through the heart of Bergerac.
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Maison des Vins (Wine Centre) & Cloitre des Recollets, Bergerac
Located in Bergerac
The Wine Centre (Maison des Vins) is right in the historic heart of Bergerac, in the Récollets Cloisters, a magnificent group of monastic buildings from the 17th-century.
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Eglise St Jacques Church, Bergerac
Located in Bergerac
The Saint-Jacques church sits at the top of a lovely square overlooking the historic centre of the city.
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Eglise Notre-Dame, Bergerac
Located in Bergerac
This 19th century church was constructed when the expanding city required somewhere larger to house the congregation.
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Musee du Tabac, Bergerac
Located in Bergerac
Housed in the Maison Peyrarède, the tobacco museum in Bergerac tells the 4,000 year history of tobacco growth in the region when it used to be a major crop.
Dining in Bergerac
Although better known for its viticulture than its gastronomy there are plenty of places to find a good meal in Bergerac and in the surrounding countryside. Each meal should of course be complimented by an excellent Bergerac wine!
Things to do in Bergerac
There are plenty of family activities in and around Bergerac, from mini boating adventures to letting fairies guide you round a maze. Medieval games are also popular and you will find these at some of the more popular châteaux in the area.
A trip on the Petit train de Bergerac gets you orientated in this small town and takes you past most of the main attractions so that you know where to head when you step off the train. A fun ride for kids, with an audio guide that gives you an outline of the rich history.
Things To Do in Bergerac
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Port Miniature, Bergerac
Located in Bergerac
Take this opportunity to drive the electric replicas of real boats: tug, trawler, ferry, steam Mississippi barges...The small port has everything for those who want to go out there and play sailor "for real".
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Traditional Barge Boat Trip, Bergerac
Located in Bergerac
A delightful trip along the river that runs through the heart of Bergerac on a traditional wooden barge.
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Le Petit Train de Bergerac
Located in Bergerac
Discover the historic town of Bergerac during this 30-35 minute tour of the towns most famous sights and features.
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Bergerac Karting, Bergerac
Located in Bergerac
In the heart of the 'Purple Perigord' you can share and enjoy the passion of owner Jean-Pierre who has been part of competitive karting since the late 1980's.
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Aqua Park Bergerac, Bergerac
Located in Bergerac
Open from June to the end of September this small waterpark offers you and your family the chance to cool off on the hot summer days and to keep children entertained for hours.
Where to stay in Bergerac
Although this is a relatively small you'll find a decent selection of hotels to suit all budgets.
How to get to Bergerac
Situated on the banks of the Dordogne river, just 18km from the Dordogne / Gironde border, Bergerac is the first main city that you will reach if you are travelling into the Dordogne region from Bordeaux.
