Discover the city of Perigueux
This city has some wonderful examples of Medieval and Renaissance architecture. With its attractive old centre, located on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, the 12th century cathedral should be visited and its narrow streets explored.
The only main city that the L'Isle river flows through, Périgueux has a compact and mostly pedestrianised centre, filled with alleyways and narrow streets that form the main part of town on the west bank of the river.
As well as the usual weekly and daily markets, the beautiful old town also hosts the 'Marchés au gras' during the winter months, showcasing the local specialities such as foie gras, canard, pâté de Périgueux and truffles.
The Long Night of Museums is an annual event where museums across Europe remain open late into the night, and Dordogne is no exception.
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
Exceptional locations around France, including Dordogne, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
Built upon the site of the former Roman city, Civitas Petrocoriorum which flourished during the Roman occupation of Aquitaine in the first centuries AD, Périgueux is a compact but impressive city.
As Christianity grew throughout the region, a monastery and a church were built on the hill (called le Puy Saint Front) near to the Roman city. In the 12th and 13th centuries these old religious buildings were replaced by a Romanesque style basilica. The new church became not only a stop for the pilgrims on their route to Compostela, but also the centre of a thriving town - called Ville du Puy-Saint-Front - that formed around.
In 1240 the Roman city and the Ville du Puy-Saint-Front united to form Périgueux. During the Hundred Years' Wars (1337-1453 between the Kings of France and the Kings of England) Périgueux town was loyal to the French King while its Earl became an ally of the King of England. As a result he was stripped of his title and the county was given to the Duke of Orleans, the brother of Charles VI, the King of France.
On the Saint Front Hill is situated the medieval town with its many narrow streets, and of course the Saint Front Cathedral.
Amongst the more unusual stories of Périgueux is that of actress Simone Mareuil. The French actress who was best known for appearing in the surrealist film Un Chien Andalou (1929), was born in Périgueux in 1903. She was the second wife of actor Philippe Hersent. After World War II, she returned to her home town of Périgueux, where she fell into a deep depression and later committed suicide by self-immolation — dousing herself in gasoline and burning herself to death in a public square.
All the sights are within easy walking distance in this pleasant town as many of the main attractions are within the old town, or La Cité as it's known. You will find an abundance of Roman ruins and wonderful museums that will give you a glimpse of life through the ages in Périgueux. There are also several grand churches to visit, including the rather majestic Cathédrale Saint-Front, which is certainly an impressive sight from the outside, even if you do not wish to venture in.
This glass museum designed by Jean Nouvel is located on the site of a Roman mansion discovered accidentally in the late 1950s. The remains of this huge villa are impressive and include murals dating back to the 1st century.
The museum of art and archaeology houses an excellent prehistoric selection of findings and skeletons from the region.
Today there are only a few remaining elements of the old Roman town which was located at Périgueux.
This Roman Catholic cathedral in the heart of Périgueux's old town is named after the first bishop of Périgueux.
This imposing tower in old Périgueux reached nearly 90 feet in height when it was built in the 2nd century.
Built in La Cité, this cathedral was the main cathedral in Périgueux until the mid 17th century.
Located in the world capital of the truffle, at this small hotel, the truffle has become the main feature.
Within the hotel grounds of the picture perfect Moulin de l'Abbaye hotel, set alongside the River Dronne and with a dining room oozing class and a waterside terrace with shaded trees, it would be difficult to find a spot in the world more idyllic than this!
Set in an inviting tranquil hotel just a short distance from the centre of medieval Brantome. A meal typical of the region including duck, foie gras and of course truffles can be enjoyed in the spacious restaurant or under the mulberry trees on the terrace in the summer.
Set in the hotel's 19th Century building, the dining room has wonderful stone walls and comforting, traditional table settings. Weather permitting, you may be able to relish your meal outside on the flowery terrace overlooking the lush garden or even down by the pool.
Sitting wonderfully on the central square in Tursac, this great little restaurant has an attractive garden in which to enjoy their traditional but imaginative fare. There is a good vegetarian selection and a full vegetarian set menu available if you let them know in advance.
