Trail du Bergeracois

The Trail du Bergeracois is a 30-kilometer race with 900 meters of elevation gain held in Bergerac, in the Dordogne department, at the heart of the Périgord Pourpre (Purple Périgord). This event takes runners on a discovery of a territory shaped by vines and river, where the wine-growing hillsides of the Bergerac and Monbazillac appellations roll under skies that inspired the greatest troubadours. Bergerac, the city of Cyrano — the literary character created by Edmond Rostand was given this city's name, even though the real Cyrano de Bergerac never actually lived here — is a town of character whose medieval old quarter lines the banks of the Dordogne River.

The Trail du Bergeracois course crosses the characteristic landscapes of the Périgord Pourpre, so named for the autumnal color of its vineyards and oak forests. Trails wind between rows of vines, truffle oak woods, hidden valleys, and hamlets of blonde stone topped with flat tiles. Runners discover remarkable viewpoints over the Dordogne valley, that majestic river which for centuries served as the main trade route between Auvergne and Bordeaux, navigated by gabares — flat-bottomed boats laden with wood, wine, and walnuts.

The race profile is rolling with 900 meters of elevation gain distributed across multiple climbs and descents through the hillsides. The terrain is varied: stony vineyard paths, forest trails on clay soil that can become slippery after rain, and towpath sections along the Dordogne with a smoother running surface. Climbs toward the limestone plateaus offer short but intense efforts, while descents into the valley floors demand agility on sometimes narrow and winding trails. The 30-kilometer distance remains accessible while still providing a genuine endurance challenge.

Bergerac is a town of considerable heritage wealth. Its historic center, with its 15th-century half-timbered houses, Renaissance mansions, and the Récollets cloister housing the Maison des Vins, is worth a visit in its own right. The Bergerac vineyard, one of the oldest in France, produces a remarkable range of wines from full-bodied reds to the luscious sweet whites of Monbazillac, along with rosés and dry whites. The Château de Monbazillac, a Renaissance fortress overlooking the vines, is one of the most photographed panoramas in the Périgord.

The Trail du Bergeracois offers an experience that transcends simple running to become a genuine exploration of Périgord terroir. Aid stations showcase local products — foie gras, Périgord walnuts, Dordogne strawberries, goat cheeses — in a festive and generous atmosphere. For international runners, this race represents an ideal gateway into the world of French trail running, combining an approachable format, postcard-perfect landscapes, and the French art de vivre at its most authentic. The Bergeracois, land of Cyrano, welcomes trail runners with panache.