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If you have done the things to do in France, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Perigueux.
Perigueux is a treasure trove of delights waiting to be discovered.
From its quaint cobbled streets to its stunning ancient architecture and mouth-watering gastronomic delights, the city offers visitors a glimpse into its captivating history and rich cultural heritage.
Whether you’re looking to indulge in the local cuisine, explore the city’s hidden gems, or immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere, Perigueux is a captivating destination that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Perigueux:
1. Cathédrale Saint-Front
A stunning cathedral located in the heart of Perigueux, France.
What to see or do: Marvel at the architectural beauty of the cathedral’s Romanesque and Byzantine design. Admire its stunning façade, bell tower and distinctive domes.
Don’t miss: The chance to attend one of the regular organ music recitals and concerts that take place inside the cathedral.
Insider travel tips: – Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.
2. Musée Vesunna
Musée Vesunna is a museum dedicated to the Roman city of Vesunna, which later became Perigueux in France.
What to see or do: The museum showcases the history of the Roman city through its impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits.
Visitors can explore the remnants of Gallo-Roman houses and view multimedia displays that bring the ancient history of Vesunna to life.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of Musée Vesunna is the impressive villa that’s been reconstructed on site. Explore the rooms and see the intricate mosaics that were once part of a wealthy Roman family’s home.
Insider travel tips: – Consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the history and context of the museum and its exhibits.
3. Jardin des Arènes Romaines
Jardin des Arènes Romaines is a beautiful public garden located in the heart of Perigueux.
What to see or do: Take a relaxing stroll through the manicured gardens, featuring ruins of Roman amphitheater, beautiful fountains, and an open-air theater.
Don’t miss: The Roman ruins located on site are definitely a must-see. Admire the ancient architecture of the amphitheater and step back in time.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the morning or early evening to avoid the mid-day crowds. Bring a picnic and lounge on the grassy areas for a peaceful break from exploring the city.
4. Tour Mataguerre
Mataguerre is a tour located in the heart of Perigueux, France. It is a historic monument that offers stunning views of the city and its surroundings.
What to see or do: Climb to the top of Mataguerre to take in the breathtaking panoramic views of Perigueux. Admire the stone architecture and learn about the history and significance of the tower.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to take amazing photos of the city from the top of the tower. The view is especially stunning at sunset.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes, as the climb to the top can be steep and tiring.
5. Musée du Périgord
The Musée du Périgord is a museum located in the town of Perigueux in the Dordogne region of France.
Its collections exhibit the history of Périgord, from prehistoric times to the 20th century, focusing on the local art, history, and archaeology.
What to see or do: The museum’s collections include various items such as stone tools, weapons, pottery, and sculptures. The permanent exhibitions feature Gallo-Roman artefacts, medieval religious art, and paintings and sculptures from the 16th to the 20th centuries.
Visitors can witness the local history of architecture, pottery, and glasswork.
Don’t miss: The prehistoric and Gallo-Roman collections are highlights of the museum, as they exhibit the existence of human civilization from early ages of humanity to the Roman conquest.
The Gallo-Roman mosaic floor, dating back to the 1st century, discovered in a villa in Perigueux, is a fascinating find, not to be missed.
Insider travel tips: – Consider hiring a guide to better understand the historical and cultural significance of the exhibits.
6. Place Saint-Louis
What to see or do:
Don’t miss:
Insider travel tips: Check out the nearby farmers’ market on Saturdays for delicious local produce. On Sundays, there’s a flea market where you might just find a unique souvenir.
7. Église Saint-Étienne-de-la-Cité
Église Saint-Étienne-de-la-Cité is a Roman Catholic church located in the historic center of Perigueux, France. It was built in the 11th century and is one of the oldest surviving churches in the city.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the Romanesque architecture of the church, which includes a nave, transept, and apse. The interior features beautiful vaulted ceilings, religious art, and stained glass windows.
Don’t miss: Make sure to look for the 12th-century frescoes that decorate the apse and the transept. They depict scenes from the lives of Saint Stephen and Saint Laurent, as well as other religious figures.
Insider travel tips: Check the church’s opening hours in advance, as they may vary depending on the time of year.
To fully appreciate the history and architecture of this ancient religious site, consider taking a guided tour or hiring an audio guide.
8. Hôtel de Ville
Hôtel de Ville is a beautiful Renaissance-style building located in the heart of Perigueux, a charming town in the southwestern region of France.
What to see or do: Marvel at the intricate architecture, including the ornate façade and stunning central staircase. Take a guided tour of the building, which includes visits to the council chambers, mayor’s office, and historic library.
Don’t miss: The impressive murals painted by local artist Pierre Galy, which depict scenes from Perigueux’s history. Also, be sure to check out the panoramic views of the city from the rooftop terrace.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the summer months to catch one of the many outdoor events that take place in front of Hôtel de Ville, such as concerts and markets.
