

You can’t help but be captivated by the clusters of calcite crystal. Hidden in the hills upriver from Bergerac, you’ll discover a masterpiece of nature. The remarkable caves of Maxange were only discovered by accident in August 2000 during dynamiting in an adjacent quarry. There’s a fascinating collection of ivory, bronze and copper pipes and other smoking paraphernalia. This quirky museum which in no way promotes tobacco, presents its history dating back more than 3000 years when the plant was first cultivated. The house, with its cantilevered tower and Renaissance mullioned windows, is now the home of the Musée du Tabac. When French King Louis XIII entered Bergerac in 1621, he stayed in the 16th-century Maison Peyrarède. There are plenty of events laid on here from jazz in the cellars to art exhibitions. Beautifully furnished it’s well worth a visit to take a tour of the grounds and the Chateau, and then do a wine tasting and buy wine in the lovely shop afterwards. Now managed by the Monbazillac Cooperative Winery, it is surrounded by vineyards. Concerts are regularly held in these lovely surroundings – check the website for details: Or head to the 16th century fairy-tale like Chateau of Monbazillac, about 10km from the centre of town. There’s an exhibition about the Bergerac vineyards, film and tasting experience. Wine lovers definitely shouldn’t miss the Wine Centre in the Récollets Cloisters, a magnificent group of monastic buildings from the 17th century. And, if you’re there on a Wednesday or Saturday morning, browse the weekly market alongside the Church of Notre-Dame. Pick up a map from the tourist office to discover the key sites. Don’t miss the 16 th century archway (Passage Bobinsky) which leads to the pretty rue des Fontaines and rue St-James. It’s a great town to take a wander, with plenty of ancient half-timbered buildings. Half-timbered buildings, some of which date back to the 14 th century, and tinkling fountains are a feast for the eyes.
#Gites near bergerac free
Sitting outside at one of the many cafes and restaurants adorning the streets leaves you free to soak up the ambiance and admire the views. The Old Town of Bergeracīergerac’s medieval old town is home to a warren of winding cobbled streets that slope down to the river. It’s an ideal base to explore the picturesque countryside and villages of the Dordogne. A gourmet paradise, perfect for history buffs, wine lovers and water babies with river rides and canoeing. Medieval Bergerac sits in the heart of the region. A land of lush vineyards, the Purple Périgord is also famous for its rolling hills and fields of sunflowers peppered with tiny hamlets and grand castles. It’s in an area known as Périgord Pourpre (purple Périgord). The town of Bergerac nestles along the banks of the River Dordogne in Dordogne, Aquitaine.
