Périgueux

The Quartier de l'Aubergerie in Périgueux forms an essential part of the historic old town, characterized by its medieval and Renaissance architecture. Here you'll find a dense network of narrow, cobblestone streets, lined with well-preserved buildings that document the city's development over centuries. Many of the characteristic houses, often dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, showcase regional features like half-timbered structures and facades of light limestone. Historically, the quarter was a hub for crafts and trade. As you wander through, you'll discover small squares and specialty shops. Our Tip: The best time to visit the quarter is in the early morning hours, allowing you to quietly admire the architectural details and experience the special atmosphere without large crowds. The winding passages and often flower-adorned windows are perfect for atmospheric photos.

The Galerie Daumesnil is a passageway in the old town of Périgueux, not far from Rue Limogeanne. It is named after General Pierre Daumesnil, who was born in Périgueux. The passageway leads through courtyards between old townhouses, home to small shops, and is a stop on the Saint-Front quarter tour. Our Tip: Combine this side trip with Rue Limogeanne and a glance at the surrounding Renaissance facades.

The Place de Navarre is a small square in the old town of Périgueux, surrounded by medieval and Renaissance houses with limestone facades. From here, you can reach Saint-Front Cathedral and Rue Limogeanne with its shops in just a few minutes. Our Tip: In the morning, it's quiet here, and the light falls beautifully on the facades.

The Cathédrale Saint-Front in Périgueux has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998, as a stop on the Camino de Santiago. Its Greek cross plan with five domes is reminiscent of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice. The church originated in the 12th century, but in the 19th century, architect Paul Abadie extensively rebuilt it, meaning its current appearance is largely his work. Abadie later designed the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Paris, and the similarity is striking.Inside, the space beneath the high domes feels vast and simple.Our tip: Visit in the morning, when it's quieter. For the best exterior view of all the domes, head to the opposite bank of the Isle.

The VESUNNA, Gallo-Roman Museum in Périgueux offers you a deep insight into the city's Roman past, once known as Vesunna Petrucoriorum. It is built directly over the remains of a large Gallo-Roman villa, the so-called Domus of Vésone, impressively integrating these archaeological finds. Here, you can explore the foundations and parts of the ancient villa, cleverly showcased by the modern architecture of Jean Nouvel. The transparent construction allows you to view the excavations from above before descending to ground level to discover the details.Inside, numerous artifacts await you, shedding light on the daily life of the Romans in Aquitaine: magnificent mosaics, fresco fragments, pottery, tools, and sculptures. These exhibits tell the story of the Roman settlement and the local Gallic culture that merged here, painting a vivid picture of the era.Practical Tip: Plan your visit for the morning to enjoy the tranquility and examine the details of the excavations at your leisure. An excellent photo spot is the museum's upper level, from where you have a comprehensive view of the Domus and the surrounding gardens. Also look out for the remains of the Tour de Vésone, an ancient temple located in the immediate vicinity.