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Things to Do in Perigueux, France - Perigueux Attractions

Things to do in perigueux, tours in and around perigueux.

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Home » Travel Guides » France » 15 Best Things to Do in Périgueux (France)

15 Best Things to Do in Périgueux (France)

On the right bank of the Isle River, Périgueux is a gorgeous city with not one but two historic centres: The Cité district is a cultured quarter of 19th century boulevards and is strewn with little hints left behind by its ancient Roman residents.

The best of these is the Vesunna Museum, where the ground floor of a Roman villa is revealed inside a modern glass building. Then you have the Renaissance and medieval Saint-Front quarter, set around the emblematic domed cathedral and laced with tight streets and alleys. The beloved Dordogne region is your backyard here, and waiting for river trips and days out at castles or outlandish cave networks.

Lets explore the best things to do in Périgueux :

1. Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum

In  1959 while laying the foundations for apartment buildings workers dug up the vestiges of a resplendent Roman domus.

The extent of what has survived is amazing, and in 2003 the site was covered with a glass building created by the acclaimed architect Jean Nouvel.

You’ll traverse the ground floor of the domus with the help of raised walkways, looking down at painted plasterwork and mosaics and getting insights from information panels and LCD screens.

There are also display cases all around with pieces gathered at other local Roman sites, as well as others unearthed right here, including amphorae and plates.

2. Tour de Vésone

In the museum grounds are the ruins of a Roman temple to the goddess Vesunna that date to the turn of the 2nd century.

What remains is a circular tower almost 25 metres in height, with a nine-metre hole in its side.

At first glance the building might seem pretty nondescript, but apart from its great age the tower is also valuable for the way it merges Celtic architecture with a traditional Roman temple design.

The ruins are also steeped in local folklore, and the story goes that the tower’s large breach was caused by Périgueux’s patron Saint Front chasing demons out of the building.

3. Cathédrale Saint-Front

With a Greek cross floor-plan and Romanesque-Byzantine design, the 12th-century Saint-Front Cathedral doesn’t have many parallels in France but was modelled on St Mark’s Basilica in Venice.

It’s an astonishing building with big dimensions, and the five symmetrical domes and bell-tower that form its skyline are famous across the country.

The cathedral was almost destroyed during the French Wars of Religion in the 16th century, but was restored in a sympathetic way in the 1800s by Paul Abadie, the same man who worked on the Notre-Dame in Paris.

The perfect time to come is when the organ is playing or there’s a choral performance because the acoustics are out of this world.

4. Rue Limogeanne

Right in the middle of medieval Périgueux’s pedestrian zone, Rue Limogeanne is a long ravine-like street that you’ll find yourself on if you’re shopping.

Go slowly to appreciate the lovely stone-built Renaissance architecture that closes in from both sides.

Maison Lapeyre at no.1 and Maison Estignard at no.5 are beautiful examples.

For a curious detail check out the stonework next to the doorway at Maison Courtois at no.7, where the initials “AC” are etched.

This was made by Antoine Courtois, whose partridge paté won him great renown across Europe in the 1700s.

5. Tour Mataguerre

The Tour Mataguerre on Rue de la Bride was once joined to 27 other towers and 12 gates as part of a mighty defensive system that enclosed the medieval town.

The structure is from the 1200s and was updated  a little later when it was given its circular outline.

For a couple of hundred years up to 1831 the tower was a gunpowder magazine, and today you’re free to have a look inside where there’s a little display of medieval weapons.

Go up to the roof for a photogenic view of the town and cathedral, aided by an information board to tell you what you’re looking at.

6. Saint-Front Quarter

Périgueux’s medieval district is north and west of the cathedral and almost totally pedestrianised.

All you need is two feet and an inquisitive eye for a little journey through time.

The town has also put a lot of effort into rejuvenating its awesome Renaissance architecture, and there’s something worth stopping for at almost every street.

The 16th-century Hôtel de Mèredieu d’Ambois on Rue de la Nation is a private property but needs to be seen for its moulded windows and sculpted porch.

Place de la Clautre in front of the cathedral is the scene of a big market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

7. Jardin des Arènes

If you weren’t already aware, the elliptical shape of this delightful garden will tell you a lot about what used to be here.

This is right where Périgueux’s former Roman amphitheatre once stood.

In amongst the spruces, chestnut trees, fountains and lawns are a few isolated pillars, walls and arches from the original structure, while the rest of the stone was plundered to build medieval Périgueux.

These evocative ruins blend beautifully with the garden, which complement the nearby Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum neatly.

8. Voie Verte des Berges de l’Isle

Used by locals as much as tourists is a 15-kilometre greenway that crosses the Périgueux “agglo” from east to west.

For the full length of the route the path never leaves the banks of the River Isle and so promises restorative nature and unbeatable vistas of sights like the Saint-Front Cathedral.

How you do it is your choice as can hire a bike in the town and make your way on two wheels or ease along the parallel trail on foot.

