Visit to the bastides in the Bergerac region

The Dordogne department, also called Périgord, is divided into four colors. The Bergeracois is a vast region in the south west of the Dordogne which corresponds to the Périgord pourpre and which includes the town of Bergerac, which gives it its name, but also other communes, such as the bastides of Monpazier, Beaumont du Périgord or even Lalinde , as well as small villages full of charm like Paunat and Molière.

Bergerac

The town of Bergerac is one of the sub-prefecture of Dordogne. Close to the departments of Gironde and Lot et Garonne, it is a gateway to the department, particularly thanks to its airport. Regular connections to the UK and the rest of Europe make it a cosmopolitan city.

Many visitors to Périgord plan the town of Bergerac during their stay for two main reasons: Cyrano de Bergerac and Bergerac vineyards. However, these are not the only assets of this city: when you walk there, you fall under its spell and discover its fascinating history.

Cyrano de Bergerac, THE character of the city

This famous character invented by Edmond Rostand is ultimately little present in the medieval town of Bergerac. Alone two statues bearing the image of the character from the eponymous novel are visible around the corners of the streets.

The most remarkable is certainly the bronze one near the Place des Halles.

But what would Cyrano be without Roxane? Bergerac honors the heroine of the play by offering the name of Rocksane at his concert hall.

The town of Bergerac

Bergerac - Riverfront — ©joe_47mns -Pixabay

Discovering the town of Bergerac can be done in different ways. You have the possibility to

you let yourself be carried by train. Starting from rue des Récollets, you will walk along the quays then visit the medieval streets.
sail aboard a gabarre. Bergerac, once an important port, no longer trades via its river. However, it is interesting to understand the link between the Dordogne river and the construction of this port city, completely developed around the transport of wine.
explore the city center at your own pace. Thanks to a discovery trail or through a guided tour organized by the town, you will discover the Rue des Fontaines with its small shops, the Récollet cloister and its exhibitions or even the Notre Dame de Bergerac church and its bell tower perched near 80 meters high.

The vineyards of Bergerac

The town of Bergerac was built around the wine trade because very close to the medieval city, an exceptional terroir made it possible to develop the cultivation of the vine.

Discover the vineyards of Monbazillac, Pécharmant or Saussignac independently or in an accompanied version:

– visit to the cellar with the cellar master
– visit to the vineyards accompanied by the producer
– simple bike ride through the vines
– discovery of the castle of Monbazillac and its well-stocked cellar
– purchase at the Sigoulès winegrowers’ cellar

It’s up to you to choose the formula that suits you…

After admiring all these vine stocks, we invite you to taste Bergerac wines ! Many wine merchants, restaurants or bars around Bergerac offer tastings. We recommend the roof terrace of the Bergerac Tourist Office, a wine bar is installed there for the pleasure of the eyes and taste buds 😉 You will also find valuable advice on the different visit options mentioned above and a list of wineries who welcome the public of amateurs with great pleasure.

The Bastides

All around the town of Bergerac, villages known as bastides are worth visiting. Each of them has its own particularity nevertheless they all retain the initial plan.

What is a bastide?

A bastide responds to a architecture particular composed of a Central place and alleys arranged all around in the form orthogonal. The Dordogne is full of bastides in its southern part and particularly in Bergerac, however this architectural plan is also visible in the Gers, in the Landes or very close: in the Lot et Garonne.