The 16 things to do in Périgueux

Are you going on a holiday in Dordogne? Discover the must-sees of the city of Périgueux, this city rich with 2,000 years of history.

The capital of the Périgord radiates in the New Aquitaine area with its important cultural heritage. The ancient Gallo-Roman city of Vésonna still keeps the wraths of the battles she has led through the centuries. If the walls could talk, they would tell you stories about the brave Petrocorians!

Through its medieval quarters, discover preserved sites, authentic museums and gourmet cuisine. In addition, visiting Périgueux also marks a good starting point to discover the richness of the Perigord .

To help you prepare your holidays, we have selected the essentials to make in Périgueux.

1. Byzantine Cathedral of Saint-Front

Historical monument of Périgueux, Byzantine cathedral of Saint-Front is uncontourable during your trip. Built in the 17th century, it consists of five domes and a top bell tower at 60 meters high. Its eight centuries of architectural history are even an important step on the Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle route . So she's classing at UNESCO heritage for the greatest happiness of pilgrims.

For the little story, the architect Paul Abadie took care of his restoration in the 19th century. His name may not tell you anything, but a few years later, he built another well-known Parisian monument: the Basilica of the Sacred Heart Montmartre.

Once its doors are crossed from Greff Square or Clautre Square, you can admire its incredible interior and its magnificent organ. The cathedral reveals its secrets to its roofs near its domes. From there you will embrace an exceptional panorama on the Place du Clautre, the banks and neighborhoods of the city.

2. The Citadel of Vésone

The origins of the Vesone citadel dating back to a long time before our era. The inhabitants of Vésone build this enclosure to 284 AD. after a long battle against the Alamans. The barbarians leave behind a field of ruins and a shaved city. ♪ Petrocorians So decide to build their city on another location.

If you visit Périgueux, you can admire the remains of this Gallo-Roman era punctuated with fighting. Discover on this place full of history, the Roman gate, the rest of the ramparts, Roman fragments and part of the Gallo-Roman enclosure.

3. The garden of the arenas

Périgueux has many green spaces to relax and take the air between two visits. The city is even rewarded with 4 flowers at the competitions of the towns and villages flowered by France . The arene garden extends over 11 hectares green. He also hides an exceptional heritage among the must-sees to visit in Périgueux.

Indeed, ruins of an amphitheatre of the 1st century stands between the plane trees, the spices and the chestnut trees. At the time, the latter welcomed up to 20,000 people in her bosom! It evolved over the years as a fortress in the Middle Ages, in convent in 1641 and in public garden since the nineteenth century.

4. La Tour Mataguerre

tour Mataguerre erected to XIIIth century represents the ultimate vestige of the walls of the old medieval enclosure. This queen protected the city of Vesonna from its great rival Puy Saint Front. If the rivalries have calmed down through the ages, the tower still bears the frights of this duality.

This building is also classified historic monument in 1840 visits with access to the round path. From your promontory, Périgueux literally stretches under your eyes in a panorama at 180° on the city. Medieval houses mix with each other in an impressive maze of tiles.

5. Castle Barrière

The Middle Ages is known for its strong knight houses. Held by feudal families at the time, there is no longer much of it today to attest to this glorious past. And yet, Castle Barrière continues to witness the history of our ancestors since 1312. Its stone walls, named after a powerful "Les Barrières" family, are located near the old Saint-Étienne cathedral of the city.

Don't trust his appearance! He still keeps his Roman dungeon of the 12th century and the rest of a rectangular housing with its 15th century staircase tower .

6. The medieval district of Saint-Front

The medieval district of Saint-Front keeps the soul of the past of the merchants and craftsmen who have come into his bosom. Through your steps, go back to the time to discover the heritage of the city and its history. Its interlacing of facades, medieval houses, its courses and its clusters are lost in a real labyrinth.

You can explore the neighbourhood by your own means or benefit from the expertise of a guide during a commented visit. You will learn more about the daily life of the men and women of Périgueux.

7. Saint-Étienne-de-la-Cité

Former cathedral of Périgueux (1669), Saint-Étienne-de-la-Cité church suffers from the horrors of religious wars through centuries. Partially devastated and restored, it will include four domes and a bell tower before its successive destructions. In her bosom is a baroque organ of the eighteenth century, the tomb of Jean Acide and a calendar of pascal festivals from 1163 to 1253.

8. The Voie-Verte bike route on the banks of Isle

On foot or by bike, walk along the Isle River from the green road bike on the banks of Isle during your visit to Périgueux. This route 100 km alternates green track trunks and low traffic routes between Trélissac to Périgueux and Le Pizou on the border of the Gironde .

Through your walk you will discover impressive natural landscapes, castles, churches, abbés and mills. Take strength at different local producers and restaurants before leaving more beautiful. In addition, a number of rest areas pass through the Dordogne. The holidaymakers prefer the portion between Neuvic’s leisure base and Mauriac’s lock. 4.5 km of pleasure along the river with a prime view of Mauriac Castle from the lock.

Museums to see

A rich collection of museums where history and heritage are intermingled.

9. Museum of Art and Archaeology of the Périgord

This first museum founded in 1835 (formerly the Dordogne Museum) takes you to discover the prehistory. The property is located at the place of the former convent of Augustin which we can still see the cloister. Its 35,000 references, its prehistoric collections bear the history of the territory of Périgueux. The museum houses pieces from Africa and even Oceania as well as works carved by Etienne Hajdu.

