Bergerac history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Bergerac is rooted in deep antiquity; however, it began to take shape as a significant settlement in the 11th century. A key moment was the construction of a castle on the right bank of the Dordogne River, designed to control the valley and the crossing. The first documentary mentions of the city are inextricably linked to this fortress (Castrum Bergeraci) and the development of the settlement, or "bourg," around its walls. By the 12th century, Bergerac had already established itself as an important fortified point in the region.

Key Factors of Formation

The transformation of a small settlement into a prosperous city was driven by a fortunate combination of several factors:

• Strategic Geography: Its location on the Dordogne River made the city a natural transport hub. The river served as the main artery for transporting goods to the Atlantic coast.
• Role of the Crossing: The construction of a bridge across the Dordogne in the Middle Ages (mentioned from the first half of the 13th century) turned Bergerac into a key transit point between the north and south of the region.
• Political Status: The city quickly received privileges and freedoms. In 1322, King Charles IV the Fair officially confirmed the city's status, cementing its administrative significance.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economic foundation of early Bergerac was based on two pillars: viticulture and river navigation. Proximity to Bordeaux and active trade with England stimulated the development of local vineyards. Gabares — traditional flat-bottomed boats — plied the river, transporting barrels of wine, timber for cooperage, and grain. This bustling commercial activity contributed to the formation of a wealthy class of merchants and bourgeoisie, who played a leading role in governing the city through the consulate institution.

Chronology of Important Events

• End of the 11th century: The first castle is founded on the banks of the Dordogne, around which a settlement begins to form.
• Early 13th century: The first bridge across the river is built, turning the city into a strategic trading hub.
• 1322: King Charles IV grants Bergerac city status, securing its administrative rights.
• 1345: During the Hundred Years' War, the city is captured by English troops under the command of the Earl of Derby.
• 1450: Bergerac finally returns to French Crown control, ending the era of English rule.
• 1577: The "Peace of Bergerac" (or Edict of Poitiers) is signed, temporarily ending one of the religious wars in France.
• 1621: King Louis XIII besieges the city and orders the destruction of the fortress walls due to support for the Protestants.
• 1685: The Revocation of the Edict of Nantes causes mass emigration of Huguenots, dealing a blow to the city's economy.
• 1790: During the French Revolution, Bergerac becomes the administrative centre of one of the districts of the Dordogne department.
• 1875: The opening of a railway line connects the city to the national transport network and stimulates trade.
• End of the 19th century: A phylloxera epidemic destroys a significant part of the vineyards, forcing farmers to switch to other crops.
• 1927: The Tobacco Institute is founded in the city, making Bergerac an important centre for the tobacco industry in France.
• 1944: The city is liberated from German occupation; local Resistance units played a significant role in this.
• 2013: Bergerac receives the prestigious status of "City of Art and History" (Ville d'Art et d'Histoire).

Major Milestones in the City's Development

The history of Bergerac is a series of adaptations to changing trade routes and economic challenges. From a medieval port to a modern tourist centre, the city has gone through several key transformations that defined its current appearance.

• Rise of the River Port (12th–14th centuries): The construction of the bridge over the Dordogne and the development of the port turned Bergerac into the main logistics hub of the Périgord. This laid the foundation for the city's economy: the export of wine, timber, and paper to Bordeaux and onwards to England formed a wealthy merchant class and defined the architectural look of the quays.
• Loss of Fortress Walls (17th century): By order of Louis XIII following religious conflicts, the city fortifications were destroyed. From an urban planning perspective, this event was a turning point: the city ceased to be a closed fortress and began to expand beyond its historical boundaries, forming open boulevards and suburbs.
• Railway Revolution (1875): The arrival of the train radically changed logistics. Although river navigation began to fade, the railway opened new markets for local produce and ensured the influx of the first travellers, integrating Bergerac into the national transport network of France.
• Agrarian Restructuring after Phylloxera (Late 19th century): The epidemic that destroyed vineyards provoked a deep economic crisis but also stimulated diversification. The city and surrounding areas reoriented towards growing cereals, fruits, and tobacco, making the regional economy more resilient.
• Industrialisation and Tobacco Production (1920s): The creation of the Experimental Tobacco Institute made Bergerac the "tobacco capital" of France. This led to the construction of new industrial facilities and an influx of specialists, ensuring economic stability for the city in the mid-20th century.
• Cultural Branding through the Image of Cyrano (20th century): Despite the fact that the real Cyrano de Bergerac had almost no connection to the city, the success of Edmond Rostand's play was cleverly utilised by the authorities. The installation of monuments and the creation of tourist routes linked to the literary hero allowed the city to gain a recognisable face on the international stage.
• Awarding of "City of Art and History" Status (2013): This event recorded the transition from an agrarian-industrial model to an economy based on heritage and tourism. The status stimulated large-scale restoration programmes for half-timbered houses and the improvement of the historic centre to attract guests.

