Visit Bergerac and the Dordogne Area

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See also 'Activities' for further information of things to do in the area, and Dordogne guidebooks for further reading about the area.

Area Overview :

The gites are found near the border between the Dordogne and Lot-et-Garonne departments of France and provide easy access to both of these areas, with their different characteristics and charms. You can see the exact location on the map on the Find Us page. Bergerac is 25km north west, and Villeneuve sur Lot 25km to the south of our gite.

Sunflowers, near our cottage, Bergerac Hay bales near our gite, Bergerac

The attractions of the Dordogne region are well known - the river, the chateaux, the scenery, the ancient towns and villages, the caves and so on. The Lot-et-Garonne area to the south is less well known. It is often described as 'French Tuscany' and has miles of unspoilt countryside interspersed with small bastide (13th century) towns, and is less 'touristy' (quieter roads) and less developed than the Dordogne.

Several of the towns and villages in the area have the prestigious 'one of the most beautiful villages in France' listing. This is not because it is easy to get the award (there are only about 130 in the whole of France) but because there are a lot of very beautiful towns in the area! There are lots of smaller villages, towns and hamlets, often also very beautiful, that I have not included below.

La Roque Gageac

La Roque Gageac, on the Dordogne river In the heart of the Dordogne Valley, La Roque Gageac is a beautiful 'step back in time' picture postcard village.

Beynac

Betnac Beynac, also on the Dordogne River, has a spectacular castle overlooking the river and the countryside, and a lovely climb through the village to reach it...

The many splendours of the Dordogne are within easy reach of the gites. With caves and prehistoric sites, beautiful towns and villages and of course the scenery around the River Dordogne, and swimming and canoeing in the river itself, there is a great deal to see and do, and to enjoy. La Roque-Gageac and Beynac, and the scenery along the Dordogne River itself, are perhaps our personal favourites in the Dordogne area, but there is always something new to discover. The chateau at Beynac has magnificent views over the river and surrounding area.

Canoeing

Canoeing on the Dordogne River Canoeing on the River Dordogne is very popular and very easy - you get a lift up to a starting point, and then row downstream only. A lovely way to see the Dordogne Valley and river, with plenty of places to pull up on the river bank and have a picnic.

Gardens

Jardin de Sardy There are many gardens that can be visited - this picture is the renowned garden at Sardy.

Eymet

Eymet, near Castillones Eymet is another attractive bastide town in the area.

Limeuil

Limeuil on the Dordogne river The town at Limeuil - there is a nice river beach here where children (and adults) can play in the river.

Sarlat

Sarlat, on the Dordogne Lovely and world-renowned town (but too busy in summer for me - try and go in the spring or autumn perhaps).

Domme

Domme Another nearby town listed as 'one of the most beautiful villages in France' . Domme also has some fine caves, accessed from the 'town centre').

Monflanquin

Monflanquin, 10km south of our gites Monflanquin is another nearby town listed as 'one of the most beautiful villages in France'.

Pujols

Pujols near Villeneuve sur Lot And Pujols is another ...near to Penne d'Agenais.

Bergerac

sorry no picture yet

Little remains of the original town of Bergerac, following the Hundred Years War. However it has retained a very attractive old town that leads down to the river, a very nice place for a wander around. Bergerac is much larger than the other towns mentioned here, and has a large 'modern' area with shops, restaurants etc.

Sunflowers!

sunflowers in a field adjacent to our cottage How could we not have a picture of the local sunflowers...

Click HERE to find out more about bastide towns

See our Book List page for book, DVD etc recommendations about the area

THE PLACES THE GUIDE BOOKS FORGOT / OUR RECOMMENDATIONS

There are certain lesser known attractions and events that should not be missed but may not feature in your guide book.

