The French town of Bergerac, just north of the Dordogne River, is ideal for a relaxing and intimate holiday. Located in the Périgord Dordogne region, Bergerac is incredibly compact, making it perfect for exploring on foot (and no need for expensive taxi costs!).
As spring arrives, temperatures rise slightly, although it's still not the warm and sunny holiday temperatures some travellers search for. Ranging from 6 to 16 degrees celsius, April in Bergerac is a little more comfortable than the winter months, especially with the lack of humidity.
Unfortunately, rainfall doesn't yet ease off, and April can be rather wet in Bergerac. 71mm falls on average during this month, but the slight temperature increase means the winter frosts are a thing of the past.
Take shelter from the April showers with a visit to the Château de Lanquais, just 11.5 miles east of Bergerac town centre along with Dordogne River. A true fairytale castle, the towers are one of the main attractions for guests. The medieval building is furnished in a renaissance style, and visitors can explore Bergerac life during the middle ages and renaissance period. The nearby barn has been renovated from its medieval days and now hosts concerts and events throughout the year.
Enjoy an afternoon trip along the Dordogne River in a barge. Sailing into naturally established nature reserves, lucky travellers may see herons, kingfishers and hawks during the trip. GabarresBergerac offers 50 minute cruises for just £6.50 for adults and £4.50 for children leaving from Salvette Dock on the old port.
The Bergerac CampanileHotel offers budget accommodation (just £42 per night) in keeping with the top standards of other hotels in the Campanile chain. The hotel reception is open 24 hours a day, so its a good choice for those who plan to be out enjoying the local nightlife until the early hours. The hotel is located just half a mile from the heart of the town and many rooms offer private terraces.
