Coupe France Bergerac 2026

On September 17, 1577, the Treaty of Bergerac was signed in this riverside town, marking a fragile attempt to pause the hostilities between Henri III and the Protestant forces. Negotiated by figures like François de la Noue, the document aimed to stabilize a region long defined by conflict, yet today the river flows with a different purpose. As you enter the Dordogne, you are not navigating a contested border, but an ecological corridor designated as a Natura 2000 site. The water here supports a delicate balance of biodiversity, hosting sixteen protected animal species that thrive within this protected aquatic ecosystem.

The river landscape

While you focus on your stroke, the riverbanks provide a timeline etched in stone. The sedimentary layers visible along the banks date back to the Campanian stage of the Mesozoic era, revealing yellowish bioclastic limestones embedded with ancient rudists and oyster shells. As you progress toward the town center, the urban horizon shifts. You will sight the Church of Notre Dame, a landmark that acts as a primary navigation point for swimmers. Further along the course, the distinctive corner turret of the 17th-century Château Henri IV—or Maison Peyrarède—emerges from the riverbank, serving as a reminder of the town’s architectural heritage.

Racing in Bergerac

The Coupe France Bergerac, organized by the Cercle des nageurs de Bergerac, returns on July 18, 2026. This annual event allows participants to experience the river from a perspective inaccessible to those on the shore. As you navigate the final segments, look for the colorful statue of Cyrano de Bergerac standing on its stainless steel pedestal at Place Pélissière, a modern contrast to the older stone effigy located at Place de la Myrpe. The event structure prioritizes the safety of the field, utilizing the expertise of the local swimming club to manage the currents of the Dordogne as it winds through the heart of the town.