Périgueux
Located in the southwest of Francein the heart of the Nouvelle-AquitainePérigueux is the prefecture of the Dordogne and the nerve center of the Périgord Blanc. This city steeped in history is a destination of choice for those looking for a place that's both charming and rich in history, from the Gallo-Roman era to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
As you explore its picturesque streets, you'll marvel at Périgueux's exceptional heritage of impressive monuments and manicured gardens, not to mention the captivating museums that tell the story of the region's rich culture and history. What's more, Périgueux is a true gastronomic landmark, offering visitors the opportunity to savor emblematic local products such as truffles, strawberries and foie gras. A true hidden treasure, Périgueux will seduce you with its elegance and welcoming atmosphere.
This guide offers you a detailed itinerary for discovering Périgueux and its main attractions, from both a historical and cultural point of view. We'll also reveal the best addresses for sampling the local gastronomy and discovering local crafts. We'll also suggest a variety of activities to enrich your stay in Périgueux.
Join us for a unique adventure in the heart of a city of art and history!
Historical and cultural highlights in Périgueux
Périgueux, a richly endowed city of history and culture, offers visitors a fascinating voyage of discovery through its many emblematic sites and monuments. This guide highlights some of Périgueux's must-see sites, reflecting its illustrious past and artistic diversity.
Saint-Front Cathedral: the city's landmark
The most famous monument in Périgueux, Saint-Front Cathedral boasts five impressive domes and a soaring bell tower. Dedicated to Saint Front, the city's first bishop and evangelizer of Périgord in the 4th century, this cathedral, built in the 19th century and restored by architect Paul Abadie-inspired by St. Mark's Basilica in Venice-is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of France's Pilgrimage Route to Santiago de Compostela. The interior houses the tomb of Saint Front, adorned with precious stones and fine carvings, as well as magnificent works of religious art, making Saint Front Cathedral a marvel of Byzantine Romanesque art not to be missed.
Périgord Museum of Art and Archaeology (MAAP)
The Musée d'Art et d'Archéologie du Périgord, known by its acronym MAAP, is the oldest museum in the Dordogne, founded in 1835. With over 2000 m² of permanent exhibition space, it boasts a varied collection covering the history of visual art from prehistory to the present day. Renowned for holding France's fourth-largest collection of prehistoric remains, the MAAP exhibits unique archaeological finds such as the fossilized skeleton of a Neanderthal man and the famous Laugerie-Basse pierced stick. Alongside its prehistoric treasures, the museum also presents ethnographic collections from Africa and Oceania, and offers an artistic journey through works of painting, sculpture, furniture and decorative art from the Flemish, Italian and French schools. The MAAP, a Musée de France, promises a captivating visit rich in discovery.
Vesunna, Gallo-Roman site-museum
The Vesunna site-museum stands on the remains of the ancient city of Périgueux, Vesunna, the Roman capital of the city of Petrocores founded in the 1st century B.C. Inaugurated in 2003 and designed by architect Jean Nouvel, the museum features bold modern architecture, protecting and enhancing the ruins of the domus of Vesunna. Offering a fun, interactive experience, the Vesunna site-museum lets visitors explore the daily life, culture and beliefs of the ancient inhabitants of Vesunna, thanks to models, reconstructions, videos and archaeological objects. It's an invitation to a unique journey through time.
The historic district: a journey through time
The heart of Périgueux, the Quartier Historique is the city's lively historic center, enveloped in a medieval and Renaissance atmosphere. Organized around lively squares such as Place du Coderc, with its daily market, and Place de la Clautre, home to Saint-Front cathedral, this district offers a stroll through narrow streets dotted with half-timbered houses, turrets and mullioned windows. Admirable for its many Renaissance townhouses, Périgueux's historic quarter is a charming stopover, offering a plunge into history through its remarkable buildings.
Gastronomy and local crafts
Périgueux, a city that passionately celebrates local delicacies and know-how, is a must-visit destination for gourmets. Whether you're a fan of truffles, foie gras, cheeses or fresh fruit and vegetables, Périgueux's markets, stores and restaurants are sure to delight your taste buds. Discover below some unique ways to explore Périgueux's wealth of gastronomic and artisanal delights.
Local markets: a feast for the taste buds
Exploring Périgueux's markets is essential for those wishing to soak up the authenticity of fresh, quality produce. Except on Mondays, head to the Place du Coderc and the Halle du Coderc to find fruit, vegetables, cheese, charcuterie and many other local treasures. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the market expands to the Place de la Clautre, enriching the experience with its diversity and the beauty of its surroundings, including Saint-Front Cathedral. From November to March, the truffle and foie gras market on Place Saint-Louis offers an immersion in Périgord specialties. These markets are a great opportunity to meet local artisans in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Périgord truffles: discovery and tasting
Nicknamed the black diamond of gastronomy, the Périgord truffle (Tuber Melanosporum) is a culinary treasure prized for its intense aroma and peppery flavor. Harvested from mid-November to mid-March, this unique mushroom can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways, whether raw, sliced or incorporated into more elaborate preparations. For enthusiasts wishing to learn more, the Truffle Ecomuseum in Sorges offers a complete overview of this mushroom, from its history to its harvesting and tasting.
