Bergerac Things to Do

Bergerac has more than it's share of attractive, pedestrianized squares. La place de la Mirpe is yet another ~ this one home to a statue of Rostand's character Cyrano de Bergerac (no real connection to the town).

The square is surrounded by picturesque half-timbered houses.

The cloister was built in 1630 and the Franciscan Recollets were first installed here with the intention of returning Bergerac to the Catholic path from which it had strayed.

The galleries date from the 16th to 18th centuries. . .there's a gorgeous Paulownia tree in the corner of the cloister.

Even if you're not interested in the Maison des Vins, a brief peek into the courtyard is worth the time.

The Maison des Vins is housed in a section of a 17th century cloister. The entryway into the cloister has wall displays that detail the history of wine in the region. You can follow the panels downstairs to a room where a short video loops (French and English versions are played). It is a short film, and has some beautiful scenes of the countryside, so it doesn't hurt to take a seat for ten minutes.

The next stage in the Maison des Vins (the whole "museum" is free), is a centre for testing your nose ~ you can play around with different stations to see how easily you identify about 25 scents (woods, fruits, etc.) that assist your wine tasting skill.

The self-guided tour ends in a shop with free tastings ~ there was no pressure to buy.

This is the largest, and arguably the prettiest, square in Bergerac. There's a lovely fountain, a fantastic view of the Eglise Saint Jacques. . .and some lovely patios to sit at and enjoy your surroundings.

All of the streets that lead off from this square are attractive as well. . .with some beautiful older town homes (15th and 16th century).

The Tobacco Museum is located in the Maison Peyrarede, which was constructed in 1604. The exterior of the building is quite attractive, but what is inside is even more interesting.

Spread over three floors, the museum traces the art, culture and history of tobacco. I thought the most interesting sections were the displays of snuff boxes and cigar holders. . .but the collection in its entirety held our attention right up to lunchtime ~ when we were asked to leave. We enjoyed it so much we returned after the break to finish.

The displays are in French only, but there is enough here to warrant a stop in, even if you can't read the write-ups.

The old port area of Bergerac is actually quite lovely. There are spots both on the quai and on the banks of the river to sit and gaze over the Dordogne.

The port was the site of an 11th-century castle that protected the city ~ it was overtaken in 1615 and brought to ruins shortly thereafter.

This is also the spot where "gabare," or traditional boat rides, leave from during the heavier tourist season.