Bergerac City Breaks

A guide to Bergerac

Bergerac is a rural French market town, ideally suited for relaxing weekends away. Beautifully romantic, visitors will find stunning architecture, superb restaurants, rustic markets and a charming setting on the River Dordogne, and the narrow streets and stately squares of Vieux Bergerac are a delight to explore on foot. The restored timber-framed buildings date back to the 14th century, and at the heart of the city is the Place de la Pélissière: a magnificent square with a spectacular fountain. Other notable highlights include the Church of St-Jacques, the Bergerac Tobacco Museum, the Musée du Vin and the Bergerac Museum of Religious Art.

Warm spring sunshine in the Dordogne

The region enjoys warm sunny weather and there's a relaxed holiday atmosphere throughout. Temperatures are ideal for leisurely sightseeing throughout the city, and the beautiful Dordogne is at its scenic best in the spring and summer months. It's easy to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors, and excursions from Bergerac include the gorgeous village of Cadouin, atmospheric Cadouin Abbey and the Renaissance Chateau De Monbazilla. Bergerac nightlife is surprisingly lively, thanks to a large student population, however outside term time the town is delightfully sleepy.

A gastronome's delight

Bergerac is an absolute delight for fans of traditional French cuisine, and there is an inviting collection of bars and restaurants near Place Pelissiere and the covered market. Several Bergerac restaurants feature romantic outdoor terraces with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, and the superb covered food markets are the place to be on Saturday morning. No holiday here is complete without a little wine tasting, with excursions to the charming Maison des Vins, set in beautiful 16th century cloisters, or the renowned Monbazillac vineyards being particularly recommended.