"Visitors come to Bordeaux because they are looking for the real France.”
There are plenty of other towns and cities in France that would dispute this claim, but there is undeniably a traditional French charm to Bergerac.
A relaxed holidaying vibe, for the most part. There are numerous cafes and high quality boutiques to mooch around in between meals.
The locals are sophisticated, smart and proud of their town. Expect a warm welcome.
During the summer months temperatures regularly push into the 30s and the mild evenings are a true Bergerac pleasure. It gets a bit nippy in winter, mind.
Bergerac is known for its commitment to quality dining and the offerings are rich. Expect to see game, truffles and foie gras on the menu.
Though his name suggests otherwise, the famous 17th century dramatist and duelist Cyrano de Bergerac wasn't actually from Bergerac. This didn't stop the town erecting two statues in his honour – you’ll find them at the Place de la Mirpe and the Place Pélissière.
The area isn't just famous for the delicious wines, but also the tobacco. It's one of the most important growing areas in France.
“White, grey or ochre, our “old” stones invite you on an amazing and fascinating trip to discover an exceptional heritage.” - Bergerac Tourism
Watch craftsmen at work as they carefully restore this once ruined chateau. There is plenty to see and do here including medieval games for the little ones and a café to take lunch and enjoy the surrounds in.
Parking is available onsite.
After all of the excitement of water parks, head somewhere a little more serene and mature, like this church - it's Romanesque and boasts a particularly impressive organ.
Use the Quai Salvette car park. Limited free street parking is also available outside the church.
There are plenty of markets throughout Bergerac on different days. Visit this one outside the church of Notre-Dame on Wednesdays and Saturdays for local foods, crafts and basket making.
Street parking is available within walking distance of the stalls.
This is one of the area's most celebrated restaurants, beautifully set in a 12th-century house in the old quarter. Try the seafood.
Use Le Port car park in Quai Salvette or the Bellegarde Town Centre car park in Rue Saint-Esprit.
Housed in a 17-century building, this boasts lots of artefacts, sculptures and religious paintings.
You can park your hire car in any of the car parks in the town centre, including in the Place de la Republique and the Place Gambetta.
Not far from Bergerac is this quaint little village - home to a couple of nice chateaus and beautiful old houses. There's also a lake that you can swim in.
Go east on the D660. It should take about 25 minutes to get to Lanquais.
Nothing keeps youngsters fascinated and agog like a creepy batch of caves, and these ones won't disappoint. The drive there is a scenic one, too.
It takes about 45 minutes to get to Le Buisson-de-Cadouin on the D660, which is the nearest town to the caves (half a mile away).
Perfect for an entire day out with the children, this place has got picnic spots, adventure playgrounds, mini golf and more.
Head out of Bergerac on the D14/D207. It should take around an hour to get there.
Take the hire car for a scenic drive out to this country park just a couple of hours away from Bergerac. Pack a picnic and a blanket and enjoy a few hours of peace and quiet under a blue sky.
Head east out of the city on the D660 highway. Turn left at Saint-Médard onto the D13 and follow this road all the way to the park.
Watch craftsmen at work as they carefully restore this once ruined chateau. There is plenty to see and do here including medieval games for the little ones and a café to take lunch and enjoy the surrounds in.
Parking is available onsite.
After all of the excitement of water parks, head somewhere a little more serene and mature, like this church - it's Romanesque and boasts a particularly impressive organ.
Use the Quai Salvette car park. Limited free street parking is also available outside the church.
There are plenty of markets throughout Bergerac on different days. Visit this one outside the church of Notre-Dame on Wednesdays and Saturdays for local foods, crafts and basket making.
Street parking is available within walking distance of the stalls.
This is one of the area's most celebrated restaurants, beautifully set in a 12th-century house in the old quarter. Try the seafood.
Use Le Port car park in Quai Salvette or the Bellegarde Town Centre car park in Rue Saint-Esprit.
Housed in a 17-century building, this boasts lots of artefacts, sculptures and religious paintings.
You can park your hire car in any of the car parks in the town centre, including in the Place de la Republique and the Place Gambetta.