The name «Bergerac» originally comes from the Gallo-Roman town, « Bracarius ».

From as early as the 12th century the town was something of an intellectual and commercial crossroads. With the Dordogne River crossing the town, commercial links were rapidly established with other regions, particularly Limousin and Bordeaux.

During the Wars of Religion, Bergerac became the intellectual capital of the Protestant movement and, nicknamed «the little Geneva», benefited in no inconsiderable way from the Nantes Edict.

By the French Revolution Bergerac is no longer the capital of the Périgord, Périgueux being named as the prefectural town.


Chief town of the arrondissement, Bergerac is economically thriving and the second largest town in the Dordogne: based on the last census (1999) it has a population of 27201.
Bergerac has the title 'Town of Flowers' (awarded 4 flowers) and won the National Town of Flowers prize in two consecutive years (2004, 2005); it is Cyrano's home town and boasts a delightful old port, half-timbered houses and internationally renowned food and wines.