Bergerac is located at the heart of the Dordogne and is surrounded by vast vineyards and the gently rolling hills of the Aquitaine region of south-west France. This attractive and historic market town stands on the northern riverbank in the wide plain of the Dordogne River and today still supplies services to the surrounding agricultural areas which grow maize, vines and tobacco. Historically the town grew in importance due to its thriving river-port which was known for shipping local wines to meet the demand created when the region was ruled by the English between the 12th and 15th centuries. Today, Bergerac remains an important regional town and lies at the centre of a large wine growing area which supports 12,600 hectares of vineyards and 13 certified Bergerac wine cellars producing some of the finest wines in the Bordeaux region. The importance of Bergerac is enhanced by servicing the regional area through its airport which lies just 5 kilometres out of town. The airport brings many visitors to this popular region of France, who are attracted here for the wines, the beautiful countryside and its small traditional towns and villages, the relaxation and plentiful outdoor activities, and for the town’s close proximity to the pre-historic sites within the Vezere Valley.
Bergerac is today a modern city which maintains a charming and historic ‘Old Town’ centre that still delights in its narrow twisted alleyways, cobble-stoned streets and picturesque squares which are lined with historic timber-framed and stone built houses. With drinking fountains on many street corners it is a pleasure to explore this once bustling river-trade centre. Look out for the fine examples of medieval houses as you stroll around town, especially along La Rue St Clar, around the main square of the Pelissiere Place and the Place de la Mirpe. Bergerac reflects its past through two interesting museums, the Regional Museum of Wine and Inland Waterways which is located on the Rue des Conferences, and the Tobacco Museum which is located in the Maison Peyrarede. It is due to these two activities of wine and tobacco that Bergerac owes its fortunes, however it is probably better known through the antics of Cyrano de Bergerac. Unfortunately this fictitious character has nothing to do with the town of Bergerac although he is celebrated by a statue which stands in the main square which is called the Pelissiere Place.
For visitors to the area, Bergerac makes an ideal base from which to explore this tranquil region. Attractions include the Maison des Vins de Bergerac which is located within the Recollets Cloisters, Cadouin Abbey which is located in Le-Buisson-de-Cadouin and the pre-historic sites within the Vezere Valley which is a declared U.N.E.S.C.O. World heritage Site.
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