Périgueux is famous for its gastronomy and medieval heritage, but it’s also a haven for art and history lovers. Growing up in Périgueux, I had the opportunity to explore the city’s various museums on several occasions.
Prepare to be amazed by the diversity and richness of these museums’ collections. Whether you’re passionate about archaeology, history, art or simply curious about new discoveries, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Périgueux’s museums. It’s also a great activity to do with the whole family and when it’s raining. So, are you ready to dive into this cultural adventure?
Musée Gallo-Romain Vésunna: A plunge into antiquity
Let’s start with the museum we recommend you visit during your stay in Périgueux. The Vésunna museum was built on the remains of an impressive Gallo-Roman temple. It’s an open window on antiquity, a journey back in time to Roman times.
Ihe Gallo-Roman remains include a tower and the remains of a Domus (villa) dating from the 1st to 3rd centuries, now restored as a handsome, interactive museum with full windows, and therefore completely open to the outside world. There are descriptive sheets everywhere, as well as videos and tablets showing the different eras of the site. and daily life in Gallo-Roman times. Everyday objects, sculptures and models help you imagine the city as it was thousands of years ago. It’s fascinating to see how people lived, worked and played back then. You can also admire the Tour de Vésone, just next door.
The museum is magnificent, with architect Jean Nouvel in charge of the project. The volumes have been preserved, which will allow you to realize the volumes of the houses of the time. Underneath the rooms you can see the hypocaust heating system.
Tips for your visit: To get the most out of your visit, download the museum app. It offers audio guides and interactive maps to enhance your experience. And keep an eye on the program of themed tours, often offered during school vacations. Full price €6.
This tour is an excellent way to deepen your understanding of Périgueux’s Roman history.
The Musée d’Art et d’Archéologie du Périgord: A Historical Treasure
Right in the heart of Périgueux, the Musée d’Art et d’Archéologie du Périgord (MAAP for its French acronym) is a must-see for any visitor. It’s a life-size history book. Imagine a journey that takes you from prehistory to the present day, through rich and diverse eras.
As soon as you enter, you’re greeted by impressive prehistoric collections. Here, every object tells a story—that of the region’s earliest inhabitants. It’s fascinating to see these remnants of prehistoric people’s daily lives. Replicas of dwellings and scenes from daily life will captivate visitors of all ages. And that’s just the beginning! The museum also features a superb collectionof medieval art, where sculptures and works of arttransport youto another era.
And for art lovers, the museum is full of surprises. Several rooms feature collections of modern and contemporary art.
Events: A variety of activities are organized throughout the year, such as “Museum Thursdays,” where visitors can explore a specific artwork; treasure hunts for children that take them through the different galleries for a fun and educational experience; and during school breaks, activities such as escape games and workshops for children…
Tips for your visit: the museum is open almost all year round, but check the official website for opening times and prices before your visit. Full price €6. An audioguide is available for an additional €1, in French and English. Don’t forget to ask about the children’s treasure hunt.
The Military Museum: a testimony to the warrior past
Let’s continue our cultural tour of Périgueux with a visit to the Military Museum. This museum is a sanctuary dedicated tomilitary history, from the Hundred Years’ War to the Second World War. It’s a plunge into the wartime past of France and the Dordogne, an educational and moving experience.
Organized over 3 floors, each room in the museum is a story, telling tales of battle, strategy and heroism. You’ll find armor, weapons, uniforms and even battle scenes. It’s a tangible way to connect with history, to feel the weight of bygone eras.
The main museums around Périgueux
- The Lascaux Cave (Lascaux IV) in Montignac
This replica of the famous Lascaux Cave is an exceptional site. It offers an immersive experience in the cave art of our ancestors. A must-see— a complete replica of the Lascaux Cave—this new site offers an immersive and interactive experience. The museum will appeal to visitors of all ages and is located 30 minutes north of Sarlat. - National Museum of Prehistory in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Located in the “Capital of Prehistory,” this museum is a must-see for anyone seeking to understand the history of prehistoric humans. It houses one of the most extensive prehistoric collections in Europe. This rich and diverse museum is worth visiting several times in a lifetime. It features various artifacts (tools, jewelry, bones, pottery, and more) discovered in nearby caves, including Lascaux I. The museum offers a fun and chronological way to learn more about the origins of humankind. It’s an ideal family outing to enjoy near Sarlat. - Bourdeilles Castle
Just a few kilometers from Périgueux, this medieval and Renaissance castle houses a museum rich in antique furniture and works of art. It offers a journey through history and architectural elegance. - Bovetti Chocolate Museum in Terrasson-Lavilledieu
For a sweeter experience, this museum dedicated to chocolate offers a delightful and educational getaway. Discover the history of cacao and participate in chocolate-making workshops.
Practical information
Pass Grand Périgueux
The Pass Grand Périgueux is an interesting option if you want to visit several sites during your stay in Périgueux at a low cost. Here is a detailed description of how it works:
- What is the Pass Grand Périgueux? The Pass Grand Périgueux gives you the freedom to discover various tourist sites at reduced prices. It offers different packages depending on the length of your stay, from 4 visits over 5 days to 12 visits valid for one year. This pass entitles the holder to free admission to one of 16 partners, depending on the package chosen. The Pass, equipped with a barcode, is activated the first time it is used.
- Examples of sites included: the Vesunna Museum, the Museum of Art and Architecture, the Military Museum, the roofs of Saint Front Cathedral, access to the bus network (Péribus)….
- Where can I buy the Grand Périgueux Pass? The Pass can be purchased online, at the Grand Périgueux Tourist Office (located on Place du Coderc), or at one of the designated sales locations.
This Pass is ideal for those planning to visit several cultural and historical sites in the region, offering an economical and convenient way to explore the cultural diversity of Périgueux and the surrounding area.
Where to stay in Périgueux?
To make the most of Périgueux, we recommend staying in the historic center.
We recommend the Apparts Limogeanne, located in the heart of Périgueux’s historic center (a designated historic preservation zone) on Rue Limogeanne, a pedestrian street, just 5 minutes from everything—including Saint-Front Cathedral, restaurants, and the tourist office…
The apartments are fully equipped and furnished (bed linens and towels, Nespresso, fiber-optic Internet, Netflix, etc.). They have air conditioning, which is especially nice during the hot summer months.
➡️Here’s a promo code for our readers: Get 5% off by entering the code PERIGUEUX in the coupon field directly on the Apparts Limogeanne website.
We wish you an excellent stay in Perigueux! Feel free to drop us a line below to let us know if you’re planning a Périgourdine getaway, ask any questions you may have or share on social networks(our Instagram) we’ll be delighted to get back to you!
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