With their very own garden, the restaurant has access to the freshest fruit, vegetables, edible flowers and herbs. This is reflected in the menu, which makes the most of the regions famous culinary delights, including foie gras and of course Perigords black diamond, the truffle. You will easily settle into the cosy, contemporary restaurant or get to enjoy your surroundings while dining out on the terrace.
As with many towns in the Dordogne and Bordeaux regions, you will find a 'Petit Train' that will take you round the main tourist attractions and help you orientate yourself in the area. This is especially good for those with younger children...train journeys are always a treat!
For another type of 'train' you could try the Velorail du Perigord Vert near Thiviers to the north east. A fun way to travel through the countryside under your own steam...or pedal power anyway. There are plenty of walking and cycling trails to follow all through this beautiful region, and both are a great way to further afield. One thing not to be missed however, is a canoe along the river, or the 'Voie Bleue' as it is known. This is possibly the most tranquil way to travel past Perigueux and venture along to the neighbouring towns.
Discover the art and history of the city of Perigueux, exploring the ancient city, old town and admiring the beauty.
A 23km trail that follows the Isle river through the Perigord countryside from Trelissac (Charrieras) to Marsac (La Roche).
This short stretch of Voie Verte (greenway) is perfect for families looking to stretch their legs in the Dordogne countryside, without having to conquer any hills climbs.
This Voie Verte (greenway) has been created along the track of an old and now unused railway line.
Although just 25km this circular route from Rocamadour does cross some challenging terrain. Partly on river path and some parts on road, you will need to have some experience of cycling to enjoy this route fully.
A 23km trail that follows the Isle river through the Perigord countryside from Trelissac (Charrieras) to Marsac (La Roche).
Following part of the GR6 route through the Dordogne this walk takes you from Lalinde on a circular route through the surrounding countryside.
This walk is wonderful and relaxing way to explore the valley of Autoire and the horseshoe shaped cliff band that guards it to the south-west.
With stunning views over the Lot river and the town of Cahors this walk is worth it just to enjoy the views.
Part of a long distance towpath, there is an interesting section cut out of the rocky cliff face between Bouziès and Saint-Cirq Lapopie which was used to drag barges along the river Lot. It's about five kilometres between the two villages and is a stunning section of the river.
Not only can you take a relaxing journey down the Dronne river in a canoe but you can try your hand at stand up paddle boarding or take to the cliffs and trees for some adventure above ground.
Easy canoeing for everybody. You can navigate with family or friends in peace. You’ll be given a solid equipment, stable canoes and buoyancy aids.
This area provides water-sports for all ages. Renowned for its architectural heritage and sites of natural beauty, you will find that paddling is a great way to relax and have fun whilst enjoying the scenery.
With family, in a group, with friends and at any age, you can explore at your own pace two of the most beautiful rivers of Périgord.
Hire a canoe or kayak from this company and you can enjoy a gentle river cruise and the chance to explore the wonderful Dordogne river and its banks.
Enjoy a single or multi-day trip down the river Dordogne to town such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Montfort and Fayac.
Charming renovated detached cottage in the heart of Dordogne.
A combination of two renovated villas in the heart of Dordogne.
Renovated 16th century farmhouse in Dordogne.
A beautiful property owned by a local viticulturist whose vineyards form part of the grounds around the house.
Enjoy French country living at La Castille, a beautifully restored 18th Century stone bastide which offers charm and style in abundance, in an area renowned for delicious food and wine. La Castille is the sister property to La Perigourdine and La Petite Maison.
Decorated in chic but subtle style this pretty cream coloured stone cottage is the epitome of a charming rural retreat yet is within walking distance of the impressive bastide of Castillonnes.
Recently renovated, the old farm has been given a new lease of life. Preserving its original charm with exposed wooden beams, mullioned windows, exposed fireplaces and tasteful decoration, the hotel is a truly comforting prospect.
