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TOUR
A
REGION
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HIGHLIGHTS of Wine Tours in the
BERGERAC
FRANCEIf you are a wine tourist who wants a compact wine region crammed with a
vast range of attractions, Dordogne river system, river boats, chateaux, historical
wine villages, English Bastides towns, great markets and so much more;
then the Bergerac wine region will appeal to you. |
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Dordogne River
The region is dominated by the Dordogne River. In previous centuries it was the route
by which wine was transported from the valley to the coastal port of Bordeaux.
The flat-bottomed boats, used to carry wine and other essentials of life were called “gabarres”.
And today replicas of these makeshift craft ply the river offering relaxing boat trip of round
one hour from Port Bergerac.
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Bergerac Town
Bergerac Town like so many other medieval towns, villages and Bastides in the Bergerac region
is remarkably well-conserved. Bergerac is situated on the Dordogne River and its quays once
bustled with the loading of wine barrels onto "garbares", flat-bottomed boats, for shipping to Bordeaux.
Meander from the port up through the old quarter of narrow streets, quaint alleys and squares
past half-timbered houses and see the monuments included that of the Parisian dramatist,
Cyrano de Bergerac - an enjoyable couple of hours of exploring.
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Chateau Monbazillac
Classified as an historical monument from the 16th. century, Chateau Monbazillac offers
unique and original architecture being a combination of the defensive style of the Middle
Ages and the first signs of Renaissance art. Unlike other chateau, it remains essentially as it did
when constructed - undamaged and unimproved. The grounds and 2 lower floors are open to the public.
Well worth a visit and an explore.
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Issigeac
A charming medieval village constructed largely in the 14th. and 15 th. centuries, it was designed
as a fortified town - "Bastide". It is situated 6 kms to the south of Begerac and often described as the village of stone
and timber. Very original and a real trip back to the Middle ages. On Sundays this peaceful village
comes vibrantly alive with a colourful and busy street market - considered to be in the top 100 markets in France.
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St. Emilion
We would have visited St. Emilion just for its superb Bordeaux wines, however this golden
village is one of the most beautiful in France. Sat in a natural amphitheatre surrounded
by its famous vines, it is a place to spend and enjoyable day. The four main sites can only
be seen on tourist office guided tours so the office should be your first port of call.
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Cadouin
This medieval village clusters around its abbey is famous as the home of the controversial
“holy shroud”. While the “shroud” was subject to wrangles as to ownership in the 1930’s it was
proved to be an 11th. century fake. Despite that the village with its winding medieval alleyways
and lanes plus an impressive abbey is well-worth a visit.
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