This path puts you in touch with a whole network of trails all devised to let you discover the area without using your car.

9. Voie Bleue des Berges de l’Isle

A canoe trip on the smooth waters of the Isle is yet another way of seeing the best of Périgueux.

The “Blueway” is 24 kilometres of placid, child-friendly river, from Trelissac in the east to Marsac in the west.

Everything has been planned to make your little voyage as hassle-free as possible: There are 12 special launch points, as well as four canoe stations, with information, loos, drinking water and anything else a family of adventurers could need.

The canoe clubs in Périgueux, Telissac and Marsac can also set you up with paddle boards if you want to be trendy!

10. Cité District

The Vesunna Museum, Vésone tower and amphitheatre are in a neighbourhood known as the Cité, named after the Vésone Roman Citadel.

This Roman part of the town has a few other vestiges from Roman times, like the 2,000-year-old gate, Porte Normande at RueTurenne and  crumbling stone curtains frim the citadel’s ancient ramparts.

These ruins are interspersed with regal boulevards that were cleared during the rule of Napoleon III in the mid-1800s.

Boulevard de Vésone is one such thoroughfare, flanked by splendid stone townhouses with wrought iron balconies and mansard roofs.

11. Musée d’Art et d’Archéologie du Périgord

In a marvellous converted Augustinian convent you can indulge your curiosity about the ancient history and prehistory of Périgord as well as other regions of the world.

The museum is a bit of a miscellany of things from all sorts of times and places.

So there are ethnographic pieces from Oceania and Africa together with exquisite medieval art like an enamel statue of the Virgin Mary from the 1200s and stained glass windows recovered from a nearby 14th century church.

There’s also a Roman lapidary collection and Neanderthal fossils discovered in caves near the famous system at Lascaux.

12. Château Barrière

In a small park on Rue Turenne are the breathtaking ruins of a medieval castle that was founded on top of the Vésone Citadel’s Gallo-Roman wall.

Looking at the base on the west side of this building structure you can easily identify the larger stones that have ancient origins, but the entirety of this decaying building is magnificent.

The castle was completed in the 1100s and updated over time, but was torn down by the Huguenots in the French Wars of Religion in 1575. Late-medieval fittings like the mullioned windows, flamboyant gothic portal and renaissance stairway in great condition after almost half a millennium exposed to the elements.

13. Musée Militaire du Périgord

Along with the two other museums on this list, Périgueux’s Military Museum has earned the prestigious “Museum of France” label.

This attraction investigates more a 1,000 years of warfare in the region and covering the international conflicts that Périgord’s citizens fought in.

With some 12,000 weapons (cannon, muskets, daggers), armour, uniforms, flags and day-to-day equipment on show you’ll be wiser about Périgord’s role in history’s defining conflicts.

The marquee exhibit is a large canvas of the 1872 Battle of Solferino by the military painter Jean-Adolphe Beaucé but there’s a whole load of interesting memorabilia for a military enthusiast to get through.

14. Days Out

You won’t run out of things to see in Périgueux, but for a change of scenery there are some top-notch sights and attraction an easy drive from the town.

The Château de Puyguilhem is a quintessential French renaissance château, constructed in the 1500s with architecture as sublime as almost any you’ll find in the Loire Valley.

To go underground the Grotte de Tourtoirac can be reached in about half an hour on the D5: This cave system has only been on the map in the last couple of decades, having been discovered by cave-divers in 1995. The great thing about this is that the attraction has modern faculties like escalators, providing access for people with mobility issues.

15. Cuisine

The black truffle is unearthed all across the Périgord in autumn and winter and can fetch unbelievable prices.

But you’ll know what all the fuss is about when you taste some of the local delicacies with this treasured tuber.

Périgueux pâté has foie gras and black truffle and has been made in the town since at least the 1400s, while Périgueux sauce consists of roux, red white and chopped truffle and is divine with anything from omelettes to roasted duck or quail.

Walnuts in Périgord have an AOC  label and are produced in a huge quantities by the orchards around the city and are in season around late-summer.

15 Best Things to Do in Périgueux (France):

• Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum
• Tour de Vésone
• Cathédrale Saint-Front
• Rue Limogeanne
• Tour Mataguerre
• Saint-Front Quarter
• Jardin des Arènes
• Voie Verte des Berges de l'Isle
• Voie Bleue des Berges de l'Isle
• Cité District
• Musée d'Art et d'Archéologie du Périgord
• Château Barrière
• Musée Militaire du Périgord

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Perigueux | Things to See and Do in Perigueux

Perigueux is the regional capital of the Dordogne and a seat of the Catholic Dioese. It sits on the Isle River and has been in existence since neolithic times.

The name Périgueux originates form the word Petrocorii, the Latin adaption of the of Celtic words meaning “the four tribes” which signifies the four Gallic tribes that held the area before the Roman conquest.

