Bergerac, capital of the purple Périgord lies either side of the Dordogne which becomes majestic and serene there.

The "Rivière Espérance" used to govern the life of the city and Bergerac docks played an important part in the wine trade and for other goods arriving from the "haut-pays". Today Bergerac is surrounded by 11.000 ha of vineyards and one can have an idea of the selection of wines on offer by visiting the house of wines in the Cloître des Récollets. The pretty food market held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings is also a popular attraction.

The renovation of the old town has enhanced the pretty half-timbered houses and the XV^th and XVI^th century buildings.

Bergerac's most famous character, Cyrano, hero unlucky in love is not its real offspring. The person who inspired Edmond Rostand did exist but its name was taken from a family property located in the Yvelines Departement. The statue of Cyrano, sculpted by Jean Varoqueaux can be seen place de la Myrpe, near the docks.