Bergerac is the second largest town in the Dordogne, second only to the administrative capital, Perigueux. As the

centre of a major wine-producing area, with a river port with access to the sea via Bordeaux, Bergerac was formerly the most important town in the region. Now it is a busy market town with a mediaeval town centre.

 

Apart from the well known "Bergerac" wine, the region makes a range of wines including Pecharmont, Montravel and Montbazillac. Most of the vineyards lie on the flood plain of the River Dordogne, and on the slopes of the low rolling hills bounding the plain to its north.

 

Its excellent harbour on the great River Dordogne helps to explain Bergerac's importance. From here the "gabarres" or river barges carried the wine downstream to the seaport of Bordeaux.

 

Bergerac is a very important town, with large industrial and commercial centres on its periphery. It is worth visiting its bustling commercial centre and mediaeval heart. There is good parking in the Place de la Republique and a lot  of free parking on the edge of the river in the "old town".

 

There is an excellent Saturday morning market around the church in the town centre and a slightly smaller one on Wednesdays.

These markets sell the best strawberries in the world, grown locally, from March to November.

 

The commercial centre of Bergerac is packed with shops, really rather like a busy county town in England twenty or thirty years ago, before the chains took over. As well as supplying the necessities of French provincial life, there are many galleries, restaurants, and museums, as well as quaint old tea rooms tucked away in the narrow back streets.  The "old town" lies between the main shopping streets and the river. It is very compact and packed with mediaeval buildings, little squares and fountains, pavement cafes, shops and restaurants.

 

From the old port you can take the “road train” to visit the town and a traditional Gabare for a river trip on the Dordogne.

BERGERAC