Bergerac

Bergerac, France

Bergerac, in the heart of the Périgord Dordogne region, is an ancient and compact city, characterised by its elegant medieval and Renaissance buildings. Gourmet restaurants, street entertainment, and the fact that the whole city can be explored on foot are all part of its charm. Bergerac is also renowned for its wine, and a short trip to the outskirts of the city reveals a landscape of vineyards that produce some of the world’s finest vintages.

Population:

29,000

Currency:

Euro, €1 = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

Police: 17
Fire: 18
Medical: 15

Opening Hours:

Shop opening hours are generally 10am to 1pm and from around 2pm to 7pm daily. Shops are closed Sundays (sometimes also on Mondays). Some may open longer during the summer season or for a few weeks prior to Christmas only.

Newspapers:

Le Figaro
Aujourd’hui en France
Le Journal du Dimanche
Les Echos

The City

Bergerac is a small modern city that celebrates its long history. The picturesque old town is full of medieval half-timbered houses, elegant 17th-century houses, and the city’s largest square, Pélissière Place. And do not forget the picturesque Dordogne river that flows peacefully through the city.

A gentle walk around the city will reveal interesting museums and other tourist attractions like the statue of Cyrano de Bergerac, the hero of Edmond Rostand’s famous comedy, and there are also plenty of street markets buzzing with activity. Then, of course, there are Bergerac’s restaurants, which come to life in the evenings. It is possible to enjoy the finest truffles or wild boar with one of Bergerac’s world famous wines, including its Monbazillac and Côtes de Bergerac.

Do & See

There is so much to discover in this small picturesque town. There are plenty of historical buildings to explore such as Château De Lanquais and Château De Monbazillac. A gentle walk around the city will also reveal Romanesque churches and interesting museums, such as the Musée du Tabac and the Maison des Vins. Venture further afield to take in the beautiful Dordogne countryside.

Dining

Renowned for its dedication to gastronomy, Bergerac offers numerous restaurants, cafés, and crêperies serving everything from flavoursome light meals to glorious presentations of several courses – accompanied, of course, by some of the world’s finest wines. Look out for tourins – a local speciality soup – truffles, and foie gras. The area is also known for its wild boar, partridge, hare, quail, duck, geese, and trout, all of which will feature on almost all restaurant menus.

Cafes

Sit back and relax at one of Bergerac's cosy cafés with a cup of coffee and a tasty dessert. Make sure to try a delicious crêpe before you leave. Also, take the chance to try and take home some local teas.