Urban Development and Architectural Appearance

The architecture of Bergerac is a visual chronicle of its history as a thriving river port. The urban fabric is clearly divided into a medieval core with narrow winding streets and later quarters with wide avenues that emerged after the destruction of the fortress walls and the arrival of the railway. The proximity of the Dordogne River determined the orientation of the buildings: the facades of many historical buildings face the embankments, reminiscent of the times of active trade.

Eras and Styles

The traditions of Périgord and general French architectural trends are intertwined in the city's appearance. The main stages of construction can be divided as follows:

• Middle Ages (14th–15th centuries): Half-timbering and Stone
  The historic city centre, especially around Place Pélissière and Rue Saint-Clar, is famous for its half-timbered houses. These buildings are constructed from a wooden frame filled with brick or cob (a mixture of clay and straw). A characteristic feature is the overhanging upper floors, which allowed for saving space at ground level. The ground floors were often made of stone, housing artisans' shops or entrances to storage cellars.
• Classicism and Renaissance (17th–18th centuries): Stone Architecture
  After religious wars and fires, wooden construction began to give way to stone. During this period, wealthy merchants and the bourgeoisie built mansions from light limestone. The architecture became more symmetrical and strict, with elegant cornices and tall windows. An example is the buildings around the port, where merchants' houses served simultaneously as residences and warehouses.
• 19th Century: Neo-Gothic and Industrial Style
  The era of modernisation brought monumental public buildings to the city. The most striking example is the Church of Notre-Dame (Église Notre-Dame), erected in the second half of the 19th century. Its spire dominates the city, and the architectural style mimics 13th-century Gothic, which was popular in France at that time (influenced by the architect Viollet-le-Duc and Paul Abadie). Also during this period, red brick buildings appear, characteristic of industrial and railway architecture.

Iconic Architectural Objects

The appearance of Bergerac is shaped by several key structures, each reflecting the spirit of its time:

• Récollets Cloister (Cloître des Récollets): Built by Franciscan monks in the 17th century, this complex combines strict religious architecture with elements of classicism. The inner courtyard with galleries and wooden ceilings is beautifully preserved. Today, it houses the Bergerac Wine House.
• Church of Notre-Dame: A majestic Neo-Gothic temple built on the site of an old church that had become too cramped. Its tall bell tower serves as the main landmark in the city centre.
• Château de Lespinassat: Located on the outskirts, it represents an example of a country residence of the local nobility with elements from the 17th–19th centuries and a picturesque park.
• Covered Market (Marché Couvert): An example of civil architecture from the late 19th century, combining functionality (metal structures, brick) with the aesthetics of urban trade.

Distinguished Figures of Bergerac

The city prides itself on a whole galaxy of talented natives and figures whose names are forever inscribed in the history of France. From philosophers and doctors to actors and musicians — these people have brought fame to Bergerac far beyond its borders.

• Savinien de Cyrano de Bergerac (1619–1655)
  Writer, playwright, and guardsman
  Although the real historical prototype was born in Paris, he is the most famous symbol of the city. Thanks to Edmond Rostand's play, the name Cyrano has become forever linked to this place. The city has embraced the literary hero as its own: statues have been erected in his honour, and he has become an integral part of Bergerac's cultural brand.
• Maine de Biran (François-Pierre-Gonthier de Biran) (1766–1824)
  Philosopher and political figure
  A native of Bergerac who also served as the city's sub-prefect. He went down in history as an outstanding thinker who anticipated many ideas of modern psychology and existentialism. His works on habit and inner experience had a huge influence on 19th-century French philosophy.
• Jean Mounet-Sully (1841–1916)
  Tragic theatre actor
  Born in Bergerac into an old Huguenot family. He became a legend of the Comédie-Française theatre and one of the greatest tragedians of his time. His performance in the role of King Oedipus was considered the benchmark and brought him worldwide fame.
• Samuel Pozzi (1846–1918)
  Surgeon, gynaecologist, and anthropologist
  An outstanding doctor born in Bergerac. He is considered the father of French gynaecology. Apart from his medical merits, he was a famous socialite of the "Belle Époque" and a friend of Sarah Bernhardt. His famous portrait by John Singer Sargent ("Dr. Pozzi at Home") is known throughout the world.
• Paul Mounet (1847–1922)
  Actor and conservatory professor
  The younger brother of Jean Mounet-Sully, also born in Bergerac. He had a brilliant career in theatre and became one of the pioneers of silent cinema. He taught acting at the Paris Conservatory, training a generation of talented artists.
• Gaston Clament (1862–1904)
  Impressionist painter
  A talented painter and native of the city, whose works often depicted landscapes of the Dordogne and scenes from Parisian life. His paintings are kept in museums across France, including in Bergerac itself.
• Hélène Duc (1917–2014)
  Actress
  Born and raised in Bergerac. Known for her roles in theatre and cinema, particularly in the series "The Accursed Kings" (Les Rois maudits). During the Second World War, she showed courage by saving Jewish families from the Nazis, for which she was awarded the title of "Righteous Among the Nations".
• Pascal Obispo (born 1965)
  Singer and composer
  One of the most popular modern pop musicians in France was born here. The author of numerous hits and large-scale musicals, he actively maintains a connection with his native region.