by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:24th February 2026
Viticulture, street art & historic squares
As we continue our two-week EV road trip north through the French countryside, we are arriving in the beautiful region of the Dordogne, more specifically, in the delightful town of Bergerac. Bergerac is nestled along the picturesque banks of the River Dordogne, and the twist is that it has no links to the playwright Cyrano de Bergerac.
During our EV French road trip, we kept to the back roads of France as much as possible. After rolling off Le Shuttle at Calais, we visited the delightful medieval towns of Provins in Île-de-France and Semur-en-Auxois in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. We explored Sisteron, located in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, then visited Antibes and Sète on the Mediterranean coast, and also took in a little detour to the walled city of Aigues-Mortes.
While in the South of France, we squeezed in a stay at one of our favourite places in Provence, Saint-Remy-de-Provence. From here, we headed off on a mini road trip to experience seven more Provence towns and villages.
Why not Pin it for later?
Now journeying north through France, we visited the UNESCO city of Albi and are now staying in the colourful town of Bergerac before continuing north to Poitiers and Le Mans.
Did you catch our inspiration for this French road trip?
Where is Bergerac?
How to get to Bergerac
- By Car
Departing from the UK to France, there are various options. You can either jump on Le Shuttle and arrive in Calais in 35 minutes or enjoy a leisurely cruise on the open waves with Brittany Ferries, DFDS or P&O.
- By Air
If you’re flying into France, search for your flights within your preferred travel search engine for your favoured routes and chosen dates. Find the best hire car for you from Rental Cars, and your adventure begins.
Where to stay in Bergerac
Brit Hotel Europ Bergerac
The Brit Hotel Europ Bergerac is located on a quiet street, and an easy walk to all of Bergerac’s charming sights. The hotel is very well priced, and it has a large on-site car park for a small charge.
Brief history of Bergerac
The Dordogne River at its heartBergerac is located on the banks of the Dordogne River in south-west France. Bergerac has a history shaped by trade, religion, and wine. The town’s origins date back to antiquity, but Bergerac truly began to flourish in the Middle Ages, when its strategic river position enabled the transport of goods, particularly wine, downstream to Bordeaux and beyond.
Vieux Pont
This river trade brought prosperity and helped Bergerac develop into an important commercial centre in the Dordogne. Wooden barges called “gabares” were used to carry a large number of barrels of wine up and down the Dordogne to export to other regions.
Relaxing in Place de la Mirpe
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Bergerac became a stronghold of Protestantism and played a notable role in the French Wars of Religion. The town was the site of several key treaties, including the Peace of Bergerac in 1577, which attempted to ease tensions between Catholics and Huguenots.
These turbulent years left a lasting imprint on the town’s identity and architecture, much of which can still be seen today in the historic old town with its half-timbered houses and narrow streets.
Église Notre-Dame
Inside Église Notre-Dame
From the 18th century onwards, Bergerac’s fortunes became increasingly tied to viticulture. While nearby Bordeaux dominated the export market, Bergerac developed its own distinctive wine region, producing reds, whites, and sweet wines that are now internationally recognised.
Monument aux Morts 1870-1871 de Bergerac
Monument to WWI & WII)
Today, Bergerac blends its rich medieval and early modern history with a relaxed riverside atmosphere, making it a popular destination for visitors exploring the Dordogne’s historic towns, vineyards, and landscapes.
Stay informed
You will find us across many forms of social media. You will find our latest posts, some throwbacks, links to historic events with our 'On this day' posts, across Facebook, X, Bluesky & Threads. Each week, themed visual content on Instagram, and our narrated travels on YouTube. Collections of the images in our posts are also collated into boards on Pinterest.
Strolling Place Pélissière, Bergerac
In search of CyranoNestled in the historic heart of Bergerac are the beautiful and welcoming squares of Place Pélissière, Place du Docteur Cayla and Place de la Mirpe. These charming squares are perfect starting points for exploring this Ville d’Art et d’Histoire.
Place Pélissière
At the centre of the old town, Place Pélissière is a gently sloping medieval square framed by charming cafés, artisan shops and the graceful Église Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur, a pilgrimage church on the ancient route to Santiago de Compostela.
Statue of Cyrano de Bergerac
Église Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur
Here you’ll also find a colourful statue of Cyrano de Bergerac, the legendary 17th-century writer famously immortalised by Edmond Rostand, standing as a symbol of Bergerac’s rich cultural heritage. The square’s historical ambience, pedestrian-friendly streets and proximity to narrow lanes like Rue Saint-Clar and Rue Saint-James make it a favourite for ambling and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.
