Fly to Bergerac with British Airways on Saturdays.
On the banks of the Dordogne, Bergerac is renowned for its wine - as well as Cyrano, a legendary resident with a very big nose!
Wander the cobbled streets past medieval buildings and through squares in the Old Town, such as Place de la Mirpe with its half-timbered houses. There are two main churches - St Jacques, founded in the 12th century, and the 19th-century Notre Dame which was built by the same architect who designed the Sacré-Cour in Paris.
Famous screen versions of Cyrano de Bergerac have starred Gérard Depardieu and Steve Martin, and now Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage takes on the mantle in the recently-released film. Two statues have been erected in honour of the tragi-comical figure, both portraying his very large conk. In fact, the tourist office is so used to his nose being stolen as a souvenir they have several in reserve.
The Dordogne is ideal for water sports such as canoeing or paddleboarding which are almost obligatory in summer. Boat trips on a flat-bottomed "gabarre" are also popular, while the towpaths are perfect for walking and cycling. Look out for wildlife such as birds of prey or otters. A scenic drive along the shores will take you to Castillon-la-Bataille, where the last battle of the Hundred Years' War was fought in 1453.
Airport:
Bergerac Airport | EGC
Flight Time:
1 hour 30 mins
Airlines:
British Airways
