Me and a big ol' tree in the cloister in the centre of the old city
Well not really. That was really only part of a conversation that Luisa, my friend, and I had. I came to Bergerac to visit Luisa. And it is a beautiful little village. Well perhaps village is the wrong word to use, but it is certainly not a big sprawling city. I think the population is something like 25,000.
One of the many tudor style buildings in the historic centre
Bergerac is in the Dordogne region in the southwest of France. It is mainly known for its wines and tabacco. It has 12 known wine AOCs. Some of the finest wines from the Bordeaux region. And I have to say, having sampled them, I am in full agreement. They are tastier than the wines I have had a chance to try in my region of Portugal. The drainage is very good here as a result of its proximity to the Dordogne River.
Hanging out a Niamh's gite amongst the vineyards
The name of Bergerac is linked to the existence of a castle built at the end of the 11th century on the banks of the Dordogne river, and which attracted a population until then scattered across the plain. The town grew and expanded to the suburbs where begging order convents were established. Cereal growing fields bordered the town while the vineyards already covered the hills. Today that still holds true and not only cereal and vineyards but crops of all sorts.
Dinner with new friends
Vonik and Christian's beautiful chateau where I was invited to an incredible dinner
The market in town on Saturday was just bursting in fresh produce, fresh baked goods, fois gras (although I don’t support its production) and other meats. The historic part of Bergerac is really fascinating with tudor styled buildings still standing strong.
A picture speaks a thousands words - the beauty of old France
While I have been here, I have been so lucky as to meet some lovely people, friends of Luisa’s, who were so hospitable having me to their homes, nestled in the vineyards and the countryside just out of town. The small chateaus and gites are so charming. But then I have always loved buildings of antiquity.
Now there's a pool I would languish in
I have also acquired the opportunity to return to take care of a new friend’s house in the coming months. Right in town. How lucky am I? As I always say, travelling is not just about the places you go to, but it is about the people you meet.
Ah - the sidewalk cafe life - Luisa and Dominique ...
I didn’t know that you were in France, so it was a nice surprise to read this post…does this mean you have left Portugal?
Loving Vonik and Christian’s Chateau. Do you know what year it was built?
Nope – just taking a break from Portugal. I think Vonik told me her Chateau was built in the 1800s.
Glad to hear that you are meeting such a lot of wonderful new friends and how lucky to have another house sit in such a lovely part of the country.
yes I am looking forward to that.
Simply wanna comment that you have a very decent internet site , I like the style and design it actually stands out.
Thanks.
Bonjour Sara,
Merci pour les belles photos que tu as mises sur ton blog et pour ce que tu dis de notre maison (pas vraiment un château !) et du dîner. Cela a été un plaisir de te rencontrer et j’ai lu avec beaucoup d’intérêt ton “histoire”! On se revoit en septembre.
En attendant, bonne suite dans tes aventures.
Vonik
Merci Vonik et Christian. I look forward to seeing you in September.