Perched on the banks of the Dordogne River, Bergerac boasts a rich winemaking heritage and a wealth of medieval charms. Twisted cobbled lanes and half-timbered buildings characterize the Old Town, where you can while away the hours browsing museums, visiting the Maison des Vins, and feasting on regional specialties at a traditional bistro. Alternatively, explore farther afield—barge river cruises or drives through the vine-clad hills of the Dordogne Valley, with time to admire hilltop châteaux and sip Bergerac wines, are two of the top things to do in Bergerac.
Summer draws a steady stream of vacationers and day-trippers to Bergerac, and the Dordogne valley boasts some of France’s best weather. Think long, sunny days with average temperatures of 80°F (27°C) and little humidity. To dodge the crowds, opt for a shoulder season visit, instead—it’s still warm enough to enjoy outdoors activities and vineyard walks in May, September, and October.
Bergerac is small enough that you can take in the sights on foot, but bring sturdy walking shoes as the cobbled lanes of the Old Town are no place for flimsy footwear. If you need to go further afield, there’s an efficient TUB (Transports Urbains de Bergerac) bus network, or do as the locals do and get around by bike—there are several rental outlets in the city center.
The best spot to cool off from the summer heat is Pombonne Lake, just two miles (three kilometers) north of the town center. Head to the sandy lakeside beach, where you can swim and sunbathe, follow the leafy walking trails around the lakeside park, or enjoy lunch at the lakeside restaurant. On weekend evenings from June through September, there’s also live music at the open-air stage by the lake.
Attractions 3 | Tours 23 | Reviews 465 |
Don’t miss Bergerac—there are few towns in France as picturesque. The Dordogne has half-timber houses and châteaux, and Bergerac has some of the prettiest, along with the Dordogne river slicing through the middle. The gastro scene includes vineyards, sturgeon caviar farms, and forests full of truffles.
...MoreBergerac’s old town is on the northern side of the Dordogne River. It’s known as the medieval quarter and is a cat’s cradle of tangled, winding little streets. Don’t miss the Tobacco Museum in a 17th-century building in the old town. It offers insight into the history of the plant.
...MoreBergerac straddles the Dordogne river, with roughly two-thirds of the town to the north and a third to the south. The Dordogne is a hot spot for canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife watching. Twitchers (traveling birdwatchers) flock here to see an abundance of owl species.
...MoreBergerac has been around for a long time. Its first appearance in recorded history is in the 11th century. Between 1152 and 1450, it belonged to the English at various intervals. Perhaps it’s this legacy that has cemented its enduring popularity with English expats today.
...MoreBergerac sits on the Dordogne, a 300-mile (480-kilometer) river that starts in the Auvergne and meets the river in the Gironde, just north of Bordeaux. It offers plenty of drama, with its plunging gorges, abundance of verdant green foliage, and good peppering of medieval châteaux.
...MoreBergerac is a town, with a population of a little more than 27,000. It’s compact enough to be explored on foot or bike (mind the cobbles). Even though it’s a small place, it has an airport with direct flights to several cities in the UK.
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