Bergerac Dordogne

BERGERAC
Bergerac Dordogne
Located in the picturesque Dordogne region in south-west
France, Bergerac is not only favoured by wine lovers looking for the
ultimate weekend break getaway, but also an increasingly popular
destination for British second home owners. It comes as no surprise
then, that British Airways has decided to not only provide the first
direct air link from London City Airport, but to also run additional
flights this summer.
TRAVEL
and make the most of the weather with a little help on the hillier
climes from an attached battery pack in the bike to give you a little
push.
If shopping is more your thing, then head to one of the many
nearby towns. The Dordogne region is famed for its duck dishes,
foie gras and goats cheese and the historical town of Sarlat’s
bustling food market offers a wide variety for you to try.
Just a short drive away from Sarlat, and the perfect place for a
spot of lunch are the romantic Gardens of Marqueyssac. Listed
as a National Historical Monument, these stunning gardens offer
more than 6 kilometres of shaded paths, edged with 150,000 handpruned boxwoods aged over one hundred years old.
The château is a late 18th century residence, built on the eve
of the French Revolution on the cliffs overlooking the Dordogne
Valley. After extensive restoration work, the estate was first opened
up to the public in 1997 and today is the most visited garden in
the Aquitaine. Most recently the roof was replaced and is made
from limestone slabs, which is typical of the region and weighs
more than 300 tonnes. If you’re
lucky on your tour of the gardens
you may see one of the few
majestic peacocks that live on
the grounds! Try to head there in
July or August to make the most
of the candlelight night events
where the gardens are beautifully
lit for a stunning spectacle.
Back below in the valley,
and if you haven’t seen enough
chateaus, or castles yet you can
take to the Dordogne river on
a traditional gabare boat tour
from the village of La Roque
Gageac and discover the valley
of the castles. Lasting 55 minutes
the tour gives you a fascinating
insight to the history of the area,
buildings and the men that once
worked on the boats as fishermen.
Famed for its beautiful rolling vineyards and ancient towns, the
Dordogne Périgord offers a wide variety of things to see and do,
while the favourable weather conditions only add to the appeal.
Rich in culture and heritage, car hire is advisable for those
willing to explore further. Magnificent castles, manor houses
and Romanesque churches and towers are all dotted around the
countryside and in the many small towns making it easy to soak up
the history. The region boasts 10 listed
villages as well as three ‘Towns of Art
and History’, placing it only second to
the capital of Paris to have the largest
number of listed historical monuments
in the country.
For those looking to explore the area
in a more unique way, and a great way to
burn off the calories so you can indulge
in a little more wine and cheese, can opt
to sail through the vineyards surrounding
Bergerac and its beautiful countryside
on an electric bike. Numerous tours are
offered and it’s a great way to get around
enjoydordogne.co.uk
enjoydordogne.co.uk
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BERGERAC
TRAVEL
enjoydordogne.com | vigiers.com
mercure.com | projet-lascaux.com
marqueyssac.com | gaberrecaminade.fr
perigueuxvesunna.fr/a-city-under-the-city
bergerac.aeroport.fr
13X9.5
One of the more recent historical discoveries in the Dordogne
region is the Lascaux cave in Montignac. Discovered by four
boys in September 1940, when one of the boys’ dog fell into a
hole in the ground, the prehistoric cave was found to have some
of the most impressive markings and paintings of herds of bulls,
horses and cattle - now known as ‘the Great Hall of Bulls’ and ‘the
Painted Gallery’. Although you can’t enter the original cave any
more due to damage from bacteria; technological developments
and scientific precision has made it possible to re-create, on the
same hillside, the atmosphere of the most famous Palaeolithic
sanctuary in the world, including every single marking. Tours of
‘Lascaux II grotteo’ are so popular that the cave will become the
main part of a new complex just up the road ‘Centre International
de l’Art Parietal Montignac-Lascaux’ that will focus on the entire
reconstruction of the Lascaux cave and showcase the popularity of
cave art thanks to the original workings and engravings found all
those years ago by the boys. The tour is truly fascinating as much
is still an ongoing process trying to find the answers as to how the
cave was used and why such markings were created.
Another cave of interest, should you wish to explore is in
the village of Brantome. Fondly known as ‘The Venice of the
Périgord’, thanks to its location surrounded by the river Dronne,
the troglodytic site of the Abbey of Brantome is believed to have
been inhabited by Benedictine monks in the 8th century.
Back to Périgueux, and you can explore yet more history
through the remains of this gallo-roman town. Merging medieval
qualities with Renaissance style, the city is awash with narrow
streets and pretty squares. There are plenty of markets to explore
and for lunch, be sure to stop at former Ritz Paris and Le Bristol
chef, Thierry Pralong’s La Ferme Saint-Louis restaurant for some
traditional Perigord cuisine such as truffles and foie gras, veal
sweetbreads with cream sauce and woodland mushrooms. The
outside terrace offers an ideal spot for some people watching
while sampling the region’s fine wine. What better way to spend
a weekend?
Staying there:
Chateau des Vigiers - Dating back to the 16th century, Chateau
des Vigiers was acquired by Jean Vigier from the Duchess of La
Rochefoucauld, Lady of Saussignac. Saussignac, at the time was a
very large village and construction of the chateau began in 1597
by Vigier, who was a royal judge, before being completed by his
daughter in 1621.
Providing brilliant views and fondly known locally as ‘little
Versailles’ due to its resemblance to the Chateau of Versailles, the
chateau remained in the Vigier family until the French Revolution
and in 1989 was transformed into the estate today.
Offering a number of rooms in the main house, each decorated
in keeping with the history of the chateau while also providing
modern amenities you would expect; as well as in the ecofriendly ‘Relais’ building which has been created using traditional
architecture of tobacco-drying barns; the hotel is perfect for
families, groups and couples alike.
Dining wise you won’t go without, and can experience some
fabulous cuisine at the Michelin starred Les Fresques; or the
nearby brasserie and terrace. Perfect after a long day on the golf
course! For a more relaxing experience you could always head over to
the well-being centre to enjoy the pool or a treatment.
Mercure in Périgueux - For those looking for a more central location,
the Mercure in Périgueux offers comfortable, clean rooms, with all
amenities as well as a newly renovated bar and restaurant area providing
an excellent base to explore the nearby area. Local attractions include
Périgueux Cathedral, and the gallo roman Musee Vesunna that protects
and enhances the remains of a great Gallo-Roman residence was built
during the 2nd century AD and occupied up to the end of the 3rd
century AD. The museum has done an incredible job of showcasing the
remains giving visitors a unique immersive experience.
Getting there:
British Airways launched its new summer-only service from London
City to Bergerac, gateway to the Dordogne region of France, at the
beginning of May with three flights a week.
Increasing to four flights a week from June 23 until September this
year, each way hand baggage fares are available for £57, based on a
return journey, and fares include complimentary refreshments and
drinks on board and no debit card charges.
It’s never been quicker to fly from City airport, boasting just 15
minutes with hand baggage to get from kerbside to airside, and travel
through Bergerac is just as easy.
Flights operate from London City to Bergerac on Mondays at
11.15am, with the return flight at 1.50pm, on Fridays at 9.30am with
the return flight at 12.15pm and on Sundays at 5.10pm with the return
flight at 7.45pm. The additional flight from June 23-September 1 will be
on Thursdays and are available to book on ba.com/londoncity.
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