48 hours in Bergerac
48 hours in Bergerac
48 hours in Bergerac
48 hours in Bergerac
Your day begins with a tour of Bergerac in all its finery. The programme includes: The city of Bergerac, of course, but the appellation too, and not forgetting the Dordogne river – one of the jewels of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and an integral part of the local terroir. A trip that will unlock the secrets behind a truly special way of life.
9 a.m. – A tour of Bergerac town and Quai Cyrano
As you wander through the maze of streets and small squares, look up. Take in the half-timbered buildings, pointed windows, finely worked doors and boatmen's houses. Then it's time to tackle the legend of Cyrano. Bergerac is known as a city of Art and History for a good reason. Now called “Quai Cyrano”, the Maison du Vin et du Tourisme is an excellent introduction to the terroirs of Bergerac Duras. And there’s certainly plenty to see! With its 1,000 winemakers and 10 AOCs producing all five different colours of wine, the region has some incredible surprises in store for wine lovers of any persuasion. While there, you can also organise a trip down the Dordogne on a “gabarre” river barge.
GUIDED TOURS OF BERGERAC11 a.m. – Château de Tiregand, Creysse
This wine estate in the Pécharmant-Rosette appellation has been awarded French High Environmental Value certification and encircles a remarkable château, listed as an historic monument. Sample the wines in the cellar, located between the vines and forest. Stunning.
DISCOVER CHÂTEAU DE TIREGAND
1 p.m. – Picnic among the vines at Clos des Verdots
An original concept from this estate, perched on a plateau bordering the Monbazillac appellation. A visit to the cellars is a must, for its high quality wines and to view its 600m2 ageing cellar carved out of the rock.
RESERVE A PICNIC AT CLOS DES VERDOTS2:30 p.m. – Visit to Château de Monbazillac
An appellation that is home to the world’s most famous sweet wine. Have your camera at the ready to snap the château's unique architecture and its superb wall of 6,000 shimmering, golden bottles. Be sure to pay a visit to the Maison des Vins de Monbazillac.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CHÂTEAU MONBAZILLAC
4 p.m. – Château de la Jaubertie, Colombier
This 50-hectare organic estate has a very different feel, and is the perfect place to discover some of the finest wines in the Bergerac wine region. On an historical side note, this served as Henri IV’s hunting lodge in the 16th century.
EXPLORE CHÂTEAU DE LA JAUBERTIE6 p.m. – Medieval village of Issigeac, south-east of Bergerac
This 2,000 year old village looks like it came straight out of the Middle Ages, with its half-timbered houses and craftspeople. On Sundays it hosts one of the finest markets in France. An ideal spot for a relaxing dinner.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ISSIGEACAnd we’re back for a second busy day among the vineyards and heritage of Bergerac. Today’s programme includes: an underground cellar, a medieval village and a château that will whisk you back to your childhood days.
10 a.m. – Château de Bridoire
This stunning historical monument in the heart of the Monbazillac wine region is a winning combination of history and fun. What’s on offer? After a tour of the property, have a go at some of the 100 traditional games for all ages: try on suits of armour, have a go at writing a manuscript in the scriptorium, shoot a crossbow, attempt a puzzle game... Fun for all!
MORE INFO ABOUT CHÂTEAU BRIDOIRE12 p.m. – Wine tasting at Château Feely, Saussignac, National Wine Tourism Trophy 2019
This estate has been certified organic for 10 years and takes pride in welcoming visitors. Visits are adapted to each visitor’s level of knowledge, and Caro Feely is skilled at sharing her expertise. There are also tastings of white, red and rosé wines. A fantastic experience, guaranteed.
DISCOVER CHÂTEAU DE FEELY
1:30 p.m. – Visit the wine estate of Château Moulin Caresse, in Saint-Antoine de Breuilh
Discover the genealogy of an estate that has been in the same family since 1749. Beautiful setting and vineyard in the Montravel and Bergerac AOP, with slopes overlooking the Dordogne river.
MORE DETAILS ABOUT CHÂTEAU MOULIN CARESSE3 p.m. – Château de Montaigne, in Saint Michel de Montaigne
In the famous philosopher’s sanctuary, soak up the atmosphere in the library where he wrote his famous “Essays” and enjoy a glass before strolling through the tree-filled park.
MORE INFO ABOUT CHÂTEAU DE MONTAIGNE
4 p.m. – Visit the village of Duras
It goes without saying that a visit to the 12th century fortress that overlooks the town is a must for culture vultures. Head to the Maison des Vins de Duras and explore its fun discovery trail, its “Vine Garden” and the “Keys to the Vineyard” exhibition.
PREPARE YOUR VISIT TO CHÂTEAU DE DURAS5 p.m. – Berticot wine cellar, Duras
End the day with a spot of shopping at the unmissable Berticot wine cellar with wine from 120 winemakers in the Côtes de Duras AOC. A comprehensive overview of local winemaking know-how.
VISIT BERTICOT WINE CELLAR
