Périgueux, the prefecture of Dordogne, is a city of art and history that captivates visitors with its exceptional heritage and lifestyle. Located just 15 minutes from Domaine de Pouzelande, it serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the Périgord Blanc. Whether you are a lover of history, gastronomy, or nature, here is our complete guide to the must-see activities.
Périgueux, a thousand-year-old city
Founded by the Gauls under the name Vesunna, Périgueux preserves remarkable Gallo-Roman remains. The Vesunna Museum, designed by architect Jean Nouvel, houses the remains of a Roman domus beneath spectacular glass architecture. The Vesone Tower, the vestige of a temple dedicated to the city's tutelary goddess, still rises proudly within the urban landscape. The Saint-Front Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela, dominates the city with its Byzantine domes. Paul Abadie, its architect, later replicated its style for the Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre in Paris.
Strolling through the medieval center
The medieval quarter of Périgueux is an enchantment. Cobbled streets, Renaissance townhouses, spiral staircases, and hidden courtyards can be discovered during a stroll. Do not miss Rue Limogeanne, a historic shopping artery lined with half-timbered facades, or Place de la Clautre at the foot of the cathedral. The city offers themed guided tours throughout the year: medieval routes, Gallo-Roman circuits, tours of the cathedral roofs, gastronomic walks… The tourist office, located on Place du Coderc, is a wealth of information for organizing your days.
The markets, a Périgord institution
The markets of Périgueux are an experience in their own right. The Wednesday and Saturday morning markets transform Place de la Clautre and the adjacent streets into a festival of flavors. Foie gras, truffles in season, Périgord walnuts, goat cheeses, Dordogne strawberries, Bergerac wines… Every stall tells the story of the land. In winter, the "marché au gras" and the truffle market (from November to March) attract gourmets and professionals from around the world. In summer, gourmet markets in Périgueux and night markets in surrounding villages—Sorges, Brantôme, Bourdeilles—extend the pleasure with music and light.
Nature activities around Périgueux
The Périgord Blanc offers an exceptional natural setting for outdoor enthusiasts. The Isle riverbanks greenway (40 km) is a secure cycling route that runs along the Isle valley, ideal for families. Bike rentals are available in Périgueux. Marked hiking trails crisscross wooded hills and green valleys. The GR 36 crosses the Périgord Blanc and offers magnificent stages. Near the estate, 8 marked circuits are accessible. For the more athletic, canoeing on the Dronne, the Isle, the Dordogne, or the Vézère allows you to discover the region from the water. From Domaine de Pouzelande, you are at the heart of this natural showcase. The estate’s 2-hectare park and the 170-hectare property already provide an exceptional walking ground before you even set off to explore the surroundings.
Gastronomy and art de vivre
Périgord is one of the greatest gastronomic regions in France. In Périgueux and its surroundings, there is no shortage of tables: Michelin-starred restaurants, local bistros, and farm-inns. Local specialties—foie gras, duck confit, sarladaise potatoes, walnuts, truffles—are featured in generous and authentic cuisine. Domaine de Pouzelande offers you a foretaste of this richness every morning with an entirely homemade breakfast: eggs from the coop, homemade jams, cakes, yogurts, and brioche kneaded on-site.
Cultural outings
Beyond its architectural heritage, Périgueux is a vibrant cultural city. The Museum of Art and Archaeology of Périgord (MAAP) presents collections ranging from Prehistory to contemporary art. The arthouse cinema, the Odyssey theater, and numerous festivals (Mimos in summer, Sinfonia in autumn) set the pace for cultural life. For families, the Bourdeilles animal park and the many visitable caves (Tourtoirac, Villars, Proumeyssac) offer exciting outings less than an hour from the estate.
Preparing your stay from Domaine de Pouzelande
Located 15 minutes from Périgueux via the N21 heading south, Domaine de Pouzelande is the perfect base camp for exploring the region. We will welcome you with personalized advice, hiking maps, and our best recommendations for restaurants and sightseeing. Whether you stay in a guest room (with breakfast included) or in an independent cottage, you will enjoy the pool, the private tennis court, and the calm of a 2-hectare wooded park. The dream place to recharge after a busy day.