Nature walk in Périgueux

Périgueux is a surprising city, which conceals corners of nature to discover and appreciate, with the return of sunny days, but not only! Parks, gardens, cycle path along the Isle, discover Périgueux from new perspectives, take to the heights and come with us on a nature walk!

Isle Valley Green Road Bike

We set off by bicycle from the Pont des Barris, to appreciate the magnificent view of the Saint-Front Cathedral in Périgueux. This cycle path is easily accessible and practicable on foot, by bike, scooter, gyropod or even on rollerblades. With a length of more than 100km, it begins in Périgueux (Trélissac) and continues until the border with the department of Gironde. It allows you to discover the architectural and historical heritage of this beautiful region, along the Isle river.

The greenway is pleasant and shaded, it allows you to walk with your family, because its low elevation makes it passable at all levels. You can make frequent stops and why not park your mounts to go visit the city and take breaks in the parks and green spaces that punctuate it.

The canal promenade

In the forest and bordered by trees, it leads you to the very pretty Moulin du Rousseau. Look at the charming vegetable gardens on your left! On the hillside, not far from the Isle which flows peacefully, it is a real pleasure... Make a stop at the Moulin du Rousseau, a former flour mill and cutlery, it is now the property of the city, it is the seat of several cultural associations. There is also a skate park and a play area for children, appreciated by the locals. Right next to it is the Garden of the Wanderers, an environmental awareness project, a set of abundant gardens with plants that flourish along the river. You will find there a route arranged through 7 entities to discover fauna and flora in an educational way.

Vésone park

We continue our discovery of the green spaces of Périgueux by driving to the Jardin du Parc de Vésone. This is where we discover a magnificent vestige of the Gallo-Roman past of Périgueux. Vésone (Périgueux) is named after the chief town of the ancient City of the Pétrucores, created by the emperor Augustus around 16 BC The Tower of Vésone stands and measures the admiring visitors from the top of its 24m, it represents the sacred part of the ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Vesunna, protector of the city. The surrounding park, created in the 19th century, is full of over 6000m² of greenery.

You will also find there the Vesunna Museum, whose architectural envelope was designed by Jean Nouvel.

The Garden of the Arena

Surrounded by an ancient Roman amphitheater dating from the 1st century, the remains of which can still be appreciated , with a capacity of 20,000 seats, the garden is arranged in a very pleasant circular space. There is a pretty pool and play areas, embellished by the saving shade of magnificent large trees including a sumptuous Atlas Cedar, a redwood and holm oaks. The garden is 11,000 square meters, stop for a moment on one of its benches to appreciate the tranquility.

The Remparts Garden and the Gamenson Park

At the other end of the city, the Jardin des Remparts is stepped, it overlooks the river, it is an ideal place to start a heritage walk in Périgueux!

The Gamenson Park is located not far from the library, it shelters a nature theater fitted out at the beginning of the XIXth century. Its 1.5 ha of grasses, large trees, statues of men of letters are host to festive summer events, such as concerts. It is pleasant to walk there, in the sandstone of its path and let yourself be carried away by the charm of this ancient landscaped complex, under the eye of the remains of the ancient wall.

The big puy Bernard

We take the height, we rise on the hill of the place called Grand Puy Bernard, for a getaway in the middle of natural meadows, which are managed in such a way as to promote biodiversity. It is not a garden, it is a natural space where it is good to stroll, and do not forget your ball to enjoy the playground with the children!

The source park

It is located in the Toulon district, it is dedicated to families and children, with large grassy areas and games, pétanque grounds, picnic tables, it is a natural stop close to the city, on the road to Angoulême!

Our ride ends back on the green see where we meet cows, which remind us that Périgueux is a city surrounded by nature, where the countryside quickly regains its ease just a few kilometers for our greatest pleasure!

Useful information

Find all the information, opening times and dates for the parks and gardens in the city of Périgueux on the city's website (fr).