Strolling through Old Bergerac, you cannot miss the famous statue of Cyrano de Bergerac, standing proudly on Place Pelissière. And once the sights are checked off, hunger always follows. The good news? One of the most delicious neighbourhoods in the Dordogne lies within a stone’s throw of Cyrano himself. Here is our complete guide to eating well near the Cyrano statue in Bergerac.

The Cyrano statue: a landmark for food lovers

Unveiled in 1977 and replaced in 2005 by the current work of sculptor Mauro Corda, the Cyrano de Bergerac statue has become the unofficial emblem of the town. It sits on Place Pelissière, at the very edge of the historic centre — a maze of cobblestone lanes, half-timbered houses, and (let’s be honest) some seriously good restaurants.

It is in this exact quarter — between Rue des Fontaines, Rue Saint-Clar and Quai Salvette — that most of the best restaurants in Old Bergerac are concentrated.

Why Old Bergerac is the best neighbourhood for dinner

Three reasons make the historic core the obvious choice:

1. Walking distance to everything: the Saint-Jacques church, the Tobacco Museum, the Dordogne river port and the Peyrarède house are all under five minutes away.
2. Pedestrian streets: Rue des Fontaines and its surroundings are car-free, so you eat outside without traffic noise.
3. Density of great tables: in less than 500 metres, you can choose between a French bistro, classic brasseries, Périgord cuisine and fine dining.

Quai 24, 30 metres from the Cyrano statue

Among the addresses of the area, Quai 24 stands out for its bistronomic cuisine — simple, refined and built around fresh local produce from the Périgord. The restaurant is located at 11 Rue des Fontaines, less than one minute on foot from the Cyrano statue.

The menu evolves with the seasons and the daily market. Expect French classics with a twist: duck breast, beef tenderloin, homemade foie gras, plus vegetarian and gluten-free options prepared on request (let the team know 48 hours in advance).

The Rue des Fontaines terrace is one of the main draws: shaded, quiet, away from traffic, it welcomes up to thirty guests in season. Pets are welcome too, a detail that matters for travellers on a Dordogne road trip.

Practical info

• Address: 11 Rue des Fontaines, 24100 Bergerac
• Distance to the Cyrano statue: 30 metres (~30 seconds on foot)
• Phone: +33 5 47 56 25 26
• Menus: from €18.90 to €26
• Open: every day except Tuesday evening and Thursday evening
• Reservations: recommended at weekends and in high season

What to order to discover Périgord cuisine

If this is your first stop in Périgord, here is a short list of must-try dishes near the Cyrano statue:

• Homemade foie gras, semi-cooked or pan-fried, ideally paired with a glass of Monbazillac or Saussignac (the famous sweet white wines of the region).
• Magret de canard, grilled rare, served with potatoes sarladaises (pan-fried in duck fat with garlic and parsley).
• Pork tenderloin (filet mignon), often paired with a Périgord ceps sauce or a black truffle jus.
• Salade périgourdine, mixing gizzards, smoked duck, walnuts and foie gras.
• Pastis bergeracois, a traditional pastry with thin layers and apples soaked in brandy.

Which Bergerac wines to pick?

The Bergerac vineyards count 13 appellations. To pair with a meal in Old Bergerac:

• Bergerac red: grilled meats and duck dishes.
• Pécharmant: rich stews, game, longer ageing.
• Monbazillac: foie gras and desserts.
• Bergerac dry white: starters, fish, fresh cheeses.
• Rosette: lightly sweet white, great as an aperitif.

Things to do before or after lunch

A few steps from Quai 24 and the Cyrano statue, you can:

• Visit the Maison des Vins de Bergerac (Cloître des Récollets) for a free tasting of local wines.
• Walk down to the Dordogne river port and hop on a traditional gabarre boat for a slow river cruise.
• Wander Rue Saint-James and the covered market square (markets on Wednesday and Saturday mornings).
• Visit the Tobacco Museum, the only one of its kind in France, five minutes away.
• Drop by Quai Cyrano, the tourism and wine house on Quai Salvette.

FAQ — Eating near the Cyrano statue

What is the closest restaurant to the Cyrano statue in Bergerac?

Quai 24, at 11 Rue des Fontaines, is about 30 metres from the Cyrano statue on Place Pelissière. Several other recommended addresses are within a 200-metre radius.

Are there restaurants with a terrace near Cyrano?

Yes. Because Rue des Fontaines is pedestrian-only, several restaurants including Quai 24 have a quiet, shaded terrace away from traffic.

Can you find vegetarian or gluten-free options in Old Bergerac?

Yes. Several places, including Quai 24, offer vegetarian and gluten-free menus on request — please ask when booking, ideally 48 hours in advance.

Do I need to book a table near the Cyrano statue?

In high season (July-August) and at weekends, booking is strongly recommended. Terraces in Old Bergerac fill up fast after 7:30 pm.

What is the average budget for a meal in Old Bergerac?

Plan between €15 and €35 per person depending on the restaurant. Quai 24’s menus run from €18.90 to €26, drinks excluded.

Final word

Eating near the Cyrano statue in Bergerac means enjoying the historic charm of Old Bergerac without compromising on food quality. Between bistronomic dining, Périgord specialities and quiet pedestrian terraces, the neighbourhood has something for every appetite. For a friendly, authentic experience, Quai 24 is one of the addresses to remember — just 30 metres from the famous Gascon poet.

Book your table on +33 5 47 56 25 26 or online at restaurantquai24.com.