Bergerac is a wonderful town in southwest France, celebrated for its medieval charm and picturesque setting on the Dordogne River.
With its rich cultural heritage and relaxed French vibe, Bergerac is quite beguiling. It offers up a delightful blend of history, gastronomy, and natural beauty.
The medieval old town boasts quaint streets, half timbered houses, great eateries, and a bustling market with local specialties like foie gras.
Museums tell the tale of the city’s involvement in the tobacco and wine trades. At the center, the flower filled Place Pélissière is flanked by shops and cafes.
And the wine! Bergerac is famous for its wines, with their renown dating back to the 13th century.
On top of this, the city is filled with street art murals. Yes, murals, incredibly unusual for a city in southern France.
Mini History Of Bergerac
Before visiting Bergerac, here’s a bit of history to get you started.
Bergerac is located in the Périgord Pourpre (purple) on the north bank of the Dordogne River.
It’s a City of Art and History and the second largest town in the Dordogne after Perigueux.
The town is full of history and stories. Its rich history dates back to medieval times, and its picturesque streets are lined with beautifully preserved half-timbered buildings.
These iconic structures, common in medieval European towns, were built using timber frames filled with wattle and daub. The abundance of timber in the surrounding forests made this building method practical and popular.
Many of these pretty homes came courtesy of English merchants, who controlled Bergerac during much of the Hundred Year War.
Bergerac is also famous as a stopover on the way to Saint Jacques de Compostela and for its important vineyards.
The town has a winemaking heritage that dates back to the Roman era. The city boasts no less than seven different appellations with national and international reputations.
The local wine culture is an integral part of Bergerac’s identity, and wine lovers may want to enjoy visiting the numerous vineyards and tasting the diverse range of wines produced in the region.
One Day In Bergerac Itinerary
Here’s an hour by hour guide with all the best things to do in Bergerac.
10:00 AM: Market
Try to plan your visit to coincide with the bustling Saturday market, a lively affair running from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm (food market until 1:00 pm).
Wednesdays also offer a smaller food market from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm at Place Gambetta near Notre Dame Church. This is when I visited.
Amidst the bustling crowds, explore stalls laden with local delicacies such as foie gras, truffles, cheeses, and fresh produce.
You could even fill up your bags with provisions for a picnic.
While you’re in the area, pop into the Eglise Notre-Dame. It was built between 1856-65 and designed by the famous architect Violet-le-Duc of
The church is designed in the neo-Gothic style, with pointed arches, intricate stone carvings, and a single towering spire.
Inside, the church boasts beautiful stained glass windows. They depict various religious scenes, flooding the interior with colorful light.
There are also two lovely pipe organs.
Pro Tip: If you’re lucky, the church will be hosting an organ recital.
11:00 AM: Explore the Old Town
After the market, wander through Bergerac’s charming Old Town. This compact area is located between the Eglise Notre-Dame and the Quai Cyrano.
Walk along the narrow, cobblestone streets and admire the beautiful half-timbered houses. The best places to see them are on Rue de la Mirope, Rue Saint-James, Rue des Fontaines, and Rue Saint-Clair.
Place de la Mirope is also lovely, almost like a garden with chestnut trees and half-timbered homes. Here, you’ll find one of the city’s statues of Cyrano.
Don’t miss Place Pélissière, a beautifully restored square lined with cafes and shops. Its name comes from the skin and hide traders who once worked there.
On the Place, check out another Cyrano statue and pop into the Eglise Saint-Jacques.
The church dates from the 12th century and is a stop on the pilgrim trail to Compostela. The medieval belfry is from the 13th century.
The rest of the church was remodeled in the 18th century. The Neo-Gothic organ by Aristide Cavaille-Coll is listed as a historic monument.
>>> Click here to book a guided walking tour
12:30 PM: Lunch
For lunch, try one of the local specialties like duck confit, foie gras, or a fresh salad with ingredients sourced from the region.
I had lunch at Authentik and it was perfect. The dishes were beautifully presented and delicious.
2:00 PM – Boat Trip on the Dordogne River
The Dordogne is famous for its river cruises and you may want to take a relaxing boat trip along the Dordogne River.
You can take a gabare, the traditional Dordogne flat-bottomed barge ships. They’ve been shuttling along the river for centuries.
This scenic cruise offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and historic buildings along the riverbanks.
3:30 PM – Visit the Musée du Tabac
To learn about Bergerac’s history, stop in at the Musée du Tabac. It’s housed in the gorgeous Maison Peyrarede, a townhouse built in 1604 and restored in 1982.
The museum traces the history of tobacco over 3,000 years, with interesting exhibits and artifacts.
