Bergerac

Bergerac is the second largest town in the Dordogne, second only to the administrative capital, Perigueux. As the centre of a major wine-producing area, with a river port with access to the sea via Bordeaux, Bergerac was formerly the most important town in the region. Now it is a busy market town.

Apart from the well-known "Bergerac" wine, the region makes a range of wines including Montravel and Montbazillac. Most of the vineyards lie on the flood plain of the River Dordogne, and on the slopes of the low rolling hills bounding the plain to the north and south. Its harbour on the great River Dordogne helps to explain Bergerac's importance. From here the "gabarres" or river barges carried the wine downstream to the seaport of Bordeaux. Today the gabarres carry tourists up and down the beautiful river. There are many galleries, restaurants and museums. The "old town" lies between the main shopping streets and the river. It is very compact, and is packed with medieval buildings. You can walk along by the river here or take a river trip.