
Sauternes and Barsac Chateaux open day wine tasting
At the beginning of November, the Sauternes and Barsac Châteaux opens its doors for a weekend in which more than 50 estates welcome the public to sample their wines.
© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
On the banks of the River Dordogne nearly 120km east of the city of Bordeaux
The largest town in the area, Bergerac, still retains a quaint old feel, with a change in pace in the summer months.
Nestled on the banks of the Dordogne river, which enabled its growth back in the 11th and 12th centuries when it supported the region's wine export business.
In the 16th century it was a focus of the Wars of Religion, which eventually resulted in a peace treaty being signed in Bergerac.
Today its attractive old town, with cobbled streets and boutiquey shops, bring in the tourists from its international airport. In fact tourism and wine making are now the town's biggest and most successful industries.
At the beginning of November, the Sauternes and Barsac Châteaux opens its doors for a weekend in which more than 50 estates welcome the public to sample their wines.
The association Les Grandes Heures of Saint-Emilion offer you high quality classical concerts held within the magnificent wine estates of Saint-Emilion.
Originating from the 11th century when a castle was built on the site on the banks of the Dordogne river, the area quickly grew up around the castle and the town became a popular stop over for travellers, pilgrims and traders.
The area has always been a popular hub for wine production but later was also known for tobacco and earthernware. The appearance of the 'vine louse' was a turning point in the local economy, this vine disease from America devastated the Bergerac vineyards in 1880, forcing the wine makers to replant on better plots. The graft of a French vine stock to American roots impervious to the parasite relaunched the wine making activity.
The town's name at least is perhaps better known from the play and film 'Cyrano de Bergerac', where French favourite, actor Gerard Depardieu plays the main character Cyrano. The story of Cyrano de Bergerac is actually based on a real person, who was a poet and duelist from the 17th century. As the story goes, he is in love with Roxanne, but due to his appearance he is afraid to admit it. When a cadet, Christian, enlists Cyrano's help to woo Roxanne by writing love letters for him, Roxanne quickly falls for Christian without knowing that she is actually falling for the words written by Cyrano. She marries Christian, and Cyrano continues to keep the other man's secret, even after tragedy strikes.
However, the actual Cyrano never lived in Bergerac, there was no Roxanne.
The area of Bergerac offers some of the finest wines due to the excellent soil drainage and proximity to the Dordogne river. There are numerous châteaux and vineyards to be visited in this part of the Dordogne.
In addition to the vineyards and estates there are also plenty of other châteaux and gardens to be visited that offer fun for all the family. Within the city of Bergerac itself you will find several museums, including the Musée du Vin which gives you a good insight into the history of the region.
The most recent statue of the infamous character 'Cyrano de Bergerac' is situated in the square outside the Eglise Saint-Jacques, which has plenty of cafés and is a pleasant place to stop for lunch, coffee or a glass of the local Bergerac wine.
The creation of Wine and River Transport Museum (Musee du Vin & de la Batellerie ) tells us about the heritage and history of the Dordogne River that runs through the heart of Bergerac.
The Wine Centre (Maison des Vins) is right in the historic heart of Bergerac, in the Récollets Cloisters, a magnificent group of monastic buildings from the 17th-century.
This 19th century church was constructed when the expanding city required somewhere larger to house the congregation.
Housed in the Maison Peyrarède, the tobacco museum in Bergerac tells the 4,000 year history of tobacco growth in the region when it used to be a major crop.
The Saint-Jacques church sits at the top of a lovely square overlooking the historic centre of the city.
Although better known for its viticulture than its gastronomy there are plenty of places to find a good meal in Bergerac and in the surrounding countryside. Each meal should of course be complimented by an excellent Bergerac wine!
There are plenty of family activities in and around Bergerac, from mini boating adventures to letting fairies guide you round a maze. Medieval games are also popular and you will find these at some of the more popular châteaux in the area.
A trip on the Petit train de Bergerac gets you orientated in this small town and takes you past most of the main attractions so that you know where to head when you step off the train. A fun ride for kids, with an audio guide that gives you an outline of the rich history.
Open from June to the end of September this small waterpark offers you and your family the chance to cool off on the hot summer days and to keep children entertained for hours.
