The new Bordeaux

Q: French friends have recommended that we visit the town of Bergerac after attending a conference in Paris during June. Could you help us with information on travel from Paris, accommodation and any other tips about this place? - Ron James

A: Bergerac is getting increasingly popular with visitors as a more intimate alternative to nearby Bordeaux. With its location on the Dordogne River and cobbled streets, it makes a perfect spot to investigate some of the 120 wine producers in this region. You can fly from Paris to Bergerac, but the train journey is more scenic. You take the Bordeaux-bound TGV train from Paris Montparnasse station; the journey takes 3 hours, 30 minutes. From here, catch a connecting train to Bergerac (one hour). For accommodation, try to get a room at the highly-recommended Chateau Lespinassat Hotel, located in a 18th century French country residence five kilometres from the town. With only three stylish rooms, you'll get very personalised service from the hosts (www.venere.com). For a more central hotel, you could try the Hôtel de Bordeaux (www.hotel-bordeaux-bergerac.com). You will find many interesting shops and restaurants in the small lanes of the city centre. For the best duck in town, try the L'Enfance de Lard restaurant, which overlooks a fountain in Bergerac's main square. Make sure you visit the Wine Museum and the statue of Cyrano, one of the town's best-known characters.