Discover Bergerac: A Hidden Gem in Southwest France
Bergerac, nestled in the Dordogne department of Southwest France, offers a captivating blend of wine, history, and picturesque landscapes. This lesser-known wine region boasts diverse terroirs and grape varieties, producing exceptional wines that rival its famous neighbor, Bordeaux.
Towns and Villages
Bergerac’s charming towns and villages showcase the region’s rich history and culture. Explore the medieval streets of Bergerac city, known for its half-timbered houses and vibrant market squares.
- Monbazillac: Famous for its sweet wines and impressive château
- Issigeac: A picturesque village with a popular Sunday market
- Eymet: A bastide town with strong English connections
- Sainte-Foy-la-Grande: A riverside town with excellent local produce
Wine Producers
Bergerac is home to numerous wineries, ranging from small family-owned estates to larger cooperatives. Many offer tours and tastings, providing insight into the region’s winemaking traditions.
- Château de Tiregand: Produces excellent red wines in Pécharmant
- Château Tour des Gendres: Known for organic and biodynamic wines
- Château Monbazillac: Offers guided tours and tastings of sweet wines
- Domaine de l’Ancienne Cure: Specializes in dry white and red wines
Accommodations
Bergerac offers a range of accommodations to suit various preferences and budgets. Stay in a château for a truly immersive wine experience or opt for a cozy bed and breakfast in a picturesque village.
- Château les Merles: Luxury hotel with golf course and gourmet restaurant
- La Chartreuse du Bignac: Charming country house hotel with vineyard views
- Le Clos d’Argenson: Boutique hotel in the heart of Bergerac city
- Château de la Côte: Historic castle hotel near Périgueux
Dining
Bergerac’s cuisine perfectly complements its wines, featuring local ingredients and traditional recipes. Indulge in foie gras, truffles, and hearty meat dishes paired with regional wines.
- L’Imparfait: Gourmet restaurant in Bergerac city, known for creative dishes
- La Table du Marché Couvert: Fresh, local produce in a bustling market setting
- La Tour des Vents: Michelin-starred restaurant with panoramic views
- Le Bistrot d’en Face: Casual dining with a focus on regional specialties
Wine Shops & Bars
Bergerac offers numerous spots to sample and purchase local wines. Visit wine bars for tastings and expert advice on regional varieties.
- La Maison des Vins de Bergerac: Central hub for tasting and buying local wines
- Le Vin’quatre: Cozy wine bar with an extensive selection of Bergerac wines
- Cave de Monbazillac: Cooperative shop offering a wide range of sweet wines
- Le Wine Bar: Modern venue with a curated list of regional and international wines
Other Shops
Explore local markets and specialty stores for authentic Bergerac products. Purchase regional delicacies to complement your wine discoveries.
- Marché Couvert de Bergerac: Indoor market for fresh produce and local specialties
- La Ferme de Biorne: Artisanal foie gras and duck products
- Chocolaterie Bovetti: Handmade chocolates and cocoa-based treats
- Les Confitures de Stanzy: Homemade jams and preserves using local fruits
Attractions
Beyond wine, Bergerac boasts rich history and natural beauty. Visit museums and explore outdoor activities in the picturesque Dordogne Valley.
- Musée du Tabac: Unique museum dedicated to the history of tobacco
- Château de Monbazillac: 16th-century castle with stunning views and wine tastings
- Cloître des Récollets: Former monastery with beautiful gardens in Bergerac city
- Château de Bridoire: Medieval castle offering interactive historical experiences
Events
Bergerac hosts various events celebrating wine, food, and culture. Plan your visit around these festivals for a truly immersive experience.
- Fête du Vin et de la Gastronomie (August): Wine and food festival in Bergerac city
- Jazz Pourpre Périgord Festival (May): Music festival showcasing local and international jazz artists
- Fête des Vendanges de Monbazillac (October): Harvest celebration in Monbazillac
- Marché des Producteurs de Pays (Summer): Weekly farmers’ markets throughout the region
Appellations
Bergerac’s wine region encompasses several appellations, each with distinct characteristics. Explore the diversity of wines produced in these sub-regions.
