|
Bastides
In the 13th Century, southern Perigord was split between the king of England
and the king of France. It was a borderland, where each monarch sought
to mark his territory. The two sovereigns founded ‘new’ towns,
where each settler would be assured of land to build a house and plant
crops. These ‘bastides’ were constructed according to
a regular plan around a central square symbolizing their commercial
vocation. Each bastide had its own charter of customs regulating town
life. Certain bastides became forts during the 100 Year’s War.
Today, 300 bastides remain and those in our area are among the most
beautiful and best conserved. Take a guided tour, leisurely walk or
a torch-lit tour. Explore the quaint streets of Monpazier, Beaumont
du Perigord, Molieres and Villefrance du Perigord - towns that recall
the social, political and military adventure of the 13th century.
Castles / Places of Interest / Museums
The Bergerac area is rich in medieval heritage and offers a wide variety
of historical sites to discover - the castles of Monbazillac, Biron and
Lanquais - historical monuments, churches and abbeys, including the cloisters
of Cadouin - caves at Lascaux and nearby Le Buisson de Cadouin. Museums
preserve proud memories of the region where you can discover the history
of rivers and waterways, wine growing, walnuts, tobacco, chestnuts and paper.
Gardens
The short winters, mild climate and spring moisture makes this area a gardener’s
paradise. There are many types of gardens open to the public including Jardin
de Plan Buisson with 200 kinds of bamboo, the park and garden at the Chateau
de La Bourlie, in nearby Urval, with rose garden and 7 centuries of family
tradition, the sculpted gardens at Marqueysssac or the water gardens at Les
Jardins de L’imaginaire.
Arts and Crafts / Cinema / Theatre
The Bergerac area is home to a great number of fine artists and craftsmen.
You will find ceramists, potters, painters and sculptors. Visit master jewellers,
woodworkers, glassblowers, leatherworkers, cast iron craftsmen, cutlers,
clock makers, furniture makers, gunsmiths, framers and traditional paper
makers. There are numerous art galleries, theatres and a cinema at nearby
La Buisson which features all the new releases.
|
|
Traditional boat trips
The river Dordogne, the famous ‘River of Hope’, is the
lifeline of the region. A trip on a gabare (traditional flat-bottom
boat) offers you a voyage of discovery where you will see the
countryside, villages and glorious castles from a different viewpoint.
Traditional Markets / Regional
Producers
Discover the region through its traditional markets. You can buy
preserved duck and goose products, sausages, truffles, cheeses,
oils, dried fruits, preserves and liqueurs directly from producers
who are always happy to share a taste of their know-how and a traditional
family recipe for you to try at home.
Foie Gras /Monbazillac Wine
The delicate foie gras is complemented by the mellow gold of the
distinctive sweet white wine produced in the Monbazillac area
to the south of Bergerac. Visit the farms and the vineyards whose
traditions are traced back to the middle ages.
The Bergerac Wines
Here is a peaceful land of woods, prairies, orchards and vineyards
that have remained unchanged for thousands of years. Established
along both banks of the Dordogne, Bergeracois wine country includes
93 villages and covers more that 12,000 hectares (30,000 acres).
The right bank is constituted of terraces with a mix of gravely,
sandy and alluvial soils. The left bank is a succession of slopes
with predominantly chalky soil. The quality of these soils,
the mildness of the climate and the abundance of sunshine all
contribute to the greatness of Bergerac wines.
The Wine Routes
With 12 appellations, Bergerac’s wine heritage has something
for everyone. Combine your discovery of medieval fortified towns
or riverside villages on your way to many of the 120 growers who
love to share their passion for their wine. Or, why not book a
short wine tasting course at La Maison des Vins de Bergerac and
sample a selection of regional wines. A tourism and vineyard map
is available with suggested itineraries to get you started.
Sport
The beauty of the great outdoors in our region makes it easy for
visitors to play a wide variety of sports. There is something
for just about everyone. Guided Walks Tennis Canoeing Golf Sailing
Bowling Water Skiing Quad Bike Wake Boarding Karting Fishing
Rock Climbing Archery Pot Holing Horse Riding Hot air balloon
Bike Hire Parachuting Guided Mountain Bike Ride Helicopter. |
