Périgueux, the beating heart

Inspiration

Dordogne ValleyCultural HeritageCities

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Reading time: 0 minPublished on 1 February 2023

You can’t help but love Périgueux! It could be because of its architectural and natural heritage: the Vesunna Museum reminds us that this town dates back to Roman times; the Château Barrière and Mataguerre Tower prove that the city played a major role in the Middle Ages. Links with Amberg and Strasbourg provide evidence of the turbulent history of the city during the Second World War. Then there’s Saint-Front. The cathedral is unique in France because of its architecture: five cupolas on pendants that remind us of St. Mark’s in Venice or the ancient churches of the Far East. It was a bold and successful gamble to take at the time and one that earned the city its reputation.

Sport and discovery

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Périgueux is in the Dordogne, although it is actually crossed by one of the river’s tributaries: the Isle. Perhaps not so well-known, it nevertheless allows visitors to enjoy a range of activities and a pleasant touch of nature in the heart of town.

Point of view

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Would you like to enjoy the best views of the town? Settle in at the rooftop terrace of Mataguerre tower.

Local gastronomy

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Products of the terroir and tastings at Place Saint-Silain. Périgueux also boasts a culinary heritage.

Local atmosphere

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Périgueux boasts 30,000 inhabitants but the warm and pleasant atmosphere of a village. The terrace cafés are just waiting for you to visit.

The Gallo-Roman museum of Vesunna

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This site presents the Roman origins of Périgueux on the ruins of a large Gallo-Roman house. The building’s architecture is slightly more recent, as it was designed by Jean Nouvel.

For more information: - Tourist Office of Grand Périgueux

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