- Bergerac AOC: Covers red, white, and rosé wines from the entire region
- Monbazillac AOC: Known for its luscious sweet white wines
- Pécharmant AOC: Produces full-bodied red wines from a small area north of Bergerac
- Rosette AOC: Specializes in off-dry to sweet white wines
- Saussignac AOC: Creates high-quality sweet white wines similar to Monbazillac
Grape Varieties
Bergerac’s vineyards boast a diverse array of grape varieties. Red grapes include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.
White varieties feature Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle. These grapes contribute to the region’s distinctive wine profiles.
Main Wine Styles
Bergerac produces a range of wine styles to suit various palates. Dry white wines are crisp and refreshing, often with citrus and floral notes.
Red wines can be light and fruity or full-bodied and complex. The region also crafts excellent sweet wines, particularly in the Monbazillac appellation.
Food Specialties
- Foie gras: A local delicacy, often paired with sweet Monbazillac wines
- Truffles: Black Périgord truffles are a prized ingredient in local cuisine
- Walnut oil: Used in salads and cooking, adding a unique flavor to dishes
- Strawberries: The Périgord strawberry is known for its exceptional taste
Drives & Walks
Scenic Drives
The Route des Vins de Bergerac offers a picturesque journey through the region’s vineyards. This drive showcases charming villages and stunning landscapes.
Take the road from Bergerac to Monbazillac for breathtaking views of the Dordogne Valley and its vineyards.
Walks
Explore the Pécharmant vineyards on foot, following well-marked trails that wind through the vines. The Monbazillac Castle grounds offer pleasant walks with panoramic views.
Itineraries
3-Day Wine Lover’s Tour
- Day 1: Explore Bergerac’s old town and visit Château de Monbazillac
- Day 2: Tour Pécharmant wineries and enjoy a tasting lunch
- Day 3: Discover the Dordogne Valley and its wine villages
Week-Long Gourmet Experience
- Combine winery visits with cooking classes
- Explore local markets and food producers
- Dine at Michelin-starred restaurants and rustic bistros
- Take part in seasonal truffle hunts or strawberry picking
Getting There & Around
By Air
The nearest airport is Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport, with flights from major European cities. Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, about 1.5 hours away, offers more international connections.
By Train
Regular train services connect Bergerac to Bordeaux and other major French cities. The journey from Paris takes about 4 hours with a change in Bordeaux.
Local Transportation
Renting a car is recommended for exploring the vineyards and rural areas. Many wineries offer pick-up services from Bergerac town for tastings and tours.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-June)
Ideal for mild weather and fewer crowds. The Bergerac Wine Fair in May showcases local producers.
Autumn (September-November)
Perfect for witnessing the grape harvest and enjoying fall colors in the vineyards. The Sarlat Fest’Oie in October celebrates local gastronomy.
Sustainability Efforts
Organic Viticulture
Many Bergerac wineries are adopting organic and biodynamic practices. Look for the AB (Agriculture Biologique) certification on wine labels.
Eco-Tourism
Several accommodations offer eco-friendly stays. The Gîtes Panda label indicates lodgings committed to environmental preservation.
Language Tips
Essential Wine Vocabulary
- Dégustation: Wine tasting
- Millésime: Vintage
- Cave: Wine cellar
- Domaine: Wine estate
Useful Phrases
“Je voudrais goûter ce vin, s’il vous plaît” (I would like to taste this wine, please) is a handy phrase for winery visits.
Further Resources
Official Websites
- Vins de Bergerac: Official site for Bergerac wines
- Pays de Bergerac Tourism: Comprehensive travel information
Wine Apps
Download the Bordeaux Wine Trip app for a guided tour of Bergerac and surrounding wine regions.
