Exploring Bergerac and following in Cyrano’s footsteps

A stunning place in the heart of the old town, Place de la Myrpe is renowned for its gorgeous ancient architecture and atmosphere that transports you right back to 17th century Dordogne. Many local craftsmen have stores in the houses around the place, making for a great spot for exploring local artisanship. In the centre of the place you’ll see a statue of Cyrano, towering over the green space that surrounds it. The statue was made by local artist Jean Varoqueau in 1977 to celebrate the town’s connection to the novelist and duelist. Once a few steps away from the Dordogne river, the place is very easy to find and it’s worth taking the time to go see it for yourself.

Another stunning place to visit while in Bergerac, place Pélissière is an unquestionable favourite amongst both locals and tourists. Merchants used to sell leather or tanning products on this very place, which is where it gets its name. You’ll see the Saint-Jacques church which is a stop along the pilgrimage of the Way of St James. The main feature of the place is of course the statue of Cyrano de Bergerac, created by Mauro Corda. The place is bursting with charm and classical architecture that is only emphasised by the string of garlands usually hanging over the entirety of the open-air space.

This joint initiative from the Bergerac Tourism Office and the Maison des Vins Bergerac is the perfect spot to indulge in some wine while getting to know more about the town’s history, culture and deep ties to Cyrano. The multi-purpose Quai Cyrano is ideal for sitting back, relaxing and grabbing a glass of local wine and a bite to eat, or simply getting more information about the town and getting inspired to go on some more activities around the area.

We like to think that the whimsy and freedom of simply meandering about and appreciating the sheer beauty of the town is an activity Cyrano would approve of. In that spirit, just take your time to wander about, taking in all the sights. The Notre-Dame de Bergerac Church is beautiful and visiting is a wonderful way to familiarise yourself with the 19th century gothic revival style. The Church has been officially classified as a “Monument Historique” since 2002, only cementing its legacy as a pillar of history and culture in the town.  

The Récollets Cloister is another exquisite testament to Bergerac’s endless beauty and charm. Built in 1621, under the reign of Louis XIII, as an attempt to reinforce a Catholic presence in a mainly Protestant town. The stunning cloister was used by Fransiscan monks until the French Revolution, when the space was ironically sold to Protestants.

Like most French people, it’s safe to assume Cyrano de Bergerac would want visitors coming to his hometown to indulge in every culinary delicacy it has to offer. Here are some of our favourite eateries in town.

Le Bistrot d’en Face is a gorgeous spot with spectacular views onto the Dordogne river. The food is light, fresh and perfect to enjoy on a hot summer day. 

La Table du Marché is a stunning restaurant that serves up some of the most wonderful local dishes, with quite a few excellent Vegan options. Their wine selection is also delightful, so be sure to ask your waiter for pairing suggestions. 

L’Imparfait is one of the highest rated restaurants in town, and with good reason. Established in 1982, L’Imparfait manages to seamlessly mesh the old with the new by putting forth a modern cuisine in a historic old town building. The food is guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters and will give customers a taste of the very best the region has to offer.

Located in the very heart of Bergerac, Le Clos d’Argenson is the ideal place to stay. A luxurious yet rustic experience is what you can expect from this charming hotel. An ideal location to make the most of your time in Bergerac and perhaps even crack open a copy of Cyrano de Bergerac, the 1897 play.

🚗 Driving to Bergerac is pretty straightforward and well signposted along main roads from major cities like Paris or Toulouse. 

🚆 Trains to Bergerac are also relatively easy to take and quite constant. Find out more about a train journey to Bergerac on the SNCF website. 

✈️ Bergerac has an international airport, which also happens to be the main airport in Dordogne.