Tucked along the Dordogne River, Bergerac may be small in size, yet it exudes charm, world-class wine, delicious cuisine, and a romantic rural French flair. Once a tobacco-trading hub and home to the famed playwright Cyrano de Bergerac, this town now delights travellers with its relaxed elegance and rich heritage.
With Bergerac Airport taking on more visitors than ever – you may find yourself wondering ‘what are the best things to do in Bergerac?” – so, here is your ultimate guide to Bergerac’s highlights, served with a pinch of fun and plenty of practical detail.
1. Sip Your Way Through Bergerac’s Wine Routes
Around Bergerac lie no fewer than 13 AOCs. Two stand out as must-visits:
Monbazillac Château and its Wines
Perched on a scenic hill, Château de Monbazillac produces a famously rich sweet wine akin to Sauternes but without the premium price.
- Most tastings are under €10.
- The 2019 Monbazillac vintage offers lush honey and apricot notes.
- You can picnic on site using baskets bought from the château’s shop. Website: Château de Monbazillac
Pécharmant: Bergerac’s Bold Red
This local red impresses with its earthy depth. Visit family estates 15 to 20 minutes from Bergerac:
- Château Terre Vieille offers generous, unpretentious tastings.
- Château de Tiregand combines tradition with beautiful grounds.
Prefer a single stop? The Maison des Vins in town allows sampling across the region.
Website: Maison des Vins de Bergerac
2. Meander Through Bergerac’s Old Town
Bergerac’s compact old town invites gentle exploration.
- Place Pelissière hosts cafés and the grand Church of Saint-Jacques. Ideal for morning coffee or early evening apéritifs.
- Discover multiple statues of Cyrano – there are two, funnily enough, despite his never having lived here.
Every summer evening, riverside markets or food stalls pop up along the Dordogne’s quay for sunset strolls.
3. Take to the Water on the Dordogne
Gabares de Bergerac offers traditional flat-bottom boat cruises lasting around 50 minutes with English commentary. It is ideal for families and those who prefer a leisurely experience.
If you prefer a more active outing, canoe or kayak rentals from Canoë Dordogne let you explore at your own pace, with picnic stops en route.
Website: Gabares de Bergerac
4. Savour the Flavours of Bergerac
L’Imparfait
Fine dining without fuss. Seasonal menus featuring foie gras and confit duck. Lunch menus start from €26.
Website: L’Imparfait
La Table du Marché Couvert
Next to the covered market, this casual bistro offers local produce and a duck burger washed down with a glass of Pécharmant.
5. Visit Bergerac’s Markets and Artisan Stalls
Saturday mornings from 8 am to 1 pm bring a spirited open-air market through Place Gambetta and Rue des Carmes. Expect local cheeses, charcuterie, lavender soaps, and woven baskets. This is the perfect spot for a picnic by the river.
6. Day Trips from Bergerac
Bergerac makes an excellent base for exploring the Dordogne and beyond:
- Saint-Émilion (1 hour): UNESCO-listed medieval village with famous Bordeaux cellars.
- Sarlat-la-Canéda (1 hour 20): Stone architecture and one of France’s finest markets.
- Château de Bridoire (20 minutes): A family castle featuring games, archery, and mini-golf.
7. How to Get There and Around
By plane: Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport offers seasonal flights with Ryanair and Transavia year-round.
- In July and August 2023, the Bergerac airport welcomed nearly 90,000 passengers, a 6 per cent rise compared to the same period the year before.
- Ryanair expects to carry over 170,000 passengers in summer 2024, boosted by routes from Bristol, London Stansted, and a new link with Edinburgh (source).
By train: There is a direct line from Bordeaux in approximately 1 hour 30.
By car: A rental car is highly recommended to reach vineyards and stately villages at leisure.
Final Toast
Bergerac may not be packed with theme-park spectacles, but it captivates.
It offers quiet cobbled streets, exceptional wine, hearty cuisine, gentle river cruises, and welcoming local faces. Whether tasting a Pécharmant red, drifting on the Dordogne, or lingering over duck confit in a centuries-old bistro, Bergerac rewards the traveller who savours slow living and small pleasures.
Raise a glass and say “Santé” to a delightful visit in Dordogne.