They illustrate the earliest use of the plant, its spread throughout the world, the ways it is smoked, and its impact on the economy.
Pro Tip: You could also visit the Musee Costi (with sculptures by a artist who studied under Anthony Bourdelle) or the Musee de la Ville (devoted to the history of river shipping and the local wine trade).
4:30 PM – Walk Along the Quai Cyrano
Take a leisurely walk along the Quai Cyrano. This area offers beautiful views of the river and is a perfect spot to relax.
Afternoon Alternative: Chateau de Monbazillac
Just 10 minutes from Bergerac is one of southern France’s most imposing castles — the Chateau de Monbazillac.
It’s known for its elegant architecture with turrets and a striking white stone facade.
The castle offers guided tours where you can explore its rich history, including its winemaking heritage.
The tours offered are immersive and fun with the help of videos, audios, riddles, and animations. A castle visit that will be far from classic and boring!
Throughout this summer, many parties are organized with concerts, late-night openings, cocktail parties and more!
Surrounding the chateau are picturesque vineyards producing Monbazillac wines, which are famous for their sweet and fruity flavors. And the views from the property are to die for.
5:30 PM – Visit the Cloître des Récollets
In the early evening, head to the Cloître des Récollets.
It’s a peaceful cloister built in 1630 on the site of the former Chateau de Bergerac. It has a beautiful wooden Renaissance gallery above a courtyard.
Today, it houses the Maison des Vins and the Tourist Office. Except in January, they’re open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm daily.
It’s a great place to unwind. Plus, you can sample the Bergerac wines and purchase some on the spot.
Bergerac Rouge is a red wine made from blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grapes. It’s known for its fruity flavors and balanced acidity.
Bergerac Blanc is a white wine blended from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle grapes. It has a crisp acidity, citrus notes, and sometimes hints of tropical fruits. Tres delicious!
7:00 PM – Dinner
End your day with a delicious dinner at one of Bergerac’s renowned Michelin restaurants.
La Table du Marche features creative cuisine focusing on local (and mostly organic) ingredients. There’s a local wine list, with very reasonable prices.
L’Imparfait has a rustic setting, with exposed stone and beams. The chef servers up fresh and local products with a seasonally changing menu.
Le Bistro d’en Face boasts a terrace with a stunning panoramic view of the old town, the Dordogne River, and its traditional boats.
The delicious, expertly crafted food matches the view perfectly, offering dynamic neo-bistro cuisine that brilliantly reinvents some French classics.
If you opted to visit the Chateau de Monbazillac, you could stay in town and check out Le Tour de Vents.
It offers fine dining with a modern twist and panoramic views over the Bergerac vineyards.
Tips For A One Day In Bergerac Itinerary
How To Get To Bergerac
Bergerac has a train station in the north of the city. It’s only a short walk or quick taxi ride away from the old town, about 10 to 15 minutes on foot.
If you are driving, there are plenty of parking garages. You can likely find parking on a street outside the old town, which is what I did.
Bergerac also has a small regional airport, Aéroport de Bergerac Dordogne Périgord. It’s located about 3 miles southeast of the town center.
How To Get Around Bergerac
The medieval old town is compact and entirely walkable. But there is also a small tourist train to take you to and fro.
Where To Stay In Bergerac
The Bergerac area offers several luxurious accommodations for travelers seeking a high-end experience. One of the top options is Chateau des Vigiers, located about 20 minutes away in Monestier.
This stunning 16th century chateau boasts a golf course, spa, gourmet restaurant, and beautifully landscaped grounds, with rooms and suites that elegantly blend historic charm and modern comfort.
Another excellent choice is La Chartreuse du Bignac in Saint-Nexans, approximately 10 minutes from Bergerac. This boutique hotel, set in a 12th-century manor house, offers luxurious rooms with countryside views, a swimming pool, a gourmet restaurant, and extensive gardens.
For a stylish stay, consider Château Les Merles in Mouleydier, about 15 minutes from Bergerac. This boutique hotel features a contemporary design within a historic chateau, including a golf course, fine dining restaurant, spa services, and modern, comfortable rooms.
Le Vieux Logis in Trémolat, around 30 minutes from Bergerac, is another superb option.
This Relais & Châteaux property, housed in a former 16th century priory, offers beautifully decorated rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and lovely gardens.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my one day in Bergerac itinerary. You may find these other southern France travel guides useful:
- 10 day itinerary for southern France
- 1 week Dordogne itinerary
- Hidden gems in Provence
- Hilltop villages of the Luberon Valley
- Historic landmarks in southern France
- Beautiful villages in the Dordogne
- Beautiful villages in Occitanie
- One day in Avignon itinerary
- One day in Sarlat-la-Caneda
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