Issigeac market on a Sunday morning - Issigeac is a truly beautiful little medieval town with a myriad of back streets to explore. The Sunday market adds even more colour to the town. All our visitors visit Issigeac and I have never heard anyone be less than totally impressed.
Go for lunch or dinner at the restaurant 'Des Ramparts' in Castillones. The food is very good, reasonably priced (and they will happily translate the whole menu into English for you if necessary)
Visit Chateau Biron then perhaps have lunch at the restaurant below the castle. Stop off at St Avit on the way back from the Chateau for a stroll around the (pedestrian only)village
Sit on the terrace of the cafe (La Moderne) in Villereal 'town centre' and watch the world go by while admiring the ancient 12th century market hall, then amble around the back streets of the town.
Walk part of the grand Randonnee along the River Lede Valley.
Buy bread from the bakers called 'Scalagrand'. This bakers is 300 metres from the gites and is rightly famous. Trust me, you will talk about this bakers (and their bread) for ever after.
Pass a half-day canoeing on the Dordogne (easily done - the canoe company drive you upstream and drop you off with a canoe, so you only need to row 'with the flow' or stop on the river banks for a picnic).
If you notice that Villereal, Issigeac or Monpazier have their annual Bodega during your stay here, try to attend. The towns turn into great outdoor parties with street music, food and dancing, and everyone has a good time. 'Notting Hill Carnival' French style? These are great fun.
Visit Pujols, near to Villeneuve-sur-Lot, then over to Penne d'Agenais for a beer on a cafe terrace
Look in an estate agent window (why? I don't know but everyone seems to enjoy doing it!)
Buy a tin of 'confit de canard' from any supermarket. This is the tastiest food in the world! Enjoy with salad and a glass of wine. Relax.
Or go to Sarlat and spend an hour trying to find a parking space...Ok I'm always rude about Sarlat but everyone loves it really despite the crowds

Yes, but what else can we do? Ideas for an itinerary...

An itinerary of things to do during a stay here could include some chosen from the list below (some have already been mentioned above). Most are chosen to include a mixture of things, without being too much driving. None specifically emphasise the scenery that you will enjoy en-route, although this is a key feature! The list is NOT in order of preference:

Villereal is not included below- I’m sure you will see it anyway! The following will each take between ½ a day and a whole day, depending on lunch and how much time you spend wandering around etc. You can ask us of course about places in the vicinity, restaurants etc

Belves / Cadouin / St Avit Senieur
Pujols and Penne d’Agenais, lunch at Penne d’Agenais, then shopping at E Leclerc at Villeneuve sur Lot (or a look around the town itself)
Monazier and Chateau Biron
Bergerac Old Town, boat trip on Dordogne, lunch in Bergerac, visit to Monbazillac Chateau and cave (wine tasting)
Tournon d’Agenais and Chateau Bonaguil
Day (or ½ day) canoeing on the Dordogne
Sarlat and Jardin du Chateau de Marqueyssac
Domme including lunch and entrance into the caves
Beynac / La Roque Gageac / Château es Milandes (Josephine Baker château)
Walking, possibly through Gavaudun Valley via Lacapelle Biron, Gavaudun and St Avit, lunch in Gavaudun, visit to Gavaudun Castle (numerous other walking routes are available in the tourist office)
Le Bugue to Montignac along Vézère Valley
Issigeac market – Sunday morning
Drive and sightseeing, Villereal - Monflanquin (beautiful hilltop town) – Cancon – Lougratte (swimming lake, picnic) – Montaut – Villereal
Day cycling (hire bikes in Villereal, routes to suit all abilities in the tourist office, or we can advise you)

Other Options, mostly children related

Pony trekking / horse riding
P’arc en Ciel (Lacapelle Biron, animals for small children, treetop adventure for others)
Park Walibi (Agen, 1 hour drive, large adventure / amusement park)
Aqua Park (leave Bergerac towards St Foy, about 5 km from Bergerac)
Paddling / swimming in the Dordogne River at Limeuil

Further information is available at the Dordogne France site. You should check in the Villereal tourist office for activities specific to the period that you are staying – e.g. bodegas (town 'street parties' open to all), medieval days in Monflanquin, vide greniers and brocantes, the annual firework and music display at Chateau Bonaguil (amazing!), July 14th celebrations and so on.

Other Places

Visit Sarlat and the other Dordogne towns.

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