HOW TO SPEND ONE DAY IN PERIGUEUX: A SHORT GUIDE.
As I have family in the Dordogne, I visit the area often. Périgueux is the capital of the department and one of those places that works perfectly for a day out. It’s a lively, cosmopolitan city with layers of history, and for me, it’s also interesting because it sits on one of theFrench Camino routes, the Voie de Vézelay.
If you’re planning to spend a day in Périgueux, here’s a simple guide to help you make the most of your time.
Where is Périgueux?
Périgueux is in the heart of the Dordogne, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. It’s around 100km (62 miles) east of Bordeaux and about 50km (31 miles) north of Bergerac.
For practical purposes, it’s a good base for wider explorations, you can head north towards Brantôme or south to the vineyards. But even if you only stay within the city, there’s more than enough to fill a day.
Things to do in Périgueux
Here are my favourite ways to spend a day in the city.
1/ Visit Cathédrale Saint-Front
The Cathédrale Saint-Front is the landmark you’ll spot first, its domes rise above the city and can be seen from almost anywhere. Inside, the space is bright and open, with vaulted ceilings and striking stained glass.
For Camino walkers, it’s a significant stop. Saint-Front is part of the Voie de Vézelay, one of the four main French pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. It’s also a UNESCO site thanks to this connection. If you’re walking, you might see other pilgrims picking up a stamp for their credencial before setting off again.
2/ Explore the old town
The medieval centre of Périgueux is compact and easy to explore on foot. The cobbled streets are lined with Renaissance houses, half-timbered buildings, and stone facades.
I recommend ducking into side alleys whenever you can, they often lead to interesting finds.
3/ See the Roman ruins
Long before the medieval city, this was the site of Vesunna, a Roman town. Remains of walls are found around the city.
The highlight is the Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum, designed by Jean Nouvel, which incorporates the ruins of a Roman villa. It’s worth a stop if you’re interested in archaeology or ancient history.
4/ Browse the markets
Market days are Wednesday and Saturday mornings, centred around Place du Coderc. The streets fill with stalls selling everything from local cheese and foie gras to fresh vegetables and pastries. Market days are Wednesday and Saturday mornings, centred around Place du Coderc.
The streets fill with stalls selling everything from local cheese and foie gras to fresh vegetables and pastries. In winter, the truffle market is particularly atmospheric.
5/ Dine on the waterfont
For a change of pace from the old streets, head to the waterfront. Le Roofboat is a good option if you’d like to eat overlooking the Isle River.
6/ Look for the Camino scallop shell
As you walk around, keep an eye out for scallop shells, the symbol of the Camino. They’re set into pavements and walls, marking the route through the city. Shells lead the way along the walking route all the way from here to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
7/ Sample wine at Le Chai Bordin
If you’re in the mood for a glass of local wine, Le Chai Bordin is a relaxed place to stop. It’s part wine shop, part bar, so you can try a few things and pick up a bottle to take away.
8/ Linger over lunch
This is France, so lunch is a highlight of the day. Many restaurants in Périgueux offer set menus that are good value. I like Le Saint Louis for something classic, or Hercule Poireau for a slightly different take.
9/ Shop for interesting finds
Périgueux isn’t about big shopping streets, instead, you’ll find independent bookshops, curiosity stores, and pottery workshops tucked into side roads. It’s worth setting aside some time just to browse.
Where to stay in Périgueux
Périgueux has a good range of accommodation, from charming old-town apartments to country hotels just outside the city.
There are large hotels, like the Ibis and the Mercure Perigeueux, which is central to the city. Alternatively, you can find many quaint apartments in the old part of the city – like Le Chic & Biscornu.
Where else in France?
You can find more travel guides for France below.
- How to spend one day in Issigeac
- Lille
- Aubeterre Sur Dronne
- Visiting Food Markets in France: A guide for the best ones
- How to spend one day in Périgueux
- Things to do in Riberac
- Things to do in Verteillac
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
British travel writer and long-distance hiker, native to Kent. Emma has walked the Camino de Santiago more than ten times, completed trails across Europe from the Corfu Trail to the Fisherman’s Trail, and covered thousands of kilometres on foot. She always writes from first-hand experience. Her goal? Inspire just one person to go on their first long-distance hike.
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