Bergerac came as a bit of a surprise. Fearing the worst due to
the planeloads of Brits deposited by Ryanair at Bergerac airport
just outside of town, actually being able to wander around its charming
medieval heart without hearing English spoken was an unexpected
joy.
Being right on the River Dordogne, of course, helps... there is
nothing quite like sitting in the sunshine at a quayside bar watching
the river go by. It is also good to visit a town with a sense of
humour. A whole square has been dedicated to the memory of Cyrano
de Bergerac and the burghers of Bergerac have even erected a statue.
So well is it done, that you have to keep reminding yourself that
he was a fictional character! Or was he? And did he really come
from Bergerac, Dordogne? Answers on a postcard, please.
Don't miss the cloistered house that is now the Bergerac Tourist
Office, the cathedral, the Museum of Tobacco (yes, that's right)
- its housed in a wonderful 17thC mansion and... oh yes, the Bergerac
wines.
