A gastronomic delight in the Dordogne…

Bergerac gives its visitors a taste of la bonne vie. Known as the gateway to the Perigord, this is the gastronomic heart of France. Locals feast on luxurious foods such as foie gras and truffles, complemented by the delicious wines of the region. The highlight of Bergerac itself is the old town, which has been carefully restored and is a lovely place to stroll around with its medieval half-timbered houses and narrow streets. The old town’s restaurants and open-air cafes provide a great spot from which to sample the local fare and spend a couple of hours watching the world go by.  As you wander around the town, visit the statue of Cyrano de Bergerac, who actually came from Paris and has no connection with the town, except for the name. The Dordogne River is also a feature of Bergerac and provides lots of leisure opportunities.

Why Go?
Glorious food and wine draw the crowds to Bergerac – there are few places in the world where gastronomy plays such a central role. If you can tear yourself away from the table, Bergerac is a great place from which to explore the region’s chateaux, picturesque towns and villages, and prehistoric caves.

When to Go?
The summer is the best time to visit Bergerac, when the temperatures are in the 30s and the very mild evenings make it possible to eat outside. Some restaurants close during the low season too, so there is less choice. Occasional thunderstorms cool the air in the summer. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant with the chance of rain, while winters can be chilly. Flights are most expensive during school holidays.

How to get there?
There are direct flights to Bergerac Airport (EGC) from Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Exeter, Leeds, London Stansted, London Gatwick, Liverpool, Manchester and Southampton. The flight takes about an hour from London. It’s fairly easy to find cheap flights to Bergerac as it’s a budget airline destination, although prices during school holidays can get expensive so book early.

Must see
Visit Bergerac’s food market every Wednesday and Saturday morning in the square outside Eglise Notre Dame. The array of regional specialities will leave your taste buds tingling. Head to the lower end of Place Pelissierem at lunchtime, it’s a great spot for a bite to eat. Do some wine-tasting at The Maison des Vins de Bergerac, and test your wine skills with the interactive display. The Musée Du Tabac is also worth a look.