guide
What to do in Périgueux? The capital of the Périgord blanc, the prefecture of the Dordogne brings together two thousand years of history in a compact centre: Gallo-Roman remains, a Byzantine-style cathedral with white domes, medieval lanes and Renaissance mansions. The town can be explored on foot in a day, and it lives to the rhythm of its markets, which are famous throughout the South-West.
Here are our ideas for sightseeing, our tips for enjoying Périgueux on a budget, and the campsites for exploring the town, the Vézère valley and the Périgord noir.
| Information | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Must-see | Saint-Front Cathedral, medieval and Renaissance quarter, Vesunna, Tour de Vésone |
| Good deal | Combined ticket for Vesunna and the museum of art and archaeology for €12, free for under-18s |
| Free | Historic centre, Tour de Vésone, banks of the Isle, markets |
| Highlights | Mimos festival in early July, marchés au gras in winter |
| Nearby | Brantôme, Vézère valley, Sarlat |
| Suggested visit | One day |
With its five domes and turrets, the Saint-Front Cathedral dominates the town and the Isle. A major stage on the Ways of Saint James to Compostela, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for that reason. Its Greek-cross plan recalls St Mark’s in Venice, and its silhouette inspired the architect of the Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre.
Around it, the secteur sauvegardé is one of the largest in France: cobbled lanes, half-timbered houses, spiral staircases and Renaissance façades such as the Maison des Consuls on the banks of the Isle. Wander between place Saint-Louis, rue Limogeanne and place du Coderc, where the market hall stands.
Périgueux was called Vesunna in Roman times. The site-museum of the same name, designed by architect Jean Nouvel, houses under a large glass roof the remains of a wealthy Gallo-Roman house, with its wall paintings and an archaeological garden. Expect to pay €8 at full price and €5 at the reduced rate. Entry is free for under-18s.
Right next door, the Tour de Vésone, about 24 metres high, is the remains of the cella of a large Gallo-Roman temple. It can be seen for free in a public garden. Don’t miss the remains of the amphitheatre, which are part of the Jardin des Arènes.
The MAAP displays one of the richest prehistory collections in France, fitting for the Dordogne, where Lascaux and the Vézère rock shelters were discovered. It also holds Gallo-Roman objects and fine art. The combined ticket with Vesunna costs €12 at full price and €8 at the reduced rate.
In early July, the Mimos festival turns Périgueux into the capital of mime and gesture arts, with many free street shows. In 2026 it ran from 30 June to 4 July. From late autumn to early spring, the marchés au gras draw gourmets and producers from the Périgord. In summer, the guided tours run by the tourist office and the events along the Isle complete the programme.
Half an hour to the north, Brantôme, nicknamed the Venice of the Périgord, nestles its abbey in a bend of the Dronne. To the south-east, the Vézère valley and its prehistoric sites, including Lascaux IV at Montignac, are less than an hour away, and Sarlat and the Dordogne châteaux are about an hour and a quarter away. To plan your route, read our guide to what to do in the Périgord.
Find our selection of cheap campsites in and around Périgueux. On the edge of town, the Le Grand Dague campsite, in Atur, is the most convenient option for a visit. To combine Périgueux and prehistory, the Domaine du Lac, in Plazac, sits in the heart of the Vézère valley. Further south, in the Périgord noir, the La Sagne campsite in Vitrac, the Plein Air des Bories in Carsac-Aillac and the Le Temps de Vivre campsite in Salignac-Eyvigues are ideal for exploring the area around Sarlat. See also all our cheap campsites in the Dordogne.
Périgueux is an ideal stop for a day of calm sightseeing, away from the crowds of Sarlat in full summer. The historic centre and the Tour de Vésone are free, the museums remain affordable and the markets alone are worth the trip. Combine it with Brantôme and the Vézère valley for a full stay in the Périgord.
Campsites marked “Partner” are Aimer Camper members and are shown first. All results match your search.
