Bergerac

The elegant Renaissance city of Bergerac is the wine capital of the Dordogne region, and many of the best hotels here have vineyard views. Château Les Farcies Du Pech (Les Farcies Nord) overlooks the Pécharmant vineyards and combines oodles of traditional charm with B&B prices. If you’re looking for something more luxurious, however, then restored period townhouse Maison d'Hôtes Le Clos d'Argenson (99 rue Neuve d'Argenson) is located in the city centre and has its own pool, billiard room and library. A cheap and cheerful option is the Ibis Budget Bergerac (ZI La Cavaille Nord Route de Bordeaux), a 10-minute journey from the centre of Bergerac.

Check out Bergerac’s excellent food markets. At the Place de la Madeleine you'll find a farmers’ market on a Friday that is popular with the locals, or Tuesdays at Place Doublet there is an organic market that is great for souvenirs. Explore the back alleys of the Old Town for interesting boutiques, or if you love spending time in craft stores then browse the pottery and ceramics at Arts Terres (24 rue Neuve d’Argenson). Head to E-Leclerc (Route de Bordeaux) or Carrefour (Route de Castillon) if you need a more modern hypermarket.

Bergerac is admired for its walnuts, truffles, foie gras and duck conserve, and you can observe how these specialities are prepared through the open kitchen at La Table du Marché (21 place Louis de la Bardonnie). Enjoy a French cuisine based around seasonal ingredients at Le Repaire de Savinien (15 rue Mounet-Sully), one of the city’s classiest restaurants located near the Notre Dame church. Modern delicacies that are value for money are served up at Le Vin’Quatre (14 rue Saint-Clar), or if seafood is your bag then try La Flambée (49 avenue Marceau-Feyry). For a well-priced Italian meal make for La Mama (Place Malbec).

Mai des Arts

May

Check out the exhibitions, street theatre, dance and stage shows at this arts festival. Mingle with the artists at Bergerac’s historic centre where professionals and amateurs showcase their talent throughout the day-long celebration.

Les Tables de Roxane et Cyrano

July

The historic centre is once again the venue for this weekend-long gastronomic festival. A food market takes over enabling you to chat with winemakers, restaurateurs and producers, all to the backdrop of live music.

Les Mercredis du Jazz

July-August

Head to the Place de la Myrpe each Wednesday during the summer for a showcase of local jazz, with a representation of classical, manouche and contemporary styles.

Festival L’été Musical

July-August

There’s a wide variety of talent to enjoy at Bergerac’s summer music festival showcasing a series of performances around the Old Town, ranging from jazz artists to a cappella singers, and funk bands to classical orchestras.

Issigeac Medieval Day

August

A day of historical entertainment awaits at the quaint town of Issigeac, which lies just outside Bergerac. All things medieval feature, such as arts, crafts and music, combined with live performances and traditional costumes.