Bergerac

Bergerac, chief town of an arrondissement in the French department of Dordogne, is situated on the river Dordogne. It is an enterprising place, manufacturing leather, paper, iron, and articles of clothing. It does a considerable trade with Bordeaux and Libourne in the wines of the district. It is an old town, dating from the 11th century, and during the wars with England was an important fortress. Its inhabitants adopting Calvinist views, Louis XIII. had its fortifications demolished in 1621, while the Edict of Nantes had the effect of exiling many of its citizens.