There are so many incredible places to discover in France, so many regions, and I love planning road trips. I often use the DK Guides,
I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into searching for more
Relaxing in Place de la Mirpe, Bergerac
Lunch in Place du Dr CaylaJust a short stroll from Place Pélissière is Place du Docteur Cayla, a quieter, more thoughtful spot in Bergerac’s intricate network of medieval streets.
The attractive square is fringed by distinguished architecture such as the neo-classical Protestant Temple, whose façade dates to the late 18th century and reflects the enduring history of religious life in the town. Behind these monumental openings lies the serene Cloître des Récollets, a 17th-century monastery garden.
Neo-classical Protestant Temple
Descending towards the river and closer to the former port area, Place de la Mirpe reveals yet another facet of Bergerac’s medieval charm. This postcard-perfect square, enclosed by picturesque half-timbered houses dating back centuries, is often described as feeling like “a film set” of rural France.
Place de la Mirpe
This was one of my favourite squares in Bergerac, filled with shaded benches and a gentle atmosphere that invites lingering over an ice cream, coffee or a glass of wine. Another delightful statue of Cyrano also graces the centre here, making it an iconic meeting point and one you’ll not want to leave.
Stone statue to Cyrano de Bergerac
Find yourself a dappled bench, sit, relax and watch the world amble by. The surrounding cobbled streets, small boutiques and wine-bars complete the experience, transporting visitors into the town’s vibrant history as a hub of trade, culture and riverside life.
France Tourist Information
If you’re tempted to tour France and discover all the delightful things it has to offer, take a peek at the official French Tourism website. The local tourist offices dotted around towns and cities provide some extremely useful information and handy pointers for around each region.
Exploring Quai Salvette & Quai Cyrano
Relaxing by the waterfrontIn the historic heart of Quai Salvette, you’ll find one of Bergerac’s oldest riverfronts, where for centuries the town’s life and commerce flowed with the tides of the Dordogne. For several centuries, from the Middle Ages onward, Bergerac was the sole crossing point on the Dordogne River in the region.
Quai Salvette
The original bridge, built in 1209, was also a pivotal crossing route for pilgrims. In 1783, a flood swept away the bridge, which was replaced by the current stone-and-brick structure, built between 1822 and 1825. The graceful five-arched bridge is an icon along the Dordogne River.
Gabare boat
Today, Bergerac’s delightful quayside, is a pleasurable place to unwind and soak up the intoxicating atmosphere of daily river life. Also, from Bergerac’s quayside you can take a leisurely trip on board a traditional gabare boat to see the gorgeousness of the region from the vantage point of the river.
Bergerac’s rich culture
From street markets to street artWe were lucky to be in Bergerac on a Saturday morning as it was market day. The historic Saturday market in Bergerac is a lively weekly open-air event in the heart of the Dordogne, with colourful stalls stretching around the Église Notre-Dame, Place Gambetta and Place Louis de la Bardonnie.
Bergerac’s Saturday market
The local growers and artisans have been showcasing seasonal fruits, vegetables, foie gras, cheeses and regional specialities for generations. It’s one of the town’s most vibrant cultural experiences, drawing locals and visitors alike from early morning through midday to savour fresh Dordogne produce and stroll Bergerac’s charming medieval streets.
Rue du Mourrier
Colourful streets of Bergerac
As you meander through the vibrant streets of Bergerac, ensure you head down the Rue du Mourrier; the street decorations fluttering high above will certainly bring a smile to your face.
Rue du Mourrier is one of the charming, narrow lanes that weave through the town, inviting visitors to step back into centuries past as they explore Bergerac’s medieval core.
Smile by LadyBug
Wending our way around Bergerac, I was amazed to see the incredible amount of street art. Bergerac isn’t just a haven for wine lovers and history buffs; it’s also an unexpected hotspot for vibrant street art. Extraordinary artwork is scattered throughout the town, a diverse collection of over two dozen murals and graffiti pieces brings contemporary creativity to Bergerac’s historic streets.
Tatoo by RNST
Power flower by RNST
These works range from colourful abstract compositions to striking figurative pieces that punctuate the traditional stone façades of the old town. Blending modern expression with Bergerac’s charming medieval architecture.
Rebeb by Isaure
Bergerac’s growing urban art scene reflects many artistic voices, with pieces created by both local and visiting artists that invite wanderers to explore beyond the usual tourist trails and discover this lively open-air gallery.
There are so many reasons to visit the delightful town of Bergerac.
Crit'Air vignette required for driving in France
If you’re heading to France from the UK with your own vehicle, you’ll need a Crit’Air ‘clean air’ car sticker.
Just like our low-emission zones in the UK, France now legally requires the display of a Crit’Air vignette. The good news is, these stickers are readily available and affordable online through the official French government website.
The Crit’Air sticker lasts the lifetime of the vehicle, so it’s a one-off purchase. The RAC website offers an in-depth guide to everything you need to know and your requirements.
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