The capital of the Dordogne area, Périgueux, France is an eclectic mix of old and new. Renaissance houses on cobbled streets brush shoulders with modern architecture like the Archives and Bours de Travail in south west France.
Founded more than 2,000 years ago, remains have been faithfully preserved in the new Vesunna Museum, as well as the amphitheatre from the first century and Tour de Vésone. The Périgord Museum goes even farther back, with remarkable finds like the 70,000 year old Neanderthal site near Lascaux.
Meanwhile, the museum Trompe d’Oeil will please those who have a playful spirit and childlike awe. Périgueux is a wonderful city to explore the surrounding historic sites, as well as to take some time to live life the southern way.
Musée-Atelier du Trompe d’Oeil & Décor Peint
With nothing like it probably the world over, the Musée du Trompe d’Oeil is a delightful museum where visitors can also take a peak in the artist’s studios. Visits are guided and go through the history of the decorative painting by the fascinating work they have on display.
Not only can guests see a variety of techniques and artists, they can participate by taking a workshop and learning how to do it themselves. From beginner to professional classes, master teachers go through the process of creating a trompe d’oeil piece.
Also note that children’s groups are welcomed and are specialized for their age group. They are given the chance to try out their own talent at this very playful form of art.
Vesunna, Musée gallo-romain de Périgueux
Situated on top of the early city of Périgueux, the Musée Vesunna is built around the ancient findings of two houses. Discovered only in 1959, the first building was constructed in the first century and visitors can walk within arms length of the relics.
The house was then re-constructed one meter higher, in the second century, the remains of which are also clearly visible. Note the bricks that show how the second house was raised in order for the fireplace to spread heat throughout the floors. The extraordinary collection also includes exquisitely carved pillars from the same era, somehow preserved until today.
Everyday household items, jewellery, kitchen utensils and belt buckles are all on display. The layout of the museum is exceptional, as it is made of all windows and open space, allowing visitors to see the remnants in their natural light. The renowned architect, Jean Nouvel, designed the unique building, which has quickly become a stopping point for both amateur and professional archaeologists alike.
Le Musée du Périgord
This museum was founded in 1835, the first to be established in the Dordogne region. Encompassing about 45,000 items now, this collection is one of the Périgord people with a mostly archaeological interest.
Of grand repute worldwide, the prehistoric collection comprises of flint-stone artefacts, fossilized skeletons, Magdalenian-period engraved bones, an engraved rib from the Cro-Magnon site, and many more, spanning back to over a million years ago.
Also of note in the central cloister are stone carvings from the Gallo-Roman, Medieval and Renaissance periods. The more “recent” collection includes finds from the Neolithic Age, protohistory and the Early Middle Ages, as well as a small display of fine arts.
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