Founded over two thousand years ago, Périgueux, préfecture or capital city of the Dordogne, is a gracious blend of ancient and modern.

The history of the city of Périgueux began when four Celtic tribes merged to become the Petrucores. They settled on the hills overlooking the river (l’Isle) until they were overpowered by the Romans.  The Gallo‑Roman remains show how magnificent the town would have been in the 1st and 2nd centuries, the Romans having built in the valley Vesunna, an imposing city (between 15 and 20000 inhabitants), which, in the 3rd century, was enclosed by a defensive surrounding wall. In the 4th century, Vesunna which was but a small town was named after its people “Civitas Petrocoriorum”.  In the 9th century, it withstood the attacks of the Normans several times due to its thick defensive surrounding wall.

In the 20th century, “Great Périgueux” developed through the neighbouring villages, going past the loop of the river Isle. “Great Périgueux” is composed of 9 “communes” and has, according to the population census made in 1999, about 65000 inhabitants whereas Périgueux itself has about 32500 inhabitants.

Old Périgueux is a very attractive area. Rue Limogeanne, the narrow cobbled street that winds its way down through this historical quarter is the principal commercial street of the old quarter. The old quarter is largely pedestrianised, with some access for service vehicles