Perigueux is the regional capital of the Dordogne and a seat of the Catholic Dioese. It sits on the Isle River and has been in existence since neolithic times.

The name Périgueux originates form the word Petrocorii, the Latin adaption of the of Celtic words meaning “the four tribes” which signifies the four Gallic tribes that held the area before the Roman conquest.

History | Perigueux

In 200 BC, the Petrocorii came from the north and settled at Périgueux and established an encampment at La Boissière.

After the Roman invasion, they left this post and established themselves on the plain of L’Isle, and the town of Vesunna was created. This Roman city Roman city became an important one and over time temples, baths, amphitheaters, and a forum were built.

At the end of the third century AD, the Roman city was surrounded by ramparts, and the town took the name of Civitas Petrocoriorum.

In the 10th century, Le Puy-Saint-Front was constructed around an abbey next to the old Gallo-Roman city.

During the year 1940, many Jews from Alsace were evacuated to Périgueux.

Perigueux is an interesting town to explore and has and well preserved old town.