Are you planning a family trip to the lovely town of Bergerac? In this post, I’ll provide the best days out in Bergerac with kids so you can plan your holiday ahead of time.
Bergerac is a French town well-known for its historic structures and castles in the Old Town. It is located in the Dordogne department of the Purple Périgord, an area of luscious vineyards that are situated along the Dordogne River.
The town used diplomacy to protect its freedom and independence throughout the hundred-year war. Convents and churches were destroyed, and the town became a protestant base during the War of Religion. Despite the religious disputes, the people of Bergerac thrived and lived in peace behind its fortified walls.
The Ministry of Culture named Bergerac a Town of Art and History in 2013. It is a culinary haven ideal for history enthusiasts, wine experts, and water babies with river rides and canoeing. Read more about the best Days out in Bergerac with kids!
Grottes de Maxange
Maxange’s extraordinary caves were found by accident in August 2000 while dynamiting in a neighbouring quarry. It is now a popular attraction for people of all ages and is regarded as one of France’s most stunning concretion caves.
A natural marvel awaits you in the hills upriver from Bergerac. What is really wonderful about this cave is the quantity of so-called “eccentric” uncommon crystallisations that literally defy gravity. They appear in small numbers, although hundreds may be spread around 90 meters in the Maxange cave. These sparkling stars have evolved over thousands of years and provide an unsettling beauty to the cave.
A tour guide will accompany you on the journey to Maxange Cave to provide explanations to understand and appreciate the cave truly. The tour will last about 40 minutes.
Maxange Cave is located at Mestréguiral 24480, The Bush of Cadouin. They are open from April 3 through November 3 this year. It is important to check their website for hours of operation. The entry price for children aged 4 to 9 is €6.50, €8.00 for ages 10 to 13, and €10.50 for ages 14 and above.
Zoo de Mescoules
The friendly and welcoming Zoo de Mescoules is ideal for introducing kids to some of the less well-known animals.
Animals that are feared and misunderstood yet are genuinely intriguing can be seen at Mescoules Zoo. The kids can witness numerous other reptiles, including Nile Crocodiles, Monitor, Pythons, Boa Constrictors, Rattlesnakes, Giant Tortoises, Lizards, and Iguanas. Along the way, you might see raccoons, porcupines, Chilean degu, wallabies, other animals, and a wide variety of birds.
The Zoo is located at 227 Allée Paul de Chadois Lieu-dit La Pleyssade 24240 Mescoules. For their opening schedule, it is best to check their site. The fee for adults cost €10.00 and for children from 3 to 12 years old cost €8.
Aqua Park
Aqua Park is a must-visit, especially during summer when the warm summer weather gets hot, and kids want to cool off in the pool and participate in water sports.
The water park in Bergerac stands in a 2-hectare area that borders the Dordogne River. Swimming pools, slides, solariums, table tennis, canoes, and beach volleyball are just a few sports and water-based activities the Aqua Park offers for families and kids to enjoy.
The park offers four pools: a large swimming pool for young children, a tiny pool that is kid-friendly and has a mushroom shower, a swimming pool, and a pool that you may splash into from the big slide.
There’s also plenty of room to enjoy some sunbathing around the pools, as well as shady lounging places perfect for unwinding. Additionally, there is a jacuzzi with room for up to 6 adults.
The park is at Route de Bordeaux (behind the bowling alley) Saint Laurent des Vignes 24100 Bergerac. They are open during the months of June and September from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and July and August from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Entrance fee varies, so it is best to visit their site.
Bergerac Market
Bring the kids to the Bergerac Market and test your bargaining skills! Bergerac’s market days are Wednesday and Saturday, and it’s the perfect place to pick up a memorable souvenir. Consider purchasing fresh truffles and melted cheeses! Market days are typically wonderful, and Bergerac comes alive at these times.
Karting de Bergerac
If you want adrenaline and a fun experience during your stay in Bergerac, you should try their Karting activity! It provides a wonderful experience for the entire family.
Bergerac Karting is an 800-meter track that is located at 14 Route du Lac, 24100 Saint-Laurent-des-Vignes. They provide a range of rental and entertainment options, all supervised by experienced instructors. A clubhouse and a rooftop patio with a panoramic view of the track are also available.
Bergerac Karting is available to kids aged 7 and older, with a minimum height of 1.30 meters.
They are open Wednesday to Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. The prices vary, so it’s best to check their site.
Bergerac Boat Tour
If there is one place perfect for a boat tour, it is Bergerac. Its location on the banks of the Dordogne River offers a pleasant view and experience for boat tours, particularly with children!
This Bergerac boat tour is an excellent way to see the local sights, particularly the wildlife of Bergerac. The kids will surely love it!
Board one of the classic barges in Bergerac’s harbour and cruise down the river for about an hour each way, observing the wildlife around the river while watching local children jump into the water.
The commentary was entirely in French, although other boats will be multilingual. Tickets for the boats may be purchased in the quay area at the bottom of town. I recommend buying your tickets ahead of time to avoid any problems.