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Périgueux Cathedral: A Byzantine Masterpiece

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Explore Périgueux Cathedral, a UNESCO site blending Romanesque-Byzantine architecture with a rich history and spiritual ambiance.

Périgueux Cathedral, also known as Cathédrale Saint-Front, is a stunning Roman Catholic cathedral in the heart of Périgueux, France. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it showcases a unique blend of Romanesque and Byzantine architectural styles, featuring five prominent domes and a rich history dating back to the 4th century.

A brief summary to Périgueux Cathedral

  • Monday 9 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the spring or fall for mild weather and fewer crowds.
  • Take a guided tour to discover the cathedral's history and architectural details.
  • Climb to the top of the cathedral for panoramic rooftop views of Périgueux.
  • Enter the cathedral from Place de Greffe for a better first impression of the interior.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Périgueux city center, the cathedral is easily accessible on foot. Navigate towards the old town and follow signs for Cathédrale Saint-Front. The cathedral is located on Place de la Clautre. Walking from the Musée Vesunna takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    The Péribus network serves the Greater Périgueux area. Several bus lines stop near the cathedral. Check the Péribus website for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. A single fare is approximately €1.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Périgueux. A short taxi ride from the Périgueux train station to the cathedral will cost approximately €10-€15. Uber is also an option.

  • Parking

    If driving, parking is available near the cathedral. Place de la Clautre offers limited parking (3 hours free), and Parking Tourny is a paid option. Montaigne offers both above-ground (free) and underground (paid) parking. Be aware of blue zones where a parking disc is required. Underground parking at Montaigne costs €6.80 for 24 hours. Free parking for 3 hours is available in streets with parking meters, after which it is €5 per additional quarter hour.

Discover more about Périgueux Cathedral

Périgueux Cathedral, or Cathédrale Saint-Front, stands as a testament to centuries of history and architectural evolution in Périgueux. The site's religious significance traces back to the 4th or 5th century, with the construction of a chapel. In 976, Bishop Frotaire established the Abbey of Saint-Front on the same grounds, consecrated in 1047. This abbey housed the tomb of Saint Front, the first bishop of Périgueux, adding to its importance as a pilgrimage site.The cathedral's design is inspired by a Greek cross plan, adorned with five domes that lend it an oriental feel. This unique architectural style blends Romanesque and Byzantine elements, making it a distinctive landmark. The current structure largely reflects the 19th-century restoration led by Paul Abadie, who later designed the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre, Paris. Abadie's work revitalized the cathedral, preserving its original layout while incorporating harmonious redesigns.Visitors can explore the cathedral's crypts, one of which is known as Saint Front's grotto, believed to be where the saint lived as a hermit. The cathedral also features a 12th-century bell tower, which connects the church's oldest sections. Inside, a splendid Baroque walnut wood altarpiece and a gigantic chandelier add to the interior's grandeur. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France.

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