Périgueux, on the banks of the River Isle 49 km (30 miles) north of Bergerac (map), is dominated visually by the spires and domes of its huge Cathédrale St-Front, but what dominates in the minds of connoisseurs is the place St-Louis, with its market for fois gras and truffles.

A thriving town in ancient times, Périgueux was a backwater until 1790, when it was designated the Préfecture of the département of the Dordogne.

Its two old city centers, La Cîté and Puy-St-Front, have the usual narrow medieval streets and squares, but otherwise Périgueux exudes a modern bustle, activity and aspect.

Because it has a number of hotels, you can use Périgueux as a base for exploring Périgord blanc and its cuisine, though more convenient bases (such as Sarlat) exist nearer the center of what most visitors want to see.

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Hotels in Périgueux Tourist Information Bergerac Beynac Cahors Domme La Roque-Gageac Lascaux & Montignac Les Eyzies Rocamadour Sarlat St-Cirq-Lapopie About Dordogne