History | Perigueux

In 200 BC, the Petrocorii came from the north and settled at Périgueux and established an encampment at La Boissière.

After the Roman invasion, they left this post and established themselves on the plain of L’Isle, and the town of Vesunna was created. This Roman city Roman city became an important one and over time temples, baths, amphitheaters, and a forum were built.

At the end of the third century AD, the Roman city was surrounded by ramparts, and the town took the name of Civitas Petrocoriorum.

In the 10th century, Le Puy-Saint-Front was constructed around an abbey next to the old Gallo-Roman city.

During the year 1940, many Jews from Alsace were evacuated to Périgueux.

Perigueux is an interesting town to explore and has and well preserved old town.

Things to See and Do in Perigueux

Cathedral of St Front Built in the 12th century and restored in the 19th century.

House of the Ladies of the Faith Dating back to the 12th century this building became a convent in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Vesunna Slightly to the east of the town are the Roman ruins of Vesunna

Gallo Roman Vesunna Museum Next to the ruins of vesunna is the Vesunna Museum which gives a fascinating insight into Roman life.

Map | Perigueux

Dordogne Chateaux | Dordogne Attractions | Dordogne Gardens | Dordogne Markets | Dordogne Beautiful Villages | Dordogne See And Dordogne

Privacy Overview

Cathédrale St-Front , Périgueux, Dordogne .

• 2 Get around

Périgueux is a city in the Dordogne department of France .

Get in [ edit ]

Perigueux is not large enough for an airport, but as with most cities in France, there is an SNCF station from which you can connect to and from the rest of Europe. However, there are no direct train connections with Paris. Therefore, a trip to or from the French capital requires a connection in Limoges . From Paris to Limoges, several direct Intercity trains leave from Paris-Austerlitz station each day. In Limoges, hourly- to two-hourly services are available to Perigueux. The total trip takes around 4 or 5 hours.

Car travel is logical as well, especially if you want to tour the surrounding area at your leisure.

Get around [ edit ]

Most sights are reachable by foot: main attractions like the Vesunna Museum, Renaissance area, Roman arena, art museum and the Odyssey Theatre are all within a five-minute walk from each other.

There is a bus system that runs through the town and to the outlying areas as well, with stops scattered pretty evenly throughout the town.

Bicycles and motor scooters can be rented from several shops, including MBK near the Office of Tourism. Prices are very reasonable, with bikes running from €10 and scooters €20-30 per day.

There aren't many taxis floating around town to flag. Cabs generally must be called for in advance.

See [ edit ]

There are many caves in the area. Midway between Limoges and Périgueux is Thiviers, a small market town 30 minutes train journey north of Périgueux and claimed to be the capital of foie gras and truffles. It is also the town in which French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre spent his childhood years. The building is now used by a property agent but the square behind has been named after him. The office of tourism in Thiviers has now incorporated a museum de Foie gras in its premises displaying many items showing how foie gras is made, entrance is free.

Do [ edit ]

• Swim in the swimming pools
• Go see a movie in the 45.1823 0.71827 1 cinema .

Buy [ edit ]

Eat [ edit ].

There is a market with fresh local produce going on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

• 45.18289 0.72099 1 15 Rue des Places . ( updated May 2023 )
• 45.18573 0.72124 2 2 Rue Montaigne . ( updated May 2023 )

Drink [ edit ]

• 45.19356 0.70576 1 Les Toqués , 38 Rue Pierre Semard . Many beers to discover, good humour and concerts galore!  

Sleep [ edit ]

Connect [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Perigueux

Things to do in perigueux, tours in and around perigueux.

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Top attractions in perigueux.

Other Top Attractions around Perigueux

What travellers are saying

• Cathedrale St-Front
• Musée Militaire du Périgord
• Jardin Des Arenes Romaines
• Eglise St. Etienne de la Cite
• Voie Verte des Berges de l'Isle
• Parc Gamenson - Perigueux
• Jardins Des Vagabondes - Périgueux
• Parc De Vésone

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• Monday 10:00 am - 01:00 pm 02:00 pm - 06:00 pm
• Tuesday 02:00 pm - 06:00 pm
• Wednesday 10:00 am - 01:00 pm 02:00 pm - 06:00 pm
• Thursday 10:00 am - 01:00 pm 02:00 pm - 06:00 pm
• Friday 10:00 am - 01:00 pm 02:00 pm - 06:00 pm
• Saturday Closed
• Sunday Closed

