Bergerac

Bergerac is a commune and a sub-prefecture of the Dordogne department within the Nouvelle-Aquitaine administrative region. It has been designated a "town of art and history".

Understand

One of its main tourist attractions, and therefore its main income, is its choice of wine and tobacco.

In the medieval town square stands a statue of Cyrano de Bergerac, a fictional character created by playwright Edmond Rostand who was based on a 17th-century novelist and playwright from the north of France who never set foot in the town. It is one of two statues of the fictional character.

Get in

• 1 Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport (EGC  ^IATA). Regular flights from London Stansted Airport with Ryanair. Seasonal flights from Rotterdam, Charleroi and a number of UK airports.  

See

• 1 Musée du Tabac, 10 Rue de l'Ancien Pont, ☏ +33 5 53 63 04 13. Oct-Mar: Tu-F 10:00-12:00, 14:00-18:00; Sa 10:00-12:00. Apr-May: Tu-Sa 10:00-12:00, 14:00-18:00; Su 14:30-18:00. June-Sept 10:00-13:00, 14:00-18:00. The Tobacco Museum's collections, which are unique in Europe, explain this universal fact of social life, the history of tobacco’s use, and objects related to its consumption. The Tobacco Museum is located in the Maison Peyrarède, also known as the Château Henri IV. The building was constructed in the 17th century in the heart of the historic centre of Bergerac. Adults €4, discounted rate €2, children free. (updated Sep 2017)
• Maison des Vins de Bergerac, 1 rue des Récollets, ☏ +33 5 53 63 57 55, ivbd.poletouristique@vins-bergeracduras.fr. Nov-June: Tu-Sa 10:00-13:00, 14:00-19:00. July-Aug: 10:00-19:00. Sept-Oct: M-Sa 10:00-13:00, 14:00-19:00. Located in the viticultural village of Monbazillac, the “Maison du Tourisme et du Vin” focuses on the renowned “vin liquoreux” (sweet white wine) which has made this region famous. There an audio-visual exhibition where you can discover its secrets. In season, you can also sample the wine made by local producers and buy a bottles of this delicate wine. free. (updated Sep 2017)

Do

Take a stroll along the historic Dordogne river to view the shimmering waters -- motorboats are not allowed, and tourists may kayak and canoe there in the warmer months.

Buy

• The traditional market is held around Notre Dame Church and outside the covered market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.