Périgueux between the Isle and Auvézère Valleys

In this city, which has more than 2,000 years of history, you can follow a Gallo-Roman circuit, including a visit to the Musée Vésunna, an important testimony to that period. Designed by the architect Jean Nouvel, the site houses a Roman “domus” inhabited between the 1st and 3rd centuries and displays objects taken from the excavations. It is also fortunate to have an impressive medieval and Renaissance heritage in its historic centre (no fewer than 39 landmarks have been declared “Historic Monuments”). You can discover it by strolling through the narrow streets of Puy Saint Front, Limogeanne, or the squares Saint-Louis and de la Clautre at the foot of the cathedral. Built in the Byzantine style by the architect Paul Abadi, this emblematic building of the city is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is one of the routes of the Camino de Santiago.

Périgueux is also famous for its Saturday morning markets, all year round. 

Following the Isle, you will discover a valley dotted with traditional villages which, thanks to their festivals, show great dynamism: from Saint Astier with its Romanesque church to Montpon, via Grignols and its imposing 13th-century fortress, Neuvic-sur-l'Isle where you can visit the castle and the botanical garden, Mussidan and its Museum of Arts and Traditions in a beautiful 18th-century charterhouse, or follow in the footsteps of the boatmen at the Duellas mill in Saint-Martial-d'Artenset... Dare to go off the beaten track!

One of the ways to get away from it all is to cycle on the Isle Valley cycle path and greenway. The cycle path reveals the natural and cultural heritage of the valley, as well as its typical villages. Along this route, you will discover the natural beauty of the banks of the l'Isle river: more than 86 km of suitable track, combining sections of cycle paths (country roads and marked local roads) and greenway paths. This connection route reserved for non-motorised travel is an ideal infrastructure that opens the door to numerous activities.

A picnic is the most suitable option here. However, the itinerary is also full of gastronomic destinations. Stop at the "Domaine du caviar de Neuvic" fish farm to learn how caviar is produced, or at the Veyssière mill, where you will be shown how walnut or hazelnut oil is made. In Saint-Germain-du-Salémbre, there is still a craftsman who makes the last traditional French biscuits.

On the western outskirts of Périgueux, the Chancelade Abbey, founded in the 12th century by a hermit monk and nestled in the small wooded valley of Beauronne, is a complex that looks more like a manor house than a monastery. Continue on to Château-l'Évèque and Agonac, to reach Sorges-et-Ligueux, the capital of the black Périgord truffle, a must-see in Dordogne-Périgord gastronomy. Among the truffle farms, this village has had its Truffle Ecomuseum since 1982. Now is the time to learn more about the coveted underground fungus! If you prefer, you can also follow a truffle trail.

Continue your getaway by heading to Savignac-les-Églises and Cubjac , a charming village in the Auvézère Valley. From here, you have a number of opportunities to choose from: visit the Tourtoirac Caves with their ligeo: Périgueux, capital of Périgord ht and shadow show among the wonderful formations of stalactites and stalagmites. If you are a film lover, choose to visit the Château de Hautefort and its gardens. This building with classical architecture houses a remarkable collection of 17th and 18th century furniture. And it is the setting for many films!

If nature is calling you, head towards the Pont de Saint-Mesmin in the Auvézère gorges. The route promises a concentration of nature, and evidence of industrial heritage such as the Forges de Savignac Ledrier . These new paths have been developed with respect for the environment and the wild aspect of the site. The only tip: enjoy the panoramic spaces and the landscape!