In the heart of the 'Purple Perigord' you can share and enjoy the passion of owner Jean-Pierre who has been part of competitive karting since the late 1980's.
Discover the historic town of Bergerac during this 30-35 minute tour of the towns most famous sights and features.
A delightful trip along the river that runs through the heart of Bergerac on a traditional wooden barge.
Take this opportunity to drive the electric replicas of real boats: tug, trawler, ferry, steam Mississippi barges...The small port has everything for those who want to go out there and play sailor "for real".
This short stretch of Voie Verte (greenway) is perfect for families looking to stretch their legs in the Dordogne countryside, without having to conquer any hills climbs.
A 23km trail that follows the Isle river through the Perigord countryside from Trelissac (Charrieras) to Marsac (La Roche).
This Voie Verte (greenway) has been created along the track of an old and now unused railway line.
Although just 25km this circular route from Rocamadour does cross some challenging terrain. Partly on river path and some parts on road, you will need to have some experience of cycling to enjoy this route fully.
Following part of the GR6 route through the Dordogne this walk takes you from Lalinde on a circular route through the surrounding countryside.
A 23km trail that follows the Isle river through the Perigord countryside from Trelissac (Charrieras) to Marsac (La Roche).
With stunning views over the Lot river and the town of Cahors this walk is worth it just to enjoy the views.
Part of a long distance towpath, there is an interesting section cut out of the rocky cliff face between Bouziès and Saint-Cirq Lapopie which was used to drag barges along the river Lot. It's about five kilometres between the two villages and is a stunning section of the river.
This walk is wonderful and relaxing way to explore the valley of Autoire and the horseshoe shaped cliff band that guards it to the south-west.
With family, in a group, with friends and at any age, you can explore at your own pace two of the most beautiful rivers of Périgord.
Easy canoeing for everybody. You can navigate with family or friends in peace. You’ll be given a solid equipment, stable canoes and buoyancy aids.
This area provides water-sports for all ages. Renowned for its architectural heritage and sites of natural beauty, you will find that paddling is a great way to relax and have fun whilst enjoying the scenery.
Enjoy a single or multi-day trip down the river Dordogne to town such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Montfort and Fayac.
Hire a canoe or kayak from this company and you can enjoy a gentle river cruise and the chance to explore the wonderful Dordogne river and its banks.
Not only can you take a relaxing journey down the Dronne river in a canoe but you can try your hand at stand up paddle boarding or take to the cliffs and trees for some adventure above ground.
Although this is a relatively small you'll find a decent selection of hotels to suit all budgets.
A beautiful property owned by a local viticulturist whose vineyards form part of the grounds around the house.
The property is set a short distance from the centre of Bergerac, with 360 degree views of the surrounding vineyards. There are 12 hectares of grounds with 12 uniquely decorated rooms to choose from.
Self-titled as the "Unfinished Louvre in Périgord", this château combines medieval fortifications with an incomplete Renaissance palace.
Dating back to 1597, Château des Vigiers is an internationally-renowned Hotel, Golf & Country Club. There are rooms in the historic château building, as well as in the Périgord style "Dépendances" building and in the eco-friendly Relais which takes the style of the regional tobacco barns.
This château has been now transformed into a contemporary, stylish and modern comfort hotel with 12 rooms, two suites and a spacious apartment. The contrast with the original architecture and the modern touch makes Les Merles a luxurious, charming and attractive hotel whilst still retaining an intimate, friendly and cosy atmosphere. Within the grounds, there is a spa, golf course, tennis courts and a swimming pool.
The white brick, red timber frames and slate roofs of this gorgeous château make an impressive impact. Inside it has been converted into a sleek and chic boutique hotel, which fabulously mixes the old features of the château with the modern interior design.
Enjoying special views over the river and town and just a 5 minutes walk from Couze-et-Saint-Front, the Chateau is the ideal base from which you can explore. The luxurious, high quality feel and elegance oozes comfort and class of which you are bound to relish.
Situated on the banks of the Dordogne river, just 18km from the Dordogne / Gironde border, Bergerac is the first main city that you will reach if you are travelling into the Dordogne region from Bordeaux.
Built in 1982, this large family home of 280m2, with it's own Tower, 5 Double Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Lounge, 2 Reception Areas, Kitchen, Conservatory and ornate gardens offers no end of possibilities.