Périgueux has a beautifully preserved and restored mediaeval centre, and is well known for the many cultural events which fill its alleys and squares each summer. Throughout the season there are open air cultural events, like jazz festivals and concerts. The annual week-long festival of mime, 30/7 to 06/8 is when some of the most talented performers of this uniquely French art form perform continuously in the squares and alleyways. Every Tuesday in July & August listen to Macadam Jazz, or Sinfonia on the first weekend in September.

Périgueux straddles the River Isle, an attractive large tributary of the Dordogne, on which you can take boat trips. On the River Isle they even farm sturgeon for caviar.
                                                

Between the river and the compact mediaeval heart of the town is the extraordinary cathedral of St Front. This has huge domes and pinnacles of solid white stone. Inside it has a magnificent altar, and outstanding modern stained glass.

Park (free) down on the quayside below the cathedral, and walk up the cobbled steps opposite into the old town. It is laid out in narrow alleyways with many squares where they intersect. There is a market square and covered "halle". Sit at a table outside one of the numerous cafés and watch the world go by , or visit galleries, antique shops, and bookshops . Amble leisurely through the lanes gazing at the architecture or from April to September take a tour, with commentary, of the town on the small train - departure at  cours Montaigne. From May to September you can discover Périgueux and its 2000 years of history on board the Vésunna, this is a 50mn cruise with commentary departing from the foot of the cathedral St Front. Don't forget to discover the delights of the Périgord Museum, or that Market days are Wednesday and Saturday. However you spend your time in Périgueux you will find it delightful and relaxing.

 Visits

" Discoveries of the city " (departure Office of Tourism): all year round for groups by arrangement.
In July and August: Gallo-Roman circuit at 10 a.m  Monday to Friday; circuit medieval- renaissance 14h30  Monday to Saturday; Mataguerre Tower 10h30  Monday to  Friday.

Périgueux is an ideal centre for all of the many excursions of the Périgord:  Les Eyzies, site of prehistory (40 km), Sarlat and the Valley of the  Dordogne  (70 km), the Bergeracois and the vineyards (60 km) the Périgord Vert: Brantôme, Bourdeille, Hautefort (60 km) one of the most original chateaux with its five domes. Périgueux is located on the pilgrimage path of Saint Jaques of Compostelle. 

Modern and old city (Gallo-Roman, medieval and Renaissance). Capital of the Périgord  situated in the center of the white périgord. 

Cathedral St Front: This basilica of Romano-Byzantine type dates from XIIth century. It is one of the largest of the Southwest and the périgord.

31000 inhabitants - Paris 500 km. - Limoges 100 km, Bordeaux,  120 km, Brive 72 km. 

Castle Gate (XIIe-XVIe century) -  Curiosities: arenas - Church of the City (XIe century) -Gallo-Roman surrounding wall.