Bergerac is a beautiful town located in the southwest of France. The town is situated on the banks of the Dordogne River and is surrounded by stunning countryside. Bergerac is renowned for its wine production and there are many vineyards in the area. The town also has a rich history dating back to Roman times.
How to get to Bergerac?
There are several ways to get to Bergerac, depending on your location. If you are coming from Paris, the easiest way to reach Bergerac is by taking the TGV train from Gare Montparnasse. The journey takes around 4 hours and there are direct trains several times a day. Ticket prices start at 64 euros. Check here for train ticket prices for the dates of your trip.
If you are coming from London, you can take the Eurostar to Paris and then connect to the TGV train (you can find teackets here), or you can fly into Bordeaux Airport and take a regional train or bus to Bergerac. There are also several direct flights from London to Bergerac Airport.
What to do in Bergerac?
If you’re planning a trip to Bergerac, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your stay:
- Go wine tasting – Bergerac is located in the heart of France’s wine country. There are many excellent vineyards in the area, so be sure to go wine tasting while you’re here.
- Visit the old town – the old town is one of the most charming parts of Bergerac. Wander through the winding streets and admire the medieval architecture.
- Try the local food – the food in Bergerac is absolutely incredible. Be sure to try some of the local specialities, such as foie gras, duck confit, and cassoulet.
- Take a boat trip down the Dordogne River – a boat trip is the best way to see the stunning scenery of the Dordogne Valley. You can choose from a variety of different boat trips, ranging from short sightseeing trips to longer cruises.
- Go hiking – there are many beautiful hiking trails in the area around Bergerac. So, if you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head out into nature and explore the stunning countryside.
- In the summer, the Dordogne River is a great place to cool off with a swim or a canoe trip.
When to visit Bergerac?
The best time to visit Bergerac is in the summer, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the town is also lovely in the spring and autumn, when the vineyards are in full bloom. Winter can be cold and wet, so if you are planning a winter trip, pack your raincoat!
Where to stay in Bergerac?
There is a wide range of accommodation available in Bergerac, from camping and hostels to luxury hotels. Check out this list of accommodation options to find the perfect place for your stay.
Main attractions in Bergerac
The old town – wander through the winding streets and admire the medieval architecture.
Bergerac Museum – learn about the history of the town at this excellent museum.
Rocamadour Castle – just a short drive from Bergerac, this castle is perched on a cliff overlooking the countryside.
The vineyards – take a tour of a local vineyard or go wine tasting in one of the many wine bars in town. You can even taste the wine in the tourist center. There is an open store and bar in the courtyard of the old shady monastery.
Statues of Cyrano de Bergerac. Do you remember such a play? It was in honor of this town of Bergerac that the poet got his last name. Monuments to Cyrano are erected all over the city
What to eat in Bergerac?
Bergerac is located in southwest France, so naturally, the food here is absolutely incredible. You’ll find plenty of traditional French dishes on the menu, such as duck confit, foie gras, and cassoulet. There are also many excellent restaurants serving international cuisine.
Some of the local specialities you should try include:
Foie gras – a traditional French dish made from fattened duck or goose liver.
Duck confit – duck leg that has been slow-cooked in its own fat.
Cassoulet – a rich stew made with beans and meat (usually pork or sausage).
Pâté de canard – a type of duck pâté.
Some good restaurants in Bergerac
La Table du Marché – a Michelin-starred restaurant serving traditional French cuisine.
Le Bistrot des Vignes – a cosy bistro with an excellent selection of wine.
Le Moulin de Bergerac – a charming restaurant located in an old mill by the river.
Palais des Ducs – a beautiful restaurant located in an 18th-century palace.
Touring the vineyards
Bergerac is located in the heart of France’s wine country, so it would be a crime not to go wine tasting while you’re here. There are many excellent vineyards in the area, where you can learn about the wine-making process and taste some of the local wines.
You can find individual winery tours here
Some of the best vineyards to visit include:
Château de Braude – a beautiful castle located in the nearby town of Saint-Émilion.
Château de la Dorgonne – a small family-run vineyard located in the countryside.
Château Haut-Monplaisir – a picturesque vineyard with stunning views over the valley.
Clos du Midi – a large vineyard located on the outskirts of town.
Domaine de la Grande Cour – a beautiful vineyard located in a converted barn.
What to visit near Bergerac?
There are many interesting places to visit nearby, including:
Saint-Émilion – a picturesque town located in the Bordeaux wine region.
Lascaux – a UNESCO World Heritage site containing the world’s oldest cave paintings.
Périgueux – the capital of the Dordogne department, located just a short drive from Bergerac.
Sarlat-la-Canéda – a charming town located in the nearby Dordogne region.
Bordeaux – a large city located about an hour’s drive from Bergerac.
Toulouse – a large city located about two hours’ drive from Bergerac.
Check out Dordogne village tours at this link, and if you decide to travel by car, you can find the best rental prices here.
Read our articles about the route in the Dordogne region or the city of Bordeaux
If you’re looking for a place to stay, there are many excellent hotels and camping sites in the area.
Thank you for reading! I hope this article has been helpful in planning your trip to Bergerac. Bon voyage!
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