The best time to visit
Bergerac is a pleasant place to visit all year round, with each season revealing a different facet of the town and its terroir.
- In spring, the vineyards and surrounding countryside come to life, ideal for walks and wine tours.
- Summer is enlivened by food markets, festivals and boat trips on the Dordogne, but it is also the busiest time of year.
- In autumn, the city is adorned with golden hues: grape harvests, wine festivals and gastronomy are the order of the day.
- Winter is quieter, offering a friendly atmosphere punctuated by local specialities (foie gras, truffles, sweet wines) and Christmas markets that light up the city.
Day 1: Stroll, savour and discover
Morning: Historic centre and Maison des Vins
Begin your exploration in the heart of Bergerac: Place Pélissière. Lined with stone houses and traditional restaurants, it charms visitors with its picturesque atmosphere. Here you will find one of the statues of Cyrano de Bergerac, the town's emblem, as well as the Font-Ronde fountain, which adds a touch of freshness to the esplanade. Don't miss the small Saint-Jacques church, a stop for pilgrims on the Way of St James, which adds a spiritual and historical dimension to your visit.
Afternoon: Wine Museum and walk along the Dordogne
Continue your getaway with a bucolic stroll along the greenway between Creysse and Bergerac, ideal for a picnic on the banks of the Dordogne beneath the weeping willows. For a more original alternative, treat yourself to a trip on a traditional gabarre boat. These wooden boats offer a peaceful interlude on the Dordogne River, nicknamed the "River of Hope", while enjoying a unique panorama of the town and its surroundings, classified as a "Biosphere Reserve".
Day 2: Nature, heritage and gourmet delights
Morning: Green walk and unusual museum
Head to the majestic Notre-Dame de Bergerac Church, a 19th-century neo-Gothic building whose 80-metre bell tower dominates the town. Inside, you will discover real artistic treasures such as the "Adoration of the Magi" attributed to Pordenone and the "Adoration of the Shepherds" by Ferrari, a pupil of Leonardo da Vinci. A unique testament to Bergerac's rich heritage. For the more curious, the Tobacco Museum, housed in the Maison Peyrarède, tells the surprising story of this crop that left a lasting mark on the Dordogne.
Afternoon: Vineyards, fortified towns and nature getaways
Stroll around Place de la Myrpe, which is transformed into a shaded garden every summer and is home to the second statue of Cyrano. It's the perfect place for a quiet break in the heart of the historic centre, surrounded by small stone houses and floral displays. Then, take the road to the Château de Monbazillac, perched among the vineyards. This 16th-century building, with its architecture combining Renaissance and medieval defences, is one of the jewels of the Périgord. The visit combines heritage and tasting of the famous sweet wine of Monbazillac, whose sweetness goes wonderfully with foie gras or regional desserts. A grand finale before returning to Bergerac to enjoy a last drink on the terrace.
Where to dine and have a drink?
Bergerac is full of places to enjoy Périgord cuisine and have a good time. For a refined experience, the restaurant Le Saint Jacques offers authentic and modern cuisine, showcasing foie gras, truffles and local walnuts. Le Quai 24, located in old Bergerac, stands out for its dishes prepared with fresh, local produce, perfect for discovering the typical flavours of the region. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, the Bistrot du Coin offers a menu of traditional Périgord dishes in a warm and welcoming setting. For a breathtaking view of the Dordogne, the restaurant Le Bellevue offers wood-fired meats, fish and seafood, all enhanced by local wines such as Pécharmant or Monbazillac.
These establishments allow you to fully discover the culinary riches of the Périgord, with local produce and food and wine pairings in a pleasant and friendly setting.
Why choose Bergerac?
Easily accessible by car or train from Bordeaux, Toulouse or even Paris, Bergerac is a destination that combines heritage, nature and gastronomy. Its medieval streets, prestigious vineyards and gentle way of life make it an ideal place for a romantic weekend, with family or friends.
Are you a wine and food lover? You'll be delighted by the tastings of Monbazillac, Pécharmant or Montravel, accompanied by local specialities such as foie gras, truffles or walnuts. Passionate about history and culture? The historic centre, the Wine, Batellerie and Tobacco museums, as well as the surrounding bastides, immerse you in the authentic soul of the Périgord.
Between bucolic walks along the Dordogne, barge cruises and hikes in the surrounding countryside, Bergerac offers the perfect balance between relaxation, cultural discovery and gourmet pleasures. A getaway to the heart of the Périgord Pourpre that will remain etched in your memory.
Which campsite to stay at?
To help you plan your stay, check out the campsites near Bergerac.