Top 10 places to visit in Périgueux

Your holiday in Périgord takes you to Périgueux… Naturally, the capital of Périgord holds many treasures! If you don't want to miss anything of its rich heritage, its distant past and its traditional southern culture, Le Guide du Périgord offers you a Top 10 of the most unmissable visits in Périgueux, to guide you in your discovery.

1) Take a guided tour of the capital of Périgord

Périgueux boasts numerous accolades: "City of Art and History," "UNESCO World Heritage Site," "Flowering City"... It has many charms to offer. If you love historic buildings, you'll adore its medieval, cobbled streets. If you're a culture enthusiast, the city's museums will keep you busy for days. If you prefer nature, Périgueux is surrounded by forest, bisected by the Isle River, and dotted with parks and gardens. To appreciate all facets of the city, we recommend choosing from the themed guided tours offered by the Tourist Office.

2) Admire Périgueux from the sky, from the rooftops of Saint Front Cathedral

Saint-Front Cathedral is one of Périgueux's most iconic monuments. It is an important stop on the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago) and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for this reason. It bears witness to a prosperous period when the booming city attracted renowned figures, such as the famous architect who experimented with the white stone of the Périgord Blanc region before building the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre, near Paris. Now, you can finally appreciate this masterpiece from every angle, even the highest points, by visiting the cathedral's rooftops.

3 ) Going back in time to the Gallo-Roman past of the Petrocorii

We offer you a journey through time to meet the Romans of Périgueux. The tourist office has designed a route that leads you from one archaeological site to another. Explore the Gallo-Roman quarter as if you were one of the Petrocorii people, passing by:

• The Tower of Vesunna, a temple dedicated to the goddess Vesunna.
• The ancient Gallo-Roman houses, the Périgord domus, which form the heart of the archaeological site, preserved within the Vesunna Museum.
• The amphitheater, which today houses the Arènes garden.

4) Discover the art and archaeology of Périgord at the MAAP

To discover the works of art produced by the people of Périgord, from prehistory to the present day, you must visit the "MAAP," the Museum of Art and Archaeology of Périgord. Visitor guides are available in a game-like format to keep younger visitors engaged.

5) Learn about French wars in the amazing Military Museum of Périgueux

The subject is rarely addressed, and even less so in a small town with no significant military history. Yet, while the Périgueux Military Museum is small, it boasts an impressive collection of medals and uniforms from all periods. It traces each war, one after the other, and shows you the evolution of warfare. Its advantages include its manageable size and excellent documentation.

6) Find local products at the market

After all these journeys through history, it's definitely time for a bite to eat. Luckily, in Périgueux, there's no shortage of delicious options. Several markets are available throughout the city, depending on the season:

• The traditional market in Périgueux takes place every Wednesday and Saturday in the city.
• The most typical is the Périgueux Foie Gras Market which takes place every Wednesday and Saturday, between November and March, in the Place Saint Louis.

• The most mysterious is the Truffle Market, starting in December, on Wednesdays.

7) to learn about the gastronomy of Périgord

Exploring the gastronomy of Périgord in Périgueux also means discovering how simple, local ingredients are elevated by talented chefs. While the city pulsates to the rhythm of its producers, it is also home to several Michelin-starred restaurants that have contributed to the region's renown. These prestigious establishments transform emblematic ingredients—such as truffles, porcini mushrooms, and duck—into veritable culinary works of art. Stepping through the doors of these gastronomic restaurants, you enter a modern and refined interpretation of local traditions, where technique enhances the authenticity of flavor. It is this alliance between the bounty of the land and the precision of haute cuisine that defines the gourmet identity of the Périgord city and its surroundings.

8) Canoeing on the Isle

After the comforting meal, a little effort to digest is in order. You can rent a canoe directly from the base in Périgueux. The Isle is a calm river with many meanders, giving it a wild character. You feel like you're the only person in the world, especially out of season. In summer, you can enjoy an unusual torchlit descent along the river. The city's monuments, reflected in the flames, offer a truly magical moment.

9) Cycling along the banks of the Isle

Cycling in Périgueux? It couldn't be easier. The city is crisscrossed by a cycle route that follows the banks of the Isle River. You'll be perfectly safe. The route is relatively flat, making it ideal for families with young children. The river provides welcome coolness, even in summer. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. In short, you have no excuse not to hop on your bike and explore Périgueux using sustainable transportation.

10) Hiking in the Auvézère Gorges

Just outside Périgueux lies the confluence of two rivers: the Auvézère and the Isle. The Auvézère Gorges stretch from the Périgord Vert (Green Périgord) into the Périgord Blanc (White Périgord). It's an exceptional natural site where you can enjoy beautiful hikes along the riverbanks.

We hope that this Top 10 list of things to see in Périgueux has inspired you to plan your next holiday in Périgord.

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