Opens at 10:00 am Detailed schedules

• November 1, 2024
• November 11, 2024
• December 25, 2024
• January 1, 2025

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Location : In town

Province : White Périgord

Geographically, Périgueux occupies a central position in Périgord. With more than 31,000 inhabitants, it fulfills all the central functions of a prefectural city, department capital. An administrative and service center, it is its beating heart through its tourist, cultural, heritage and commercial appeal. A showcase of economic, social and cultural life, Périgueux acts in a double movement, it brings together and shines. Nestled in the loops of the Isle, protected by its hills, this town in the countryside claims its status as the Capital of Périgord. A CITY MORE THAN TWICE A MILLENNIUM: If Périgueux and its immediate surroundings were already occupied at the origins of Humanity, the first city, named Vesunna (name of a Gallic tutelary divinity whose rite was preserved by the Romans), dates from the 1st century BC. during the Roman occupation in Gaul. In the hollow of seven hills, "little Rome" extends in the loop of the Isle River and becomes the Roman capital of the city of the Petrocores. In the 3rd century AD, the Roman Empire experienced serious difficulties and Vesunna took refuge inside a wall built at the end of the 3rd century with the dismantled blocks of the great monuments which made it famous. Around the 10th century, a monastic center frequented by pilgrims was formed on the hill overlooking the river around the sanctuary of Saint Front, evangelizer of Périgord.

A fortified town of monks, merchants and artisans was formed and became a major stopover for pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela. Between the Count of the City, anxious to preserve his authority, and the bourgeois of Puy Saint-Front, there were numerous rivalries. An act of union gave birth to the city of Périgueux in 1240 under the reign of Saint Louis. The high Saint-Front cathedral with Byzantine accents marks, like a lookout, the identity of Périgueux and its heritage. It has been listed as a UNESCO world heritage site on the routes to Santiago de Compostela since 1998. During the Renaissance, Périgueux continued to develop and became an even more important trading crossroads in the region. Neither the uprisings of the crunchers nor the Revolution damaged the commercial reputation of the city, but it lost its power after the wars of religion. Having become Prefecture of the department, it was the arrival of the railway, under the Second Empire, which attracted new inhabitants. The population practically doubles in 30 years. The surface area of the city increases, leading to the stretching of the urban perimeter. Far from the theater of conflict, the population of the Dordogne nonetheless suffered the consequences of the Great War. The economy must support the war effort: the railway workshops become “National Defense Workshops” and manufacture shells. During the Second World War, the city, located in a free zone, hosted several Resistance networks. VARIED URBAN LANDSCAPES: The Roman city It was born at the foot of the hills, on the right bank of the loop of the Isle, around 16 BC. In the 2nd century, it extended over 82 hectares and presented all the characteristics of a little Rome. Three centuries later, political and military crises, epidemics and the first invasions led to a decline in population. Vesunna retreats behind its ramparts and its surface area is reduced to 6.5 hectares. Today, Gallo-Roman remains are still visible: the Tower of Vésone and the domus (current Vesunna museum site), the amphitheater (current garden Arenas). The medieval town Its uniqueness comes from its composition around two enclosed centers, the Cité and Puy Saint-Front, around which suburbs develop. The protected area offers an idea of this interlacing of streets, with its wooden houses and stone mansions. The protected area, created in 1970, extends over more than 20 hectares and concerns Puy Saint-Front in its pedestrian sector, rue Limogeanne and all the streets around the Mataguerre Tower. The modern city In the 18th century, the intendant of Guyenne, Louis-Urbain de Tourny, had squares built, avenues opened and the dismantling of the old fortifications begun. The ditches and ramparts to the north of the town are followed by the vast Allée de Tourny mall. In 1826, a young 20-year-old Parisian architect, Louis-Baptiste Catoire, shook up the city's land plot. Drawing new horizons to the West, he finished destroying the corset of ramparts. The contemporary city At the end of the Second World War, a beautification project was presented with the development of the new Sainte-Ursule district, the new theater. The demolition of the "Rues Neuves" district at the foot of the cathedral led, until the 1970s, to the movement of many families to the Campniac and Gour-de-l'Arche districts. In the city center, new urban spaces are appearing such as Places Saint-Louis and Francheville. A SWEET CITY: Périgueux deploys its urban figures in a green setting where forests and fields create a rural geometry in the vicinity of the city that is visible and perceptible in all places. The Capital of Périgord can be experienced at eye level, Périgueux is a gentle city. The gentle city is parks, gardens and markets, the pacification of the center, equitable sharing of the street. It is also a consideration of the well-being of residents through the provision of quality services and permanent vigilance regarding security and tranquility. The gentle city is the search for harmony, an art of living the city in the countryside by following the rhythms of nature.

Discover the museums:

• www.perigueux-vesunna.fr
• www.perigueux-maap.fr
• https://www.museemilitaire-perigord.fr/

Tourist information:

• https://www.destination-perigueux.fr/

Traveller Reviews Google Périgueux

3.7 sur 5 84 reviews

1 sur 5 Reviews posted by Sébastien Mongis on 22/11/2023

PAV in front of homes: Well done Ms. Mayor, you are creating new urban pollution! Thank you for dirtying our neighborhoods.

5 sur 5 Reviews posted by Titou et TITI on 05/10/2022

Make appointments for documents online. I had an impeccable welcome from the teams with attentive listening, explanation, etc... I wanted to thank and congratulate the civil status service team because in the eyes of the world it must not be easy every day.

