Bergerac Dordogne-Périgord airport

Bergerac Dordogne Perigord Airport sits 4 kilometres east of Bergerac in southwestern France, serving a region known for its vineyards, medieval villages, and prehistoric caves. This compact regional airport handles seasonal flights from the United Kingdom, Belgium, and the Netherlands, with a single terminal that processes arrivals and departures in a calm, unhurried manner. Unlike larger French airports, Bergerac retains a small-scale atmosphere where passengers can move from check-in to gate in under ten minutes.

Getting There

The airport is located off the D936 road, a 10-minute drive from Bergerac’s historic centre. Taxis are available at the rank outside arrivals; a journey into town costs approximately €20. Car rental desks from Europcar, Sixt, and Hertz operate in the terminal, and pre-booking is recommended during summer months. For those driving from further afield, Bordeaux is 90 minutes west via the A89 and D936, while Périgueux is 45 minutes north. No direct train service reaches the airport, but the Bergerac SNCF station is 4 kilometres away and connects to Bordeaux and Sarlat. Local bus line TUB 2 runs between the town centre and the airport several times daily, but service is infrequent—check schedules ahead.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal building is a single-storey structure with a bright, modern interior. Upon arrival, passengers enter the baggage claim area, which has one carousel and a small waiting zone. The departures area includes check-in desks arranged in a row, with self-service kiosks available for some airlines. Security is efficient, with a single lane that handles peak flows without significant queues. The airport is fully wheelchair-accessible: the entrance is level, the car park has designated spaces, and the accessible toilet and changing table are located near the gate area. Two pay-per-use toilets are also available. A small café offers sandwiches, pastries, and drinks, but food options are limited—pack snacks if you have specific dietary needs. There is one small shop selling newspapers, local wines, and souvenirs. No lounges exist. The gate area is compact, with seating for about 100 passengers, and a viewing window overlooking the tarmac. Free Wi-Fi is provided, though connection speed can be slow during busy periods. Be aware that the terminal closes between flights; on days with no scheduled services, the building is locked.

Bergerac Dordogne Perigord Airport and Bergerac

Bergerac itself is the main draw for most visitors. The town sits on the Dordogne River, with a well-preserved old quarter of half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and a 16th-century clock tower. The statue of Cyrano de Bergerac (the fictional swordsman made famous by Edmond Rostand) stands in the Place de la Myrpe, a reminder of the town’s literary association—though Cyrano was actually born in Paris, Bergerac has embraced the connection. Beyond the town, the Dordogne region is celebrated for its wine: Bergerac wine, produced from the same grape varieties as Bordeaux (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc), offers similar quality at lower prices. The surrounding countryside is dotted with vineyards, châteaux, and bastide villages like Monpazier and Issigeac. Prehistory enthusiasts will know the region for the Lascaux caves (a 90-minute drive north), which contain some of the world’s most famous Paleolithic art. The Dordogne River itself is a hub for canoeing, swimming, and riverboat trips. In summer, the area’s markets—Bergerac’s Saturday market is among the best—bustle with stalls selling foie gras, truffles, and walnuts. The airport’s role is to connect this rural, culturally rich area with the UK and other northern European markets, primarily for tourism. Without it, reaching the Dordogne from abroad would require a longer drive from Bordeaux or Toulouse. The airport handles around 300,000 passengers annually, a figure that underscores its importance to the local economy. For travellers passing through, Bergerac Dordogne Perigord Airport offers a stress-free entry point into a region that rewards exploration.

Practical Information

The airport is not open daily; terminal operating hours align with flight schedules. Typically, the building opens two hours before the first departure and remains open until the last arrival. Busiest times are Monday and Tuesday at 3 pm, and Wednesday and Thursday at 2 pm—largely coinciding with Ryanair and Flybe departures to the UK. The website (http://www.bergerac.aeroport.fr/) provides up-to-date flight information and a live arrivals/departures board. Phone enquiries can be directed to +33 5 53 22 25 25 during staffed hours. Parking is available in a short-stay car park (€2 per hour) and a long-stay lot (€10 per day). Electric vehicle charging points are installed in the long-stay area. For passengers with reduced mobility, pre-arrange assistance through your airline—the airport staff are helpful but limited. A concrete piece of advice: arrive no earlier than two hours before departure. The terminal is small, and there is little to do if you arrive too early; the café does not open until an hour before the first flight.