Bergerac was made famous by Edmond Rostand's celebrated play "Cyrano de Bergerac". Contrary to popular belief, the libertine writer who was the inspiration for the protagonist of Rostand's play, Savinien de Cyrano de Bergerac, had never set foot in the town. An incorrigible romantic hero, combining panache, bravery and a sense of sacrifice, Cyrano became an icon of Bergerac, despite having no actual link with the town. Two statues depicting Cyrano de Bergerac have been erected in his honour, which can be found at place de la Myrpe and place Pélissière.
Built on the banks of the Dordogne, the town's heritage and history are closely linked to the river. The Musée de la Ville, near place Pélissière in the pedestrianised part of the town centre, will tell you more about the town, its development and the region.
Those with their sea legs can explore Bergerac on the water aboard one of the traditional flat-bottomed boats known as "gabarres". There are several routes along which you can explore the charming villages that line the Dordogne, as well as a nature reserve, where you can watch the local wildlife (herons, kingfishers, coypus, etc.).
The town also has a Tobacco Museum, located at place du Feu, and as the town's tourist information office says, "The Tobacco Museum doesn't promote smoking and isn't just for smokers!" The museum is housed in a 17th-century town house, which is well worth a visit if you're a fan of old buildings.
Fine wine and food lovers will also be very well catered for, as the town is situated in the heart of the Périgord Pourpre area (it's known as pourpre, or crimson, because of the colour of the vine leaves in autumn), and boasts some 12,600 hectares of vineyards and 12 wine appellations. With renowned wines, goat's cheese, foie gras and Périgord truffles, you'll certainly find what you're looking for at one of the farmers' markets in Bergerac or the surrounding area, or at one of the town's vineyards.
