Culture Francia

Table of Contents

16 Things to Do in Périgueux

Up-to-Date 2025

By Culture Francia Team

Table of Contents

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

The Périgueux Cathedral, characterized by its distinctive domes and tall bell tower, against a clear blue sky. The impressive architecture stands out amidst the surrounding town buildings, reflecting its religious and cultural importance.

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

A lively town square in Périgueux, adorned with colorful hanging balloons and outdoor seating. People are enjoying the sunny day in the pedestrian area, surrounded by historic buildings.

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

The interior of the Vesunna Museum, displaying ancient Roman ruins and artifacts. The museum's modern architecture contrasts with the historical exhibits, providing a unique viewing experience.

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

A bustling outdoor food market in Périgueux, with stalls covered by red and green canopies. Shoppers browse a variety of fresh produce and local goods, contributing to a lively and vibrant atmosphere.

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

A peaceful path along the riverbanks in Périgueux, bordered by trees and greenery. The scene captures a quiet, natural setting perfect for walking or cycling, with a small bridge visible in the background.

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

A panoramic view of Périgueux from Saint-Georges Bridge, with the Périgueux Cathedral prominently visible against the skyline. The scene captures the river, waterfront buildings, and a clear blue sky.

Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Panorama

Visit Self
Cost Free

A panoramic viewpoint offering wide views of the river, the town, and the cathedral.

07. Bridge Barris

A scenic view from Barris Bridge in Périgueux, showcasing a picturesque bridge lined with flower pots. The background includes the Périgueux Cathedral and historic buildings.

Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Panorama

Visit Self
Cost Free

Another panoramic spot, with a closer view to the cathedral.

08. MAAP

An interior view of a museum room showcasing various artworks and artifacts. The walls are adorned with framed paintings, and a central glass display case holds sculptures and historical pieces. The room's classical decor includes busts and wooden furniture.

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

The interior of Saint-Etienne Church in Périgueux, showcasing its stone arches, wooden pews, and a simple altar with a cross. The high ceilings and stained glass windows add to the serene and historic ambiance.

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

A front view of Saint-Martin Church in Périgueux, characterized by its two tall towers and Romanesque architectural style. The building is framed by greenery, with a clear blue sky overhead.

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

A serene garden in Périgueux featuring a circular fountain with water jets, surrounded by lush greenery and manicured shrubs. The setting includes a winding path and tall trees in the background, offering a peaceful atmosphere.

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

The remains of Vesone Tower in Périgueux, featuring a large, circular stone structure with weathered surfaces. The tower stands amidst a landscaped area with a pathway and greenery.

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

The ruins of Barrière Castle in Périgueux, displaying weathered stone walls and window openings without glass. The scene is framed by a stone archway, highlighting the castle's historical and architectural significance.

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

An exhibit in the Military Museum of Périgueux, displaying artifacts and memorabilia. The room includes glass cases with historical items, a large piece of military equipment, and photographs and documents on the walls.

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

The historic Mataguerre Tower in Périgueux, a circular stone structure with a crenelated top. It stands prominently in a square, surrounded by modern buildings, highlighting its historical significance amid urban development.

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

A white and blue tourist train parked on a cobbled street in Périgueux. The train is designed for sightseeing, with carriages featuring open sides for better views of the town's attractions.

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.

Plan an Amazing France Trip ! 👉 Home Page