4 sur 5 Reviews posted by Stéphane Orliac on 08/08/2022

Apart from an e-mail sent to the Advisor for Commerce, Crafts and Economic Development and his secretariat which has always remained unanswered, this gentleman being paid by our taxes, it is unacceptable... without that, that deserved 5 stars! Indeed, I had to take steps to renew my CI + questions relating to a flight with my old CI, I must say that the welcome was perfect, as was that of the person who received me . it was very pleasant, involved and efficient!

Traveller Reviews tripAdvisor Périgueux

"very helpful & friendly staff".

We popped into this Tourist information centre to acquire a free walking guide for the old town, which I recommend getting. Staff we great!

"Superbe !"

Superbe office, ambiance agréable et originale, personnel compétant et très aimable ! Je recommande fortement !!

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9bis Pl. du Coderc 24000 Périgueux

Phone : 05 53 02 80 22

GPS coordinates

45° 11'4.24"N, 0° 43'15.53"E

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Home Destination Périgueux – Tourist Office

Destination Périgueux – Tourist Office

Destination Périgueux is a tourist office in the form of EPIC, operating in the territory of the city of Périgueux. A team of 6 employees reinforced by a seasonal team (between April and October) welcomes you all year round to better support you before, during and after your stay.

Our mission:

• We welcome tourists and locals physically, by telephone, by correspondence (email and post).
• Our reception staff speaks several languages ​​to welcome you in the best conditions

Information

• We personalize our advice according to your needs
• We collect and prioritize tourist data
• We are developing dissemination tools to inform about our tourist offer such as our website and brochures facilitating the preparation and organization of your stays

Tourism promotion

• We are developing a digital strategy on social networks (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin) in order to inform tourists and locals as well as socio-professionals about the news of our Destination and our Tourist Office
• We promote our destination through our brochures, our networks and our website
• We participate in welcoming the national and international press

Coordination of local tourism stakeholders

• We involve residents in the region's tourism strategy
• We play the role of business provider for tourism professionals by referring groups to suitable structures (accommodation, catering, leisure, etc.)
• We unite professionals around a territorial and destination identity

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• We offer a program of guided tours to promote Perigord culture and heritage.
• We design packaged stays for groups
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• We manage a ticket office to highlight our services and those of our service providers.

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Visit Périgueux: a Perigordian’s favorites and our itinerary so you don’t miss a thing

• 29 March 2024
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Perigueux is the city where I grew up and lived until I was 18 (Floriane). So I’m a true Périgourdine ! My family still lives there, so we go there regularly on weekends or vacations.

Wondering what to see and do in Périgueux during your stay in the Dordogne? Which restaurants offer the best Périgord specialities? You’ve come to the right place!

I love showing my friends and family around the capital of the Dordogne and Périgord Blanc . It’s a pleasant city that appeals to all travelers. I had to write an article about this little corner of paradise.

Below, we share with you our 10 must-sees , our ideal walking itinerary for a weekend and our secrets for visiting Périgueux like a local.

We also relied on my family and our friends in the Périgord region to unearth all these nuggets and bring you the most comprehensive article possible.

What to see and do in Périgueux our top 10

1. the cathedral saint-front and its roofs, 2. stroll the narrow streets and charming squares of the city center, 3. explore the medieval part of périgueux, 4. discover the greenway and take the best photo of périgueux, 5. museum of art and archaeology of the périgord, ideal for families, 1. explore the ancient city of vesonius and its museum vesuna, 3. stroll through the garden of the arena and its 2nd century amphitheater, itinerary on our map, truffle and fat markets…, from bordeaux, where to eat, where to stay in périgueux, parking périgueux, nos essentiels pour visiter périgueux.

As you’ll see, there’s plenty to see and do in Périgueux, and it changes with the seasons, so we’ve put a lot of thought into this top 10 list!

• A bird’s eye view of Périgueux from Saint-Front Cathedral (summer)
• Explore the medieval center of Périgueux on foot
• Take the most beautiful photo of Périgueux, along the Isle river
• Discover Périgueux on the water , by canoe
• Enjoy the incredible atmosphere on market days
• Try one of Périgourdine’s delicious culinary specialties (truffles, foie gras, Sarladaise potatoes…)
• Explore the ancient city of Vesona and its Gallo-Roman Vesuna Museum
• Admire the pretty half-timbered houses on the quayside
• Périgueux’s famous fat and truffle markets (autumn and winter)
• Events that will keep you coming back all year round, including Mimos , the summer street arts festival!

Visit Périgueux on foot for a weekend?

The city of Périgueux can be visited easily, on foot, in 2 days . It is a city where it is pleasant to stroll, in order to discover at the bend of a curve superb buildings or a pleasant small place to take a break.

We recommend that you visit the contemporary and medieval city on the first day , that is to say the protected sector of Périgueux, which extends from the quays to all the alleys around the Mataguerre Tower. Then, on the second day , the many remains of the ancient Roman city .

