What to See & Do
Périgueux Overall Appeal ★★★☆☆
Name | Appeal | Type | Visit | Cost | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
01 | Périgueux Cathedral | ★★★★☆ | Cathedral | Self | Free |
02 | Town Center | ★★★★☆ | Walking Around | Self | Free |
03 | Vesunna | ★★☆☆☆ | Museum - Gallo-Roman | Self | Paid |
04 | Périgeux Markets | ★★☆☆☆ | Food Markets | Self | Free |
05 | River Banks | ★★☆☆☆ | Walking Around | Self | Free |
06 | Bridge St. Georges | ★★☆☆☆ | Panorama | Self | Free |
07 | Bridge Barris | ★★☆☆☆ | Panorama | Self | Free |
08 | MAAP | ★☆☆☆☆ | Museum - Art & Archeology | Self | Paid |
09 | St. Etienne Church | ★☆☆☆☆ | Church | Self | Free |
10 | St. Martin Church | ★☆☆☆☆ | Church | Self | Free |
11 | Arènes Park | ★☆☆☆☆ | City Park | Self | Free |
12 | Vésone Tower | ★☆☆☆☆ | Temple Ruin | Self | Free |
13 | Barrière Castle | ★☆☆☆☆ | Castle Ruin | Self | Free |
14 | Military Museum | ★☆☆☆☆ | Museum - Military | Self | Paid |
15 | Mataguerre Tower | ★☆☆☆☆ | Medieval Tower | Self | Free |
16 | Périgueux Tourist Train | ★☆☆☆☆ | City Train Tour | Tour | Paid |
01. Périgueux Cathedral

Appeal ★★★★☆
Type Cathedral
Visit Self
Cost Free
Périgueux Cathedral, also known as Saint-Front Cathedral, is a magnificent example of Romanesque-Byzantine architecture in the heart of Périgueux. Its distinctive domes and towering spires make it a landmark visible from across the city. The site has been a Christian religious site since the 5th century and has undergone numerous reconstructions. The cathedral in its current state dates from the 19th century, when it was significantly modified by architect Paul Abadie, who also worked on the Sacré-Cœur in Paris.
02. Town Center

Appeal ★★★★☆
Type Walking Around
Visit Self
Cost Free
The Town Center of Périgueux is a vibrant area filled with narrow medieval streets, charming squares, and bustling shops and cafes. It offers a picturesque setting that perfectly blends historical architecture with modern life. Historically, the town center has been the heart of Périgueux since Roman times, evolving through the medieval period to become the lively hub it is today.
03. Vesunna

Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Gallo-Roman Museum
Visit Self
Cost Paid
Vesunna is a museum dedicated to the Gallo-Roman history of Périgueux, located at the site of an ancient Roman villa. Historically, the site was a significant Roman settlement, known as Vesunna, which thrived during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD.
The museum was established to protect and showcase these archaeological finds. Notable elements include the well-preserved mosaics, the remains of the villa’s luxurious baths, and a vast collection of artifacts that provide insight into daily life in Roman Gaul.
04. Périgeux Markets

Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Food Markets
Visit Self
Cost Free
The Périgueux food market takes place in the small Halles building on Tuesday to Sunday mornings. It extends outside on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
Périgueux is also known for its “Marché au Gras et aux Truffes,” which showcases the region’s premier gastronomic products. The market takes place on Wednesday and Saturday mornings at Place Saint-Louis, from November to March.
The section dedicated to truffles is located right next to the square, in the building called “La Maison des Pâtissiers.” This truffle market runs on the same days but only from December to February.
05. River Banks

Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Walking Around
Visit Self
Cost Free
The riverbanks along the Isle River offer a different view of the city and a pleasant walking path.
The trail passes through the city center and extends beyond the urban area, covering a total of 30 kilometers.
06. Bridge St. Georges

Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Panorama
Visit Self
Cost Free
A panoramic viewpoint offering wide views of the river, the town, and the cathedral.
07. Bridge Barris

Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Panorama
Visit Self
Cost Free
Another panoramic spot, with a closer view to the cathedral.
08. MAAP

Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Art & Archeology Museum
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The MAAP (Musée d’Art et d’Archéologie du Périgord) is a modest museum showcasing a diverse collection of art and archaeological artifacts.
It is the first museum that was established in the Dordogne region.
The museum also features a small outdoor garden at its center.
09. St. Etienne Church

Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Church
Visit Self
Cost Free
The Church of Saint-Etienne de la Cité, built in the Romanesque style, dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries. It served as the city’s cathedral until the 17th century.
10. St. Martin Church

Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Church
Visit Self
Cost Free
Built on the site of a former church, Saint Martin’s Church was constructed in the 19th century in a Byzantine style.
11. Arènes Park

Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type City Park
Visit Self
Cost Free
Arènes Park is a city park with a circular layout, built on the site of an ancient Roman amphitheater.
Today, a few stone ruins from the ancient Roman building still remain.
12. Vésone Tower

Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Roman Temple Ruin
Visit Self
Cost Free
The Vésone Tower is a remnant of a Roman temple located in a small public park behind the Gallo-Roman museum. It was part of a larger sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Vesunna, dating back to the 2nd century AD.
A small ramp provides access to the center of the ruin.
13. Barrière Castle

Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Castle Ruin
Visit Self
Cost Free
The remains of Château Barrière, which was constructed between the 12th and 15th centuries, consist of only a few ruins today.
14. Military Museum

Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Military Museum
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The Army Museum showcases military history and artifacts from various periods, particularly focusing on the region’s involvement in different conflicts. It has topics ranging from medieval warfare to modern military engagements.
15. Mataguerre Tower

Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Medieval Tower
Visit Self
Cost Free
Mataguerre is the only remaining one of the 28 medieval watchtowers that once formed part of Périgueux’s defensive walls.
16. Périgueux Tourist Train

Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type City Train Tour
Visit Tour
Cost Paid
A tourist train offering a guided tour of the city. It’s a convenient way to explore Périgueux and learn about its history and landmarks.