In the Dordogne, the charming town of Bergerac is known for its beauty, its gentle way of life and its gastronomy, but above all for a certain character with a big nose who has, in fact, never set foot there. Let's go and discover this city of character and this famous character.
Built on the banks of the Dordogne, the town of Bergerac owes its posterity to the river which made it, from its origins, an essential stopover for travellers and merchants. This tradition of trade and exchange is now honoured in the Tobacco Museum, a museum that looks back over the 3,000 years of history and use of this Amerindian plant.
Surrounded by a large vineyard, Bergerac produces wines of character whose reputation is well established. Today, a visit to the Bergerac Quai Cyrano wine area is a must. Partly located in the Cloister of Récollets, an impressive 17th century building, it offers the possibility to discover the 10 appellations of the area free of charge.
To accompany this subtle beverage, there is nothing better than a trip to the town's famous covered market. A convivial place par excellence, it is possible, in summer, to savour the products of local producers directly on the spot.
Of course, discovering the city is also and above all discovering its historic centre. A maze of old alleys and shady squares surrounded by half-timbered houses will allow you to fall under the charm of Bergerac. If you raise your eyes a little, you will surely see some representations of a certain historical character made famous at the end of the 19th century by a play whose words still ring in our ears.
This play is undoubtedly the most popular and famous of the French repertoire. Written from 1896 onwards by Edmond Rostand, it was performed for the first time at the Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin in Paris on 28 December 1897. It was an immediate success that has never wavered since! Freely inspired by the life of the author of the same name, this play has made Cyrano de Bergerac one of the most essential characters of our heritage. Known throughout the world, he is the very representation of French panache, courage, romanticism and spirit. If his image is perfectly inseparable from that of Bergerac, it is in fact a misunderstanding...
In the 19th century, it was proved that the real Cyrano never lived in, or even visited, the Bergerac périgourdine... This great libertine of the 7th century was in fact a perfect Parisian whose family had acquired a fief called "de Bergerac" in the Yvelines... Never mind, the legend is more alive and vibrant than History!
Today in Bergerac, Cyrano is at home everywhere. Nearly five statues represent him and his nose, and dozens of shops bear his name. After all, the theater character came from this city. Near his beautiful Roxane, he remembers with delight "the green sweetness of the evenings on the Dordogne. »
Second most populated town in the region after Périgueux, Bergerac is a must for all lovers of heritage, theatre and gastronomy. A French town par excellence, Bergerac offers a very special way of life. In the shade of its squares, you can enjoy a glass of wine accompanied by the best regional specialities and a fine edition of Edmond Rostand's Cyrano.
To prepare your visit to the city or to o find out all about the true history of Cyrano de Bergerac.
Berengère for Comme des Français
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