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Périgueux

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City
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Périgueux (France)
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Practical info — Périgueux

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The Saint-Front Cathedral blends Romanesque and Byzantine styles; don't miss its unique multi-domed roof.
  • Visit on a Wednesday or Saturday morning to experience the animated traditional market squares filled with regional products.
  • Explore the Gallo-Roman past at the Vesunna Museum, built directly over the excavated ruins of an ancient villa.
  • The medieval streets around the Place Saint-Louis are first-rate for a self-guided walking tour.
  • For free parking, look for spots slightly further out from the historical core, near the Isle riverbanks.

🍽 Food

🍽
Foie gras

A true regional specialty, easily found in fine dining restaurants throughout the old town.

🍽
Duck confit

Try this slow-cooked delicacy accompanied by garlic roasted potatoes at a traditional bistro.

🍽
Tourain

A local garlic and onion soup that is excellent as a warm starter in traditional Périgord eateries.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Truffles and local goods

Browse the 'Marché au Gras' (during winter) or regular farmers markets in the town squares for premium local produce.

🛍
Walnut oil

Buy authentic Périgord walnut oil from specialty food shops.

🛍
Bergerac wines

Pick up a bottle of wine from the nearby Bergerac region at an independent cave (wine shop) in the center.

🧘
Jardin des Arènes

Relax in this peaceful park situated within the ruins of a Roman amphitheater.

🧘
Voie Verte

Enjoy a calm walk or bike ride along this green pathway following the Isle river.

🧘
Parc Gamenson

A quiet, shaded park right in the city center, great for a short rest or reading a book.

Highlights of 2026

10

Périgueux, the historic capital of Périgord and the seat of the Dordogne department, features a history spanning over 2,000 years. The city originated from the Gallo-Roman settlement of Vesunna, whose remains can now be explored in a modern architectural museum. A prominent landmark is the Saint-Front Cathedral, which features five domes and a Byzantine style reminiscent of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. During the Middle Ages, Périgueux was a significant stop on the Way of Saint James, fostering the development of its religious and architectural heritage. The Renaissance houses in the old town testify to the former prosperity of merchant families. The city is also famous for its gastronomy, particularly truffles and foie gras, featured in the local markets. As the region's cultural hub, Périgueux blends ancient ruins with medieval grandeur and a lively, modern atmosphere within its pedestrian streets.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C5581215202222181485
Rain mm745163717863505248647270

Live webcam – Périgueux

See what it looks like near Périgueux right now.

Bassillac et Auberoche › North-east · 7.5 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
34,770
Coordinates
45.18400, 0.72100

Facts

  • Saint-Front Cathedral was extensively restored in the 19th century by Paul Abadie
  • The Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum was built over the remains of a Roman villa
  • Périgueux was founded in 16 BC as the capital of the Petrocorii under the name Vesunna
  • The city is a major center for the truffle trade in France
  • The Tour de Vésone is a 24-meter-high tower remnant of a Roman temple
  • The city has a current population of approximately 30,000 residents

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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Sights in the town Périgueux (6)

Saint-Front Cathedral⛪ religious

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this Byzantine-style cathedral with its iconic domes resembles St. Mark's in Venice.

Mataguerre Tower🏺 historical

The last remaining tower of the medieval city walls has wide-open views over the historic district's rooftops.

Vesunna🏛 museum

This Gallo-Roman museum was built over the remains of an ancient villa and showcases striking mosaics and artifacts.

Museum of Art and Archaeology🏛 museum

The oldest museum in Dordogne features rich collections ranging from prehistoric times to fine arts.

Saint-Étienne-de-la-Cité Church⛪ religious

A robust Romanesque church that served as the city's first cathedral before Saint-Front was built.

piscine privée👨‍👩‍👧 family

This swimming pool in Perigueux features a private and refreshing atmosphere for bathers.

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Saint-Front Cathedral?
With its five Byzantine-style domes, it resembles St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and served as a model for the Sacré-Cœur in Paris.
Are there Roman ruins in Périgueux?
Yes, the Vesunna Museum, designed by Jean Nouvel, protects the remains of a large Gallo-Roman villa and the Vésone Tower.
What are the culinary highlights of Périgord?
Périgueux is famous for truffles, foie gras, and duck products, which are best found at the markets in Place du Coderc.
What is the old town of Périgueux like?
It consists of two districts: the medieval "Cité" and the district around the cathedral with Renaissance houses and narrow alleys.
When do the famous gourmet markets take place?
Major markets take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays; in winter, there are special truffle and fat markets (Marchés au Gras).
Périgueux: where is it located?
Périgueux is located in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France.
Périgueux: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint-Front Cathedral, Mataguerre Tower, Vesunna.
Périgueux: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Périgueux: why is it worth visiting?
Périgueux, the historic capital of Périgord and the seat of the Dordogne department, features a history spanning over 2,000 years.
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