Bergerac, Perigord Noir, France

Bergerac is the largest city on the Dordogne river. It is known for its corbelled rooves, and it is a wine growing region. The Bergerac region has 13 appellations, and each one with its own inflections and personality. Rosé, red, dry or sweet white and dessert wine are all made in this region, and it’s the only one in France with a 50-50 split between red and white. There are more châteaux and caves than you could hope to incorporate into a short stay, and Bergerac would be my choice for a home base if I were to return.

The river itself is just as beautiful here as it is in more picturesque parts of the region. There is no shortage of places to sit on the banks and read, or rent a canoe and get in.

Don't miss the half-timbered houses, like Maison Gaudra on Rue des Fontaines dating from the 1300s. It is quite near the tasting room for the region, which is not only a beautifully restored building but also a place to buy the wine that you taste.