Périgueux, capital of the Périgord Blanc, is a city in the southwest of France located in the Dordogne department. With its rich historical and cultural heritage, this city offers a fascinating mix of Roman remains, medieval quarters and Renaissance monuments.
Points of Interest in Périgueux:
The Cathedral of Saint-Front:
A symbol of the city, this cathedral, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, with its five white domes. Built in the 12th century, it is part of the Way of St. James. Its imposing structure and generous volumes dominate the city.
Vesunna, Gallo-Roman Museum:
This museum, designed by the architect Jean Nouvel, houses the remains of an ancient Roman domus (villa). It displays many objects from the Gallo-Roman period and offers a fascinating insight into the history of Vesunna, the ancient Roman Périgueux. You can admire mosaics, frescoes, and the ruins of an amphitheater.
The Medieval Alleys:
The historic center of Périgueux is made up of a labyrinth of small cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses and buildings dating from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Stroll around the Place Saint-Louis or the Quartier du Puy-Saint-Front to admire these architectural treasures.
The Tour de Vésone:
This Gallo-Roman tower, the remains of an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Vésone, is one of the oldest monuments in Périgueux. Standing 24 meters high, it is one of the rare witnesses to the importance of the city in Roman times.