Périgueux Cathedral, Périgord Noir Travel Guide

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Explore Périgueux Cathedral, a UNESCO site with unique Romanesque-Byzantine architecture and a rich history dating back to the 4th century.

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Périgueux Cathedral

Périgueux Cathedral, also known as Cathédrale Saint-Front, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a remarkable example of Romanesque-Byzantine architecture. Its unique design, featuring five domes, sets it apart from other cathedrals in France and makes it a must-see attraction in Périgueux.

A brief summary to Périgueux Cathedral

Pl. de la Clautre, Périgueux, 24000, FR
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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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Périgueux Cathedral.

Visit the rooftop for panoramic views of Périgueux; guided tours are available.
Explore the 12th-century cloister, which combines Roman and Gothic architectural elements.
Check out the interior for the Baroque walnut wood altarpiece and the 19th-century organ.
Take a walk along the Isle River for the best views of the cathedral.

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Explore Périgueux Cathedral on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Périgueux Cathedral, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

Périgueux Cathedral is located in the heart of the city, easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From the Tourist Office, walk north along Rue du President Wilson, then turn left onto Place de la Clautre. The cathedral will be directly ahead. No costs are involved.
Public Transport

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

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Périgueux. A short trip from the Périgueux train station to the cathedral will cost approximately €10-€15.
Parking

If driving, several parking options are available near the cathedral. Place de la Clautre offers limited parking (3 hours free), and Parking Tourny is a paid option. Underground parking is available at Parking Montaigne (18 Cours Michel Montaigne) for €6.80 for 24 hours. Street parking is free for 3 hours, but requires entering your license plate at the nearest parking meter. Be aware of blue zones, where a parking disc is required. Parking is free on Saturdays and Sundays.

Discover more about Périgueux Cathedral

Périgueux Cathedral, or Cathédrale Saint-Front, stands as a testament to centuries of history and architectural evolution. Located in the heart of Périgueux, this cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France.The cathedral's origins trace back to the 4th or 5th century when a chapel was first built on the site. In the 6th century, monks constructed a chapel to house the relics of Saint Front, the first bishop of Périgueux, which led to the establishment of a monastery. In 976, Bishop Frotaire constructed the Abbey of Saint-Front on the site of the church, which was then consecrated in 1047. The abbey was destroyed by fire in 1120, but the relics of Saint Front were saved, and the basilica was rebuilt. The current structure largely dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries, with significant renovations in the 19th century by architect Paul Abadie. Abadie also designed the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre.The cathedral's design is based on a Greek cross plan, with the center and each side of the cross supporting a large dome. This layout, similar to St. Mark's Church in Venice, is uncommon for Christian churches. The five domes give the cathedral an oriental feel. The oldest parts of the church are the entrance and the bell tower. The bell tower is the oldest in France and the only Byzantine-style one in the world. The interior features a Baroque walnut wood altarpiece and a large chandelier.Visitors can explore the cathedral daily and admire its architecture and historical artifacts. Guided tours are available for those seeking a deeper understanding of its history and significance.