Day 1 – Market, walking tour of the old town and cathedral: the medieval part

On the first day, enjoy the incredible atmosphere of the market on Place du Coder and Place de la Clautre , and try out the specialties of the Périgord region .

Several cafés and bars surround the different markets, it is an ideal moment to drink a coffee while observing the pleasant surrounding agitation, Café De La Truffe , Café Crème (with view on the Saint-Front cathedral)…

Our must-sees: the foie gras market , where you can buy Périgord foie gras, and the truffle market , where you can smell and buy real Périgord truffles . The producers, passionate, will also give you plenty of explanations and advice.

The days and times of the markets are indicated below in the agenda section.

After a good meal in one of the many restaurants of the city, it’s time to explore the old town .

The tourist office located in the Place du Coderc offers tourist circuits to discover the different points of interest of the city. We recommend that you download the @Perigueux Android and Apple Store application which also offers several routes.

➡️ Our itinerary to not miss anything, we suggest a route of about 2km, count 3h of visit, excluding the visit of the roofs. The numbers in brackets allow you to find the places mentioned on our map :

Listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site, it is the emblematic building of Périgueux. It is a must, that you cannot miss, during your stay in Périgueux! It was restored by the architect Paul Abadie, who later designed the Sacré-Coeur in Paris.

Our recommendation: Take the high ground and visit the roofs of the cathedral to see the different domes up close. This visit will allow you to have very beautiful points of view on the river, the center and the surroundings of Périgueux. An unforgettable activity that we’ve already done 3 times!

Visits possible from May to October, from €4, by contacting the Périgueux tourist office. The interior of the cathedral is open to the public Monday to Friday, 9am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 6pm.

Discover on foot the Place du Marché au Bois (2), the adorable Rue Limogeanne (3) (a must-see), a cobbled pedestrian street, the Place Saint-Louis (4) with its small restaurants and famous statue, and the charming Place Saint-Silain (5)…

Our recommendation : stop off at Place du Marché au Bois for a home-made “Aux glaces de Fanny” ice-cream waffle, in the shade of the tall trees, to regain your strength before the rest of your visit! You may come across us, this is one of our favorite sweet breaks in Périgueux!

Start with the magnificent Mataguerre tower (6), the last tower of the medieval wall that protected the city.

Then continue towards the pretty half-timbered houses of the quays : the Eschif (7), “moulin de Saint-Front” a magnificent half-timbered house, then the house of the consuls (8) and finally the Lambert house (9) with its pretty columns.

The quays along the Isle river are another place not to be missed, during your stay in Périgueux. You can rent bicycles for a longer ride, or go canoeing (more about that below) to enjoy beautiful views over the city.

An unmissable event during your summer stay , Périgueux plage is the little sister of Paris Plage, which we used to visit when we lived in Paris. From summer 2021 , the banks of the Isle will be transformed, offering a surprising space for leisure and relaxation for young and old in the heart of the city. Open from mid-July to mid-August.

Our recommendation: crossing the Pont des Barris, the pleasant stroll along the Isle offers an incredible view of Saint-Front cathedral (10), and you’ll be able to take one of the cathedral’s finest photos !

➡️A Périgueux, we recommend a trip with the Périgueux canoe club , which offers several routes, including one along the quays of Périgueux with a lovely view of Saint-Front cathedral . Thanks to our friend Kevin, our canoeing expert in the Dordogne, who has been canoeing in clubs for many years and who recommended this club for which he used to work and this trip!

In case of bad weather, you can fall back on Périgueux’s museums , including the Musée d’art et d’archéologie du Périgord in the center of Périgueux.

This is an ideal family activity for children, with a treasure hunt that takes them through the various rooms, with the game changing regularly.

My sister and I were almost running (calmly, yes, it’s possible)!

Day 2 – The city of Vesona and its museum: Vesuna, the Roman part

On the second day, we recommend exploring the ancient city of Vesone and the new Gallo-Roman museum built around the Vestiges by Jean Nouvel (originally from Sarlat).

We recommend a short walk 20 minutes from the town center, with an interactive museum and two Gallo-Roman remains.

The Gallo-Roman remains include a tower and the remains of a Domus (villa) dating from the 1st to 3rd centuries, now restored as a handsome interactive museum with full glass windows, completely open to the outside world. There are descriptive cards everywhere, as well as videos, and tablets showing the different eras of the site.

The volumes have been preserved, which will allow you to realize the volumes of the houses of the time. Underneath the rooms you can see the hypocaust heating system.

On your way out of the museum, take a look at the ruins of the Vesone tower. located in an adjoining park. you might even see a group of middle-school or high-school students during their athletics session!

Stroll through this pretty garden to discover the remains of the amphitheatre, then head back to the center of Périgueux for lunch. For the record, a few years ago, the area in front of the fountain was used as a huge swimming pool for Périgourdins!