Entrance is free, but be sure to check the hours of operation before you go.
9. Les Halles
A historic covered market in the heart of Perigueux, France.
What to see or do: Explore the market stalls selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and local specialties. Admire the stunning architecture of the building, which dates back to the 19th century.
Don’t miss: Sampling the foie gras, truffles, and other delicacies offered by the vendors.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and get the freshest produce. Saturdays are the busiest days, but also the best time to experience the bustling atmosphere and authentic market experience.
10. Périgueux Cathedral
A stunning medieval Roman Catholic cathedral located in the heart of Périgueux, France.
What to see or do: Admire the impressive architecture and grandeur of the cathedral, including the ornate entryway, nave, choir, and imposing bell tower. Marvel at the colorful stained glass windows and intricate carvings, depicting scenes from the Bible.
Attend a mass or service in the reverent atmosphere of the cathedral.
Don’t miss: The breathtaking organ, which boasts over 3,000 pipes and produces an incredible sound. Visit the cathedral during the summer months to enjoy free organ concerts.
Also, don’t miss the beautiful gardens surrounding the cathedral, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Insider travel tips: Entrance to the cathedral is free, but donations are appreciated. Wear comfortable shoes, as there are many steps to climb within the cathedral.
While in Périgueux, explore the charming old town and the nearby Vésunna Gallo-Roman Museum.
11. Musée Militaire du Périgord
Musée Militaire du Périgord is a military museum located in the city of Perigueux, France.
What to see or do: The museum has an impressive collection of military artifacts, including weapons, uniforms, and equipment from various eras in French military history.
Visitors can view exhibits from the medieval period, Napoleonic Wars, World War I, World War II, and beyond.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is a display of medieval weaponry and armor, including swords, shields, and helmets. Another must-see exhibit is the display of military vehicles and aircraft from World War II.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is open year-round, except for holidays.
12. La Grotte de Lascaux
La Grotte de Lascaux is a complex of caves in the Dordogne region of France that contain some of the finest examples of prehistoric art in the world.
What to see or do: Visitors to La Grotte de Lascaux can take a tour of the caves, which include a number of large and small chambers.
The walls of these chambers are covered in paintings that date back 17,000 years. The paintings depict animals such as deer, bison, and horses, as well as abstract shapes and symbols.
Visitors can also learn about the history and discovery of the caves at the on-site museum.
Don’t miss: The most famous chamber in the caves is the Hall of the Bulls, which contains several large paintings of bulls, horses, and other animals.
Other notable chambers include the Axial Gallery and the Chamber of Felines.
Visitors should also be sure to see the replica of the cave, which is an exact copy of the original and allows visitors to get a closer look at the paintings.
Insider travel tips: – Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, as the caves only allow a limited number of visitors per day.
13. Château de Beynac
Château de Beynac is a stunning medieval fortress situated in the town of Beynac-et-Cazenac, overlooking the Dordogne River in Perigueux, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the rich history of this fortress by touring its impressive interior and admiring the breathtaking views from the castle’s terraces.
Learn about the lives of the people who once called this castle home and marvel at the medieval architecture.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the impressive collection of arms and armor, including swords and crossbows, on display in the Great Hall.
Also, don’t forget to walk around the town of Beynac-et-Cazenac, where you’ll get a glimpse of life in the Middle Ages.
Insider travel tips: For the best experience, visit during the off-season when crowds are thinner. Also, make sure you wear comfortable shoes, as the castle’s steep and uneven terrain can be challenging to navigate.
Finally, if possible, try to arrive early in the morning when the castle opens to avoid the midday rush.
14. Le Château de Puymartin
Le Château de Puymartin is a medieval castle located in the heart of the Dordogne region, just outside of Périgueux.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle’s interior and admire the impressive collection of furniture, artwork, and decorative objects from various periods in history.
The castle also boasts stunning views of the surrounding countryside and a picturesque moat.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the visit is the opportunity to see the famous “White Lady” ghost, said to haunt the castle’s grand hallways.
Legend has it that she is the ghost of a young woman who tragically died on the premises.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to book ahead as tours are only offered at specific times and can sell out quickly. Additionally, the castle is not easily accessible by public transportation, so renting a car is recommended for visitors.
15. Château de Commarque
Château de Commarque is a fortified medieval castle located in the town of Savignac-de-Miremont in the Dordogne region of France.
What to see or do: Explore the castle ruins, including the keep, chapel, and living quarters. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the castle and its inhabitants, including the Knights Templar.
Don’t miss: The spectacular views of the surrounding countryside from the top of the castle. The nearby cave system, which is home to prehistoric art.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes as there are uneven surfaces and steep stairs to climb. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat of the day.
Bring water and snacks as there are no facilities on site.