Visit Bergerac, a city of history and art
Bergerac is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Dordogne. It boasts a host of attractions and museums that are a must-see during your visit. For your accommodation, consider booking at La Cigaline 3-star campsite in Dordogne. This family-run campsite is about a 40-minute drive from Bergerac.
A rewarding visit
Bergerac is located on the north bank of the Dordogne river, in the west of the department of the same name. The town has fewer than 30,000 inhabitants and covers an area of 56.1 km². It has been awarded the “Ville d’Art et d’Histoire” label .
Things to see and do in Bergerac
Place Pélissière is in the heart of the old town of Bergerac, just a few kilometers from our campsite with swimming pool in the Dordogne. Explore the surrounding medieval streets, such as Rue Saint-James and Rue Saint-Clar. The latter boasts a number of half-timbered houses in an atypical architectural style. Strap yourself into one of the many cafés and bistros around. Don’t forget to order a glass of Saussignac or Pecharmant with your truffle omelette. To discover other facets of Bergerac, treat yourself to a trip aboard a gabare, the famous traditional boat. Bergerac also boasts a number of interesting museums. For example, you can visit the Maison des Vins , housed in a former cloister dating back to the 12th century. It also contains a rich exhibition on the evolution of wines and their history in the region. Wine production also takes center stage at the Musée de la Ville. The establishment highlights the importance of this sector to the city’s progress. As well as being open daily, the museum’s full price is set at 3 euros. No Pomerol or Saint-Emilion wines, just local produce!
You’ll also be interested in the Musée National du Tabac. It is located in the Maison Peyrarède. This residence is also known as Château Henri IV. It is one of the city’s most remarkable buildings. It combines classical style with Renaissance architecture. This museum houses numerous exhibits that trace the cultural and social history of tobacco. The Costi Museum also pays tribute to the work of Greek painter and sculptor Constantin Papachristopoulos (1906-2004), known by his pseudonym Costi. The museum houses a selection of his sculptures in plaster and bronze. Admission is free. You can visit during the summer, every afternoon from Tuesday to Sunday.
What’s nearby?
While you’re in Bergerac and staying at our budget campsite in the Dordogne, don’t forget to visit some of the must-see sites in the area. These include the Château de Monbazillac, built in the 16th century. Open to visitors throughout the week, this estate has been listed as a Monument Historique since 1941. The bastide town of Eymet lies to the south of the town. There are also several bastides to discover in the Lot-et-Garonne department. If you love nature, be sure to explore the Jardins de Sardy. These sumptuous English-style gardens are about 30 minutes away by car. If you’re staying with children in a mobile home in the Dordogne, there are plenty of activities on offer. In addition to the various caves and castles that populate the region, you can make a detour to the bowling alley on the road to Bordeaux. There’s also a vast water park and a large paintball center. In summer, you can attend the annual Jazz Pourpre en Périgord festival in Bergerac. On warm Dordogne days, take a dip in Lac de Pombonne. Lifeguards are on hand to supervise your swim in a safe environment. There’s even a kiosk selling drinks and snacks.
