Bergerac France

The French countryside is breathtakingly beautiful.  I travelled out of Bordeaux hitting the road early in the morning.  My plan….to kick around Bergerac for a day and then continue on to Rocamadour.

Here are the places I visited while in this area.  

Chateau de Biron stands at the between Périgord and Agenais,in a highly strategic position. Its history is directly linked to the great Gontaut-Biron family, the holder of the castle for eight hundred years.

Marked throughout the XIIth to XVIIIth centuries by all sorts of vicissitudes (word for the day; means a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant.), this monumental building offers a XIIth century donjon (an early word for Keep), a two-storey chapel, Renaissance appartments, impressive vaulted kitchens, etc. An incredible juxtaposition of buildings is what makes Biron so exceptionnally attractive from an architectural point of view.

You will also see the scenery of the French film " Les Visiteurs II ".  

 I sooooo would not have liked to be a guest in this room!

The tour lasted about 45 minutes so after taking pictures it was time to head to the next photo op.

The next stop offered the added bonus of stones and grapes.  The castel de Monbazillac, property of the Monbazillac Cellars Company since 1960, is an awesome looking place from the outside and I was floored by the fully furnished castle on the inside as well.  It is a unique and original architectural blend of medieval defensive fortifications and Renaissance exuberance.  Absolutely gorgeous!

 

The tour of the castle ended with a winery and a sample of really good Monbazillac wine and a trip to the Guild store.

It was really good though I do admit white wine is more to my taste.

This is the place to purchase not just wines (Monbazillac and Bergerac) but exceptional local Périgord gourmet produce (foie gras and conserves, stuffed prunes and walnut oil), select fine delicacies and fine wines from Bordeaux and the whole world.

I found myself ready browse around Bergerac and then settle in for the night so off I went. 

Now I admit that I have a hard time passing by anything chocolate and what do you think I saw at a café as I meandered around Bergerac?  Chocolate Chocolate icecream with chocolate chips and whipped cream!  It was the best thing ever!!!!

The town of Bergerac is full of beauty and charm.  Lots of interesting houses of stone and much to my surprise I came upon a statue of Cyrano de Bergerac!  

I stayed at La Flambee, which was close to the statue of Cyrano de Bergerac.  I chose it because it had a restaurant on premises and complimentary parking for guests. 

My taste buds were watering as I smelled the delicious aroma coming from the restaurant.  I decided on Carpaccio de magret de canard aux noisettes (Carpaccio of duck breast with hazelnuts), Filet de bœuf grillé, sauce béarnaise (grilled beef filet with béarnaise sauce) and for dessert Crème brûlée à la vanille de Madagascar (No translation needed it was like heaven!)

After dinner I opted for a swim in the pool before turning into bed.  Here are photos of the pool and the room. 

Morning brought with it a beautiful sunrise so after a breakfast of fruit, cheese and bread on the terrace, I hit the road toward Rocamadour. 

Here is a photo of my view of the town as I got closer.  More on Rocamadour next time and maybe we just might have to try out one of those gorgeous hot air balloons for a better view.   

See you soon!