The Tourist Sites in the White Périgord

Wondering what to visit when you are on holiday in Dordogne ? Check out our pages which provide information on the best tourist sites in the Périgord Blanc, the must-sees when you are on holiday around Périgueux ! Visits to castles, museums on the history of Périgord for a well-filled stay with family or friends.

For even more ideas, check out the Périgord Guide blog, with reports on Dordogne tourist sites, the best things to do in Périgord.

Hautefort Castle (17th century)

In the north-east of the Dordogne, 40 km from Périgueux, 48 km from Brive-la-Gaillarde and 60 km from Sarlat, the imposing Château de Hautefort occupies an exceptional location on a former Roman camp.

Surrounded by French gardens classified as a Historic Monument and a 30 ha English park, Hautefort is a spectacular building combining medieval fortifications with a classical construction built between 1630 and 1670.

Its dimensions and appearance make this ensemble a Loire Valley château lost in Périgord, in the middle of a preserved natural setting.

The Château des Bories in Antonne (15th and 16th centuries)

All the charm of the Renaissance at the gates of Périgueux.

Built on the banks of the river from 1497 to 1604, the Château des Bories retains one of the most beautiful Gothic kitchens in Périgord.

VESUNNA - The GALLO ROMAN MUSEUM Site

Unique in France, the Gallo-Roman museum site houses the remains of a rich Gallo-Roman residence in an architecture by Jean Nouvel. Antique collections exceptionally highlighted. A large umbrella hovers above the walls of the "Domus de Vésone" which it protects. A thematic tour explains "the city and public life" then "the house and private life".

From the museum's mezzanines, a spectacular view opens onto the remains. Beyond, the high glass walls reveal the landscaped park of the Tour de Vésone and the remains of the 4th century rampart. The building is like a window onto the past buried beneath the modern city.

The Vesunna Museum

Saint Front Cathedral in Perigueux

The originality of the Saint Front Cathedral lies in its particular architecture ( Greek cross plan). Of the Byzantine type, it was remodeled many times before being completed at the end of the 12th century.

It would undergo some further modifications later, not taking into account the original plan. Today it remains a magnificent testimony to Roman-Byzantine art.

The Saint-Front Cathedral of Périgueux

MAAP: The Périgord Museum of Art and Archeology

Want to know more about the history of Périgord? Come and visit one of the oldest museums in Périgord, the Museum of Art and Archaeology of Périgord. It will take you from room to room to understand this department with such a rich past, thanks to superb archaeological collections, fine arts, prehistoric art but also ethnology.

Chancelade Abbey

Founded in the 12th century, Chancelade Abbey is a haven of peace located in a green setting at the foot of the hills overlooking the Beauronne.

During its history it has experienced many wars and numerous occupants. During the Revolution, it became national property.

The Priory of Merlande

Nestled in a valley in the heart of a magnificent forest in all seasons, the Priory of Merlande is a truly conducive place for meditation. Founded in the 12th century by the monks of the Abbey of Chancelade a few kilometers away, and remodeled in the 16th, this fortified building, with its loopholes and its defense path, is worth the detour. Promised to destruction then perfectly restored, and adjoined by a magnificent Logis du Prieur, the whole of the abbey today looks great, and is one of the favorites of Guide du Périgord !

WINE MUSEUM - LARDIMALIE CELLAR

It is really necessary to stop at this Wine and Vine Museum, which is located a stone's throw from St Pierre de Chignac, in a spectacular 1900 winery, listed as a Historic Monument.

A 19th century industrial building, it nonetheless retains the charm of Belle Époque buildings and houses a magnificent oak vat room !

This family winery, for 5 generations, presents a rare collection of tools for grape harvesters, winegrowers, cellar masters and coopers.

You will follow the precise path of the grape from the vine to the barrel and you will discover all the secrets of winemaking; With numerous photos, posters, documents or objects from 1900, the museum also evokes the life of the estate and its founder: JH Sécrestat, a Bordeaux industrialist and Périgord patron.

His descendants will welcome you during your visit.

Tools of grape harvesters, winegrowers, cellar masters and coopers in their natural setting.

Castle of Château-l'évêque

Château l'Évêque is located in the heart of Périgord and its castle is the former favorite residence of the bishops. It is considered the jewel of Périgueux. Surrounded by 17 hectares consisting of an English park, meadows, river, pond and woods, the castle of the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries is an exceptional place.

The Veyssiere Mill

The Moulin de la Veyssière is located in Neuvic. It is a peaceful and pleasant place to discover one of the jewels of Périgord gastronomy: the Périgord Walnut ! Here, we do not grow walnuts, but we have transformed them for 6 generations using a sumptuous and authentic water mill, into walnut oil. The Moulin de la Veyssière is managed by the family. A visit to this mill will lead you to understand the challenges of flour milling and the production of walnut oil in Périgord, as well as the possibility of tasting, visiting a museum on the subject, an educational orchard. Bring a picnic and enjoy the tables by the stream!

We wish you a great holiday in Périgord Blanc, remember to consult our pages on the best visits to make in Périgord Noir, Périgord Vert and Périgord Pourpre !