Périgueux

Périgueux is a commune in southwestern France that serves as the prefecture of the Dordogne department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. The town is situated where the Isle River meets its tributary the Beauronne, on a limestone plateau that dominates the surrounding valley.

Historically, the site began as the Gallo-Roman settlement Vesunna, whose remains are showcased at the Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum, including a reconstructed villa and urban remains. In the Middle Ages, Périgueux developed as a religious and commercial hub, with a fortified old town and a network of narrow streets that survive in the historic centre.

Among the notable sights are Saint-Front Cathedral, a prominent Romanesque church dating to the 11th and 12th centuries, recognized for its distinctive domed towers; the Vesunna Museum, which presents the archaeological findings from the ancient city; and the well-preserved medieval streets and timber-framed houses that characterize the old town.

Economically, Périgueux acts as the administrative and service center of the Dordogne department. The economy is driven by government services, commerce, and tourism, with visitors drawn to its historical heritage, markets, and cultural life. The city is part of the Grand Périgueux intercommunal structure, which coordinates planning and services with nearby communes.

Transport and geography: Périgueux is connected by road and rail, with a railway station on regional lines that link to Bordeaux, Angoulême, and Brive-la-Gaillarde. The surrounding region experiences an oceanic climate, featuring mild winters and warm summers, which supports year-round tourism and local life.