Events calendar

The Périgord is famous for its gastronomy. In Périgueux , many markets take place where you can try all the specialties of the region.

The producers offer local products in a warm atmosphere. These markets animate the city, do not miss them during your stay in Périgueux. It is possible to eat on site.

• Every morning , from Monday to Sunday in winter period : Coderc Square, Coderc Hall.
• On Wednesdays and Saturdays , the market also extends to Place de la Clautre, Place de l’Hôtel de Ville and Place Saint-Silain.
• Marché au gras : from November to March, every Wednesday and Saturday morning from 8am to 12pm, Place Saint-Louis.
• Truffle market : from December to February (depending on supply), every Saturday morning, in the Maison du Pâtissier (place Saint-Louis), from 8.30am to 12pm.
• Summer gourmet nights : every Wednesday evening in July and August, large tables are set up for tasting delicious products in a festive atmosphere.
• Christmas village : from late November to early January, Les Chalets set up shop in the center of town. As well as an ice rink and a funfair. Illuminations are also projected onto Saint-Front Cathedral every evening.
• Mimos : not to be missed, international festival of mime and circus arts (late July). It takes place every year in theaters, streets, parks … of Perigueux. The program offers free and paying shows. During this period, Périgueux enjoys a pleasant, festive atmosphere. We love to go there when we are in France at that time. https://www.mimos.fr/ .
• Torchlight walks – in summer
• Maccadam jazz/concert in the streets – Tuesdays in July and August
• Sinfonia-Festival International de Musique Baroque – Late August
• Péri’meuh – in September
• International Gourmet Book Fair – biennial November

How to come to Périgueux ?

• By car: Most parking spaces in the city center are subject to a fee.
• By train: Bus line B connects the station with the city center. The train ride from Paris is quite long, about 4 hours, with a connection in Limoges or a connection in Bordeaux.

Périgueux is 137km from Bordeaux center on the A89 freeway or 128km on the departmental road. The train from Bordeaux is direct (allow 1h15 minutes) .

Two bus companies operate between Périgueux (Créavallée) and Bordeaux (train station), Flexibus and Blablabus, costing between €6 and €12 and taking between 1h20 and 1h40.

From Paris, air France’s hop company connects Orly airport with Brive airport in just 1 hour, at very attractive fares. When arriving in Brive, renting a car is the best option to reach Périgueux in a little over an hour. If you’re staying for longer than a weekend, you can take the opportunity to explore the region.

Practical information (accommodation, restaurants…)

Périgueux is famous for its gastronomy, one of the best in France! You really shouldn’t be disappointed.

• Wine cellar: Chai Bordin offers a wide selection of local wines. Our recommendation: the wine merchant gives excellent advice and takes the time to help his customers, so ask for a wine to match your dishes.
• Périgord specialities: Maison Éric Requier producer of Foie Gras du Périgord and regional products from the South-West. Our recommendations our “coucounettes “the famous figs with Foie Gras this sweet and savory blend will surprise you! The Royal duck breast cooked with coarse salt and filled with whole foie gras for an unforgettable aperitif!
• Chocolates, ice creams and desserts: Joseph , the excellent chocolatier from Périgueux, was named “Best of the Best Chocolatiers at the Salon Mondial du Chocolat in Paris. Our recommendation: the chocolate ice cream and its caramel-walnut chocolate bar, a true regional delight.
• Wiki Burger This is the best burger in Périgueux, made exclusively with local produce: beef from Mazières. Artisanal bread from the Boulangerie de la cité. French fries with duck fat…. Lunch and dinner – menu about 10€ – terrace
• Hercule Poireau : our favorite restaurant, a must in Périgueux offering refined cuisine in a magnificent setting, lovely owners! Lunch and dinner – menu from €30 to €80 – small terrace – reservations recommended

We recommend that you stay in the historic center of Périgueux , in the protected area, so that you can visit Périgueux entirely on foot .

We recommend that you stay at Les Apparts Limogeanne , a charming address in the heart of Périgueux’s historic center (protected area) in a pedestrian street, 5 minutes from everything, including Saint-Front cathedral, restaurants, tourist office…

The accommodations are fully equipped and furnished (bed and household linen, Nespresso, Netflix…). They have just been tastefully renovated. There is air-conditioning , which was very appreciated during the hot summer days. It is simply one of our best accommodations!

➡️Recevez 5% discount with the code PERIGUEUX to be entered in the coupon box directly on the Apparts Limogeanne website.

If you are looking for an Airbnb rental in Périgueux follow this link

In Périgueux, most surface parking spaces are free for the first three hours (and free from 7pm in the evening), then €5 for half an hour (but be sure to read the signs).

An option we find interesting for longer stays: the underground Montaigne parking lot , located at 18 Cours Michel Montaigne, costs €6.80 for 24 hours.

Free parking lots

You have two options:

• Parking below the cathedral (place Mauvard) 7 Boulevard Georges Saumande
• Parking des quais opposite the cathedral parking lot (in summer, this area is used for Périgueux plage)

What to visit around Perigueux ?

