Recommendations for Bordeaux/Bergerac region - France
Discussion
Looking for some advice, we are hoping to go to Bordeaux/Bergerac region this summer (July probably), any recommendations for things to do and see in the surrounding area whilst we are there. We will be driving down from Calais too so any recommend stops en-route would also be great.
Re driving as I have never driven in France any tips? I also read that choosing avoid toils on satnav provides some more scenic routes?
Thanks,
Re driving as I have never driven in France any tips? I also read that choosing avoid toils on satnav provides some more scenic routes?
Thanks,
My area of expertise 
We have a B&B an hour from Bergerac in a little place called Aubeterre-sur-Dronne.
Bergerac is a really nice city, they have a big market there on Saturday morning.
St Emilion is a must, weather you like wine or not. If you do like a drop of good red you won't find the cheapest wine there but you will find the best wine there cheaper than almost anywhere else. There is a particular favorite of mine called La Fleur from Chateaux Mongiron. I could post a pic of the label if you want. It's about 11€ a bottle, I'd say it's the best wine I have drunk here.
Brantom is about an hour from us, not sure how far from Bergerac. It's really pretty and built on an island. You can hire canoes and paddle all round the island if you want.
The Arcachon basin is just an hour from Bordeaux (dawned on us Bordeaux actually means next to water, duhhh). The dune at Pyla is amazing, there is a great camp site at the far end called Yelloh village, you can camp with a cracking sea view. Cap Feret is stunning as is L'Herbe, a really quaint fishing village with colourful painted shacks. The coast round there is really nice and a big hit with surfers and those nutters that use parachutes to go up!!!
Aubeterre is really nice too, got to say it, it's why we moved here. We have a river beach and a historic village with the biggest underground church in Europe. The Hotel d'France is always buzzing (a very rare thing in rural France) with lots of different nationalities and a happy hour on Friday that gets everyone out from the surrounding villages.
If you have the time you really want to visit the Dordogne valley, especially Salet La Caneda, Dom, La Roque Gagiac and the Gardens a t Marquesac (my spelling might be a bit bad).
What time of year are you thinking of coming?
We have a B&B an hour from Bergerac in a little place called Aubeterre-sur-Dronne.Bergerac is a really nice city, they have a big market there on Saturday morning.
St Emilion is a must, weather you like wine or not. If you do like a drop of good red you won't find the cheapest wine there but you will find the best wine there cheaper than almost anywhere else. There is a particular favorite of mine called La Fleur from Chateaux Mongiron. I could post a pic of the label if you want. It's about 11€ a bottle, I'd say it's the best wine I have drunk here.
Brantom is about an hour from us, not sure how far from Bergerac. It's really pretty and built on an island. You can hire canoes and paddle all round the island if you want.
The Arcachon basin is just an hour from Bordeaux (dawned on us Bordeaux actually means next to water, duhhh). The dune at Pyla is amazing, there is a great camp site at the far end called Yelloh village, you can camp with a cracking sea view. Cap Feret is stunning as is L'Herbe, a really quaint fishing village with colourful painted shacks. The coast round there is really nice and a big hit with surfers and those nutters that use parachutes to go up!!!
Aubeterre is really nice too, got to say it, it's why we moved here. We have a river beach and a historic village with the biggest underground church in Europe. The Hotel d'France is always buzzing (a very rare thing in rural France) with lots of different nationalities and a happy hour on Friday that gets everyone out from the surrounding villages.
If you have the time you really want to visit the Dordogne valley, especially Salet La Caneda, Dom, La Roque Gagiac and the Gardens a t Marquesac (my spelling might be a bit bad).
What time of year are you thinking of coming?
If you have an interest in history this is worth a visit http://www.oradour.info
Also Puy de Dome near Clermont Ferrand is lovely.
Enjoy it's a lovely area.
Also Puy de Dome near Clermont Ferrand is lovely.
Enjoy it's a lovely area.
Dont f
king encourage more Brits to the Charente ffs!!!!! Christ its bad enough with you jonny come latelys and your Peter Mayal dreams!
Aubeterre used to be a lovely village until Eastenders boy rocked up & brought Knight Frank with him. Sit down outside Sal et Sucre these days and every other word is English
king encourage more Brits to the Charente ffs!!!!! Christ its bad enough with you jonny come latelys and your Peter Mayal dreams!Aubeterre used to be a lovely village until Eastenders boy rocked up & brought Knight Frank with him. Sit down outside Sal et Sucre these days and every other word is English
ecotec said:
Looking for some advice, we are hoping to go to Bordeaux/Bergerac region this summer (July probably), any recommendations for things to do and see in the surrounding area whilst we are there. We will be driving down from Calais too so any recommend stops en-route would also be great.
Re driving as I have never driven in France any tips? I also read that choosing avoid toils on satnav provides some more scenic routes?
Thanks,
Use a credit/charge card on the motorways - far easier for your passenger and the queues can be a lot lighter.Re driving as I have never driven in France any tips? I also read that choosing avoid toils on satnav provides some more scenic routes?
Thanks,
The most dangerous part of driving in France is forgetting to drive on the right - typically done after you pull out of a parking spot, or out of petrol station etc. Some little reminder on the steering wheel or somewhere visible is worth doing.
Lots of good advice on towns from Crossy above.... try Sarlat too, a very pretty town.
The drive you're planning is the length of France and you will probably use the auto-routes. July is a busy month. All this means that you should consider getting a tag for the tolls so that you can get through pretty quickly rather than join the queues to pay each time. Information is here:
https://www.saneftolling.co.uk/
I've had a tag for several years now and although it's not something I use regularly I am glad I have it, particularly for the annual trip to Le Mans for the 24 heures.
R.
https://www.saneftolling.co.uk/
I've had a tag for several years now and although it's not something I use regularly I am glad I have it, particularly for the annual trip to Le Mans for the 24 heures.
R.
Bergerac is nice for an afternoon,Eymet night market on Tuesdays,Eymet market on Thursdays.Sarlat is an easy drive away to do the Dordogne canoe thing( Castelnaud being my preferred outfit). Bordeaux is a steady 1.5 hours away as is Arcachon and the sand dune etc.
If you base yourself around Bordeaux you have wine and the beaches,Bergerac you are pretty central for it all.
If you base yourself around Bordeaux you have wine and the beaches,Bergerac you are pretty central for it all.
crossy67 said:
East Enders don't come her that much now. At the moment it's about 30% English, 30% Dutch, 30% French and 10% other.
It's always been a large proportion of Dutch. I landscaped part of the Financial Director of Shells garden 20yrs ago! Use to be a rule of thumb the plage campsite was 50% Dutch, 50% French. To be fair to Rickyyyyy, the lass he fell for was stunning. She has been my neighbour for 20yrs - her mum was even better looking and an outstanding cook!Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff