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Bergerac

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Bergerac is found on the northern bank of the Dordogne River, in the western part of the Dordogne department. It is one of the largest, most important towns in the region .

The highlight of a trip to Bergerac is the old town - the area immediately north of the river - follow the signs to 'vieille ville' or just walk stright up from the main riverside car park. This part of the town has some lovely streets and squares to explore, and a good selection of boutiques.

There are several restaurants in 'old-town' Bergerac among the attractive medieval half-timbered streets, and some open-air cafes where you can pass a pleasant hour or two people-watching.

The National Tobacco Museum is based in Bergerac, and is said to be very interesting. Tobacco is still an important crop in the region, and you will probably see the bright green broad leaves of the tobacco plant as you tour around.

Up from the old town, there is a newer, more modern centre to Bergerac, with more conventional streets and a larger range of 'modern' shops.

The market, held on a Saturday, is at the upper end of the town and sprawls over a large number of the side streets.

Boat trips from Bergerac

When you have explored Bergerac you can take an organised boat trip up the river (start from the car-park at the bottom end of the old-town) to see the town and the nearby countryside from a different perspective. (Note - several people we know have done this and said it was a waste of time because the boat didn't go far enough - I recommend you wait, and take a boat trip from one of the alternative towns further upstream along the Dordogne River.

Getting to Bergerac

Bergerac is one of the main arrival points for visitors to the Dordogne region. Both Ryanair and Flybe operate flights to Bergerac from the UK, and the town is also on the trainline between Bordeaux and Sarlat - car hire can be arranged at both the airport and the train station (see travel options below).