We’re preparing a full article with a turnkey itinerary for visiting the Périgord or Dordogne , the two names still used to name this département. In the meantime, here are a few ideas for things to do and see , no more than 1 hour from Périgueux.

• A canoe trip on the Dordogne or Vézère rivers, departing from Périgueux, Le Bugue, Brantôme…
• Sturgeon breeding and caviar tasting in Neuvic sur l’Isle (about 25 minutes from Périgueux)
• The town of Brantome , also known as the Green Venice (about 25 minutes from Périgueux)
• The visit of the artisanal biscuit factory La Chanteracoise (about 30 minutes from Périgueux)
• The velorail in Périgord noir , a pleasant ride in the middle of nature on an old railroad (about 35 minutes from Périgueux)
• An outing in the forest, the courses are really pleasant in the middle of the forest (about 35 minutes from Périgueux)
• The incredible cave of Lascaux IV, remember to book your ticket in advance on the internet (about 50 minutes from Perigueux)
• The national museum of prehistory in Les Eyzies de Tayac (about 50 minutes from Périgueux)
• The magnificent gardens and the Eyrignac manor (about 1 hour from Périgueux)
• The lovely medieval village of Sarlat (about 1h15 from Périgueux), you can combine a visit to Sarlat with a tour of the Lascaux caves , information and booking here .

We really enjoyed writing this article about a city we know (almost) by heart. We’d like to thank our family and friends for their invaluable advice, and we’ll be updating this article regularly as we visit Périgueux several times a year. If you enjoyed reading it as much as we enjoyed writing it, don’t hesitate to give it 5 stars below!

We wish you an excellent stay in Perigueux! Feel free to drop us a note below to let us know if you are planning this trip, ask any questions or share on social media (our Instagram ) we will be more than happy to respond!

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• 14°C Weather page

Office de Tourisme Intercommunal du Grand Périgueux 9 bis Place du Coderc 24000 Périgueux

[email protected]

+33(0)5 53 53 10 63

Useful information

How to get to Périgueux ?

The different accesses to Périgueux and its agglomeration

Paris > (A 20) Limoges > (RN 21) Périgueux Paris > (A 10) Poitiers > (RN 10) Angoulême > (D 939) Périgueux Bordeaux > (A 89) Périgueux Toulouse > (A 62) Montauban > (A 20) Brive > (A 89) Périgueux

Useful links :   www.viamichelin.com  ;  www.mappy.fr , Blablacar

Car rental agencies :

Ada Auto Loc 24 05.53.05.40.28, Europcar 05.53.08.15.72, Avis 05.53.53.39.02, E-leclerc 05.53.53.67.73, Rentacar 05.53.05.00.50

Allo taxis 24 05.53.09.09.09, Les taxis du Périgord Vert 05.53.04.14.14, AD Filipe Taxi 06.89.43.02.27

As an indication, here are some prices for races from Périgueux: Montignac 105€, Les Eyzies 90€, Brantôme 50€, Bergerac 95€, Sarlat 125€.

The Grand Périgueux is easily accessible by train, especially coming from Paris: Departure from Paris-Austerlitz, via Limoges (duration of the journey between 4h30 and 5h) Departure from Paris-Montparnasse, via Libourne by TGV (journey time between 2h30 and 4h). Connection to Libourne by TER. Direct TGV Roissy-Libourne or Roissy-Bordeaux, then connection to Libourne by TER. Departure from Bordeaux, Limoges or Brive: about ten daily connections, for 1h to 1h20 of travel. More information : www.ter.sncf.com/nouvelle-aquitaine .

The nearest airports are Bergerac Dordogne Périgord, Brive, Bordeaux and Limoges. Bordeaux-Mérignac airport: shuttle bus from the airport to the train station for a dozen trains per day between Bordeaux and Périgueux. Limoges airport: cab links from the airport to the train station for about ten trains per day between Limoges and Périgueux.

The bus network of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine : numerous lines to allow you to reach the different cities and villages of the region all year long, without forgetting the summer lines towards the pretty tourist places.In The Grand Périgueux area, the Péribus network offers 27 lines and multiple adapted and accessible transport solutions for your trips in the agglomeration.

For your rides, three bicycle rental companies are in the area: Cycles Mazeau in Coulounieix-Chamiers: bicycle rental in the store, children’s bicycles, and helmets available, no electric bikes. 05.53.08.98.51 / Giant store in Marsac sur l’Isle: bicycle rental in the store. Mountain bikes, VTC and electric bikes. 05.53.53.31.56 / Le véloc café in Périgueux : bike rental in the store. Classic vintage and electric bikes. 06.33.48.22.89 / The Périvélo (Péribus service) is only available to adults living or working in the territory of The Grand Périgueux. The use of the bicycle is limited to the agglomeration’s perimeter.

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