Bergerac, Medieval river town in Dordogne, France
Bergerac is a town in the Dordogne department of southwestern France, extending along the northern bank of the river. The historic center displays narrow lanes, medieval half-timbered houses and stone mansions that spread between the waterfront promenade and the higher neighborhoods.
The settlement likely originated in Gallo-Roman times and gained importance from 1209 onward, when the first bridge over the Dordogne was built. This crossing made the place a key trading and pilgrimage point on routes heading south.
The town's name comes from the Germanic word for mountain combined with the Gallic suffix -acum. Visitors encounter the famous swordsman Cyrano mainly through two bronze statues placed in public squares, showing the literary character that Edmond Rostand invented in 1897.
The central market takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays near Notre Dame church, offering regional products such as wine, truffles and foie gras. The old town is best explored on foot, as streets are narrow and many areas have limited vehicle access.
The region holds twelve wine appellations including Bergerac and Côtes-de-Bergerac, produced from vineyards whose origins trace back to Roman antiquity. Winemaking still shapes the countryside around the town today and many estates open their doors for tastings.
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