10. Gallo-Roman Museum of Vesunna

The Gallo-Roman museum of Vesunna takes you to the Gallo-Roman era. This unique concept in Europe dates back to the Roman origins of Périgueux. Welcome to the vestiges of an ancient home inhabited for 300 years: the domus of Vésone.

This house is organized around a beautiful central garden. It houses a kitchen, reception rooms, baths and everyday objects. The visit immerses you in the privacy of the inhabitants of the time, the Petrocorians through archaeological collections, and models.

11. Military Museum

Created 1911 by Napoleon Magne, the Military Museum of the Perigord home more 20,000 military objects ! Whether you are passionate about this area or just by curiosity, it is one of the must-sees to visit in Périgueux. The labyrinth of rooms spread over three levels takes you to discover the memories of brave soldiers.

Discover the weapons used at the time as well as the antique clothing during the battles. A temporary exhibition on a subject each time different is added to the museum’s permanent exhibitions each year. The theme "women in the armies of the origins to the present day" or "Legion" has delighted the enthusiasts in recent years.

12. Discover local specialties

You probably know his flagship products for having already tasted them at the end of the year. Indeed, foie gras and truffle sublimate the most beautiful tables in the Périgord and even in France. However, it would be unfortunate to summarize this region to these two high-end products. This greedy land offers you beautiful mushrooms, raspberries, cheese like the cabécou and dishes simmered among the finest.

Select the prettiest pieces on the market to let your chef talents go free or choose one of the many restaurants in the city. The chefs have been transmitting their ancestral recipes for generations.

The region also has multiple vineyards such as that of Bergerac with the Monbazillac. Several establishments offer tours of their exploitation and tastings of local wines. We recommend it Moulin de la Veyssière 30 minutes from Périgueux by car. Perigordan earth is full of flavours for all epicureans.

13. The markets of Périgueux : 4 places to be missed

Each city has its market with its good odors, its colors and its overvolted atmosphere. The 4 markets of Grand Périgueux in Dordogne introduce you to the perigord gastronomy based on truffle, foie gras, duck and juicy strawberry. The stalls are full of local products for the pleasure of gourmets lovers of good expensive. Every Wednesday and Saturday morning , stroll quietly with your wicker basket. A holiday air!

In Périgueux, the markets also take place in winter. From December to February, connoisseurs join in truffle markets Every Saturday morning. In addition, about 30 producers will proudly taste the local products during the bold markets November to March.

14. Participate in city festivals

Many festivals rhythm Périgueux's life during the summer. On the programme, a jazz festival, concerts, internships and animations. In August, Festival international des Arts du Mime et du Geste d’Europe , Mimos takes hold of Périgueux. The streets and public gardens become the scene of extraordinary performances carried by incredible artists. Small and large will have fun in the theatres of objects, puppet shows, dance and circus. An event not to be missed under any pretext during your visit to Périgueux!

15. The Cabaret of Périgueux

You don't know what to do when you visit Périgueux? Put on your most beautiful evening outfit and it’s gone for an unforgettable evening at "Would you" The Cabaret of Périgueux. Experience a fantastic experience with family or in love in front of overvolted shows.

Traditional cabaret, musical or fun show, you will find the representation that makes you want. The pleasure of the eyes combines with the happiness of your taste buds. The chef offers gourmet menus made from local products. The team offers dinner options or lunch shows for an evening that you’re not close to forgetting.

16. What do we do around Périgueux?

• Blue Path of the banks of Isle for the practice of canoeing;
• Terra Aventuraan unusual treasure hunt to discover Perigueux;
• The caves of Lascauxthe prehistoric caves among the best known;
• The Lake Nineont in Saint-Amand-de-Vergt, a water plan of 7 hectares with supervised swimming, water slide, pedal, paddle, etc.

How to get to Périgueux?

Périgueux remains very accessible by the various existing means of transport. Join the city by car from major cities such as Paris (A20 and RN21), Bordeaux (A89) or Toulouse (A62, A20 and A89).

If you would like to take the road to the air, buy a ticket to the airport of Bergerac Dordogne Périgord, Brive, Bordeaux or Limoges. Then rent a car to explore the area. To compare flights and to find the best price, use an online flight comparison such as Skyscanner .

For a more ecological alternative, join the city by train from Paris to Périgueux train station. New Aquitaine also has a rather developed bus network to move between cities and villages in the region.

Where to sleep in Périgueux?

Whatever your desires, Périgueux offers a wide choice of accommodation in the city. Put your suitcases in the ancient center, medieval center or lively neighborhood of Saint-Georges . If you love nature more, opt for a night near the green track next to the calm of the river.

Most travellers book a hotel or a hotel Airbnb in the center to walk more easily. If you want to discover all the establishments according to your budget, nothing better than one Compare hotels .

How to get to Périgueux?

You can access all the tourist places of the city on foot without your car, during your visit to Périgueux. In addition, the city has a very good network of public transport and travel solutions tailored to your needs.

The sportiest will be able to rent bicycles and explore the town on their two wheels.

You're a pious man who reveals his secrets for your next vacation. A city to visit without a doubt during your trip to Dordogne!