Things to Do in Bergerac, France

Bergerac Things to Do

Tucked into the southwestern portion of France is the commune of Bergerac, which sits comfortably along the Dordogne River. It may be small, but there are a number of things to do for those visiting Bergerac.

The Waterfront

When in Bergerac, you must take a trip on the river. A tour lasts about one hour, and if you do not speak French then you are given a book in English to translate what the skipper is saying. While on your trip, you’ll notice a number of sights, including trees populated by countless birds’ nests and skies filled with kites that soar overhead. There are woodpeckers, kingfishers, and a variety of other colorful birds to be spotted along the way.

You can also venture out on your own using a kayak. There are a number of places to pick one up, such as at Beynac. The prices vary depending on how long you’ll be using your kayak. As you travel, you won’t be alone. There are hundreds of people the come to the waters, and the riverside makes a wonderful place to have a picnic. You can pull up on a bank at various points along the way and just relax for a while. There are also a couple of parks in Bergerac, many not far from the town center. They dot the riverside, and you can stop for a moment to enjoy time by one of the many cozy ponds.

History

There are many historical sites to be found in Bergerac. Of Roman origin, the Saint Jacques Church was historically a place of rest for pilgrims following the Santiago de Compostelle route. It’s situated on the Place Pelissiere, so sitting out at one of the patios is a terrific way to enjoy a view of the church. There is also the 19th-century Notre Dame Cathedral, which is located just on the northern outskirts of the pedestrianized old town of Bergerac. The clock tower reaches 80 meters tall, making it an excellent point of reference when traveling throughout the town.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Bergerac.