Fly from Nice to Bergerac

As you leave Bergerac Airport and find yourself almost immediately in Bergerac's vineyards, you’ll quickly see that whether you’re staying for a weekend or a month, Mother Nature is about to become your best friend. And she’s a generous host! At mealtimes, she offers up a lovely slice of foie gras served with a glass of Montbazillac, or a truffle brouillade paired with an excellent Pécharmant. You’ll find yourself wholly enchanted by her as you canoe down the Dordogne, looking up at the stunning castles and villages along the river's shores. She will surprise you when, several dozen metres under ground, she reveals her secrets: subterranean pools, stalactites, stalagmites, and other concretions.

• Stop by and say hello to the famous Cyrano, whose statue sits at the heart of Bergerac (where he never actually stepped foot!). While you’re there take time to wander the cobblestone streets of the old city and admire the lovely timber-framed houses there.
• Be king for a day by walking through the gates of the Bridoire, Biron, Hautefort, Eymet and, of course, Montbazillac castles. The latter is a gorgeous Renaissance building surrounded with the vines that bring us one of the most famous sweet white wines in France.
• Take in the work of history’s first artists: those who left their paintings and engravings in the rock of the famous Lascaux caves.
• Discover Sarlat la Canéda, the capital of Périgord Noir. It’s one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Europe. But its history isn’t the only thing of interest you’ll find. A variety of quality expositions and shows are held here.
• Continue on until you get to Rocamadour, the pearl of Haut Quercy. This medieval city built into the cliffs is home to the Sacred City, an extraordinary religious complex, where the Black Virgin has drawn worshippers for more than a thousand years.
• Not far from Rocamadour, don’t miss two incredible sites: Eagle’s Rock (Le Rocher des Aigles) to see spectacular birds of prey, from golden eagles to condors, all roaming free. And the Padirac Cave (Gouffre de Padirac), the most visited underground site in France. Not to be missed!Descend into Rouffignac Cave, 8 kilometres of galleries decorated with hundreds of rock paintings, and Proumeyssac Cave, also known as The Crystal Cathedral.
• Check out the Castelnaud-la-Chapelle Castle. Superbly conserved, this 12th century fortress dominates the Dordogne valley. It houses an impressive collection of medieval arms and armour and holds many events during the summer.
• Paddle on the Dordogne in a canoe, or else climb aboard a Gabare - ancient wooden ships that for centuries provided river transport. Don’t forget your camera!
• Tuck into the best of regional cuisine: truffles, the black diamonds of Périgord, foies gras, duck breast or confit (accompanied by fried potatoes!), ceps, walnuts, and two delectable cheeses: Trappe d’Échourgnac and Cabécou.