Perigord crafts: know-how and traditions
Crafts in Périgueux are a faithful reflection of the region's heritage and creativity, covering fields as varied as pottery, basketry and jewelry. Visiting the workshops of local craftsmen is an opportunity to discover these fascinating trades and acquire unique objects. Dedicated markets and festivals also promote these crafts, allowing you to meet craftsmen in several villages renowned for their expertise.
Restaurants and bistros: where to enjoy local cuisine
Whether you're looking for a gourmet dinner, a friendly bistro or even a café-brunch, Périgueux offers a multitude of establishments to discover local cuisine. Périgord specialties such as foie gras, duck confit and walnut cake take pride of place, but the city also offers a panorama of world cuisine. Périgueux's restaurants and bistros, such as Au Cocagne and Le Clos Saint-Front, promise enriching culinary experiences.
Activities and relaxation: what to do in Périgueux?
Offering a wide range of activities to suit all tastes, Périgueux is the ideal destination for sports enthusiasts, culture buffs, families and the curious. Find out below how to make the most of your stay in this richly experienced city.
The banks of the Isle: walks and green leisure activities
The banks of the Isle, with their natural, relaxing atmosphere, border the river that flows through Périgueux. Take advantage of a 17 km greenway, accessible on foot, bike or rollerblades, connecting Bassillac to Trélissac. For water sports enthusiasts, the Amicale Laïque Marsac club offers canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddling. It's the perfect place to relax, observe nature and admire the magnificent view of Saint-Front cathedral and the historic district.
Guided tours of the city: stories and anecdotes
Explore Périgueux's rich heritage with a guided tour offered by Destination Périgueux Tourist Office. Dive back in time with themed tours taking you from the Gallo-Roman period to the Renaissance, discovering the city's key episodes, characters, monuments and historic events. For a more personalized experience, opt for a private tour with an official tour guide and discover Périgueux at your own pace, according to your preferences.
Cultural calendar: shows and events
Vibrant and culturally dynamic, Périgueux offers a rich program of shows and events throughout the year. Whether you're a fan of theater, music, dance, circus, cinema or the visual arts, you'll find something to satisfy your desires among the varied offerings of the city's theaters and associations. Don't miss our flagship festivals, such as Festival Mimos, dedicated to mime, Festival Sinfonia for baroque music, and Festival du Livre Gourmand, celebrating literature and gastronomy. Consult the Tourist Office diary or the Communes.com website for the latest cultural news.
Activities for children and families
Périgueux is also a perfect destination for family getaways. The Vesunna museum will fascinate young and old alike with its exhibitions on the city's Roman origins. Ages 7-12 will be captivated by the "Apollinaris et la colère des Dieux" audio guide, adding a playful touch to the visit. For more active adventures, head to Cornille Aventure for accrobranche and mini-golf sessions, or try out the two outdoor escape-games on offer. For a fun challenge in the city, try the Box Escapade Game Périgueux and embark on a thrilling investigation in the heart of the historic center. For more ideas, check out Tripadvisor's top 5 activities to do with children in Périgueux, based on traveler recommendations.
Périgueux - Conclusion
Périgueux is truly a destination of choice for every visitor. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, a gourmet or a nature enthusiast, this town has something for everyone. Its rich heritage, spanning Gallo-Roman, medieval and Renaissance eras, is testimony to its long and fascinating history.
The city also excels in the art of the table, with local specialties and renowned crafts celebrating the richness of the Périgord terroir. For those in search of adventure or relaxation, Périgueux offers a myriad of activities and discoveries to experience the city in an original and entertaining way. As a city of art and history, its magnificent architecture and captivating atmosphere are sure to win you over.
Don't miss the chance to discover all the charms of Périgueux. Book your stay now and prepare to be amazed. You won't regret this unique experience!
Périgueux - FAQ
Where to walk in Périgueux?
In Périgueux, don't miss a visit to the Vesunna site-museum, a window on the city's Roman origins offering a plunge into history through the remains of an important Gallo-Roman dwelling. What's more, the greenway along the banks of the Isle is the ideal place for a stroll, whether on foot or by bike. This riverside route offers magnificent views of the surrounding countryside and the region's rich heritage.
What cities are close to Périgueux?
Around Périgueux, some 15 kilometers from the Dordogne prefecture, are several charming towns such as Coulounieix-Chamiers, Champcevinel, Chancelade, Marsac-sur-l'Isle, and Boulazac Isle Manoire. They are all part of the Greater Périgueux conurbation, which comprises 43 communes. These towns offer an extensive overview of the diversity and cultural richness of the region.
What are the inhabitants of Périgueux called?
Périgueux residents are known by two names: Pétrocoriens and Périgourdins. "Pétrocoriens" refers to the Gallic people of the Pétrocores who once occupied the region, while "Périgourdins" derives from Périgord, the historic province where Périgueux is located.
Is Périgueux a good place to live?
The quality of life in Périgueux varies according to outlook. The city boasts an exceptional historical and cultural heritage, including a medieval and Gallo-Roman center, numerous museums, festivals and a lively market. Périgueux also offers a pleasant living environment with green spaces, a beautiful greenway and a peaceful river, as well as excellent health, education and shopping facilities.
However, there are a number of deterrents: the city lacks dynamism and attractiveness, with a declining downtown area, the closure of many businesses and an aging demographic. Inadequate public transport, lack of leisure options and employment opportunities are all challenges. These factors contribute to Périgueux's sometimes unflattering ranking in evaluations of cities offering the best quality of life, particularly in terms of the environment and daily life.
