Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Perigueux. Périgueux-Bassillac Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 50 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
A few things to sort out before you leave PGX:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for France. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Perigueux takes about 50 minutes by Local Bus (Périgord Mobilités). Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is EUR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some EUR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Transport from Périgueux-Bassillac Airport to Downtown
You have two main options for getting from Périgueux-Bassillac Airport into town:
- Local Bus (Périgord Mobilités): About 50 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 70 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Bag Storage Near PGX
Specific locker facilities at PGX aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Perigueux itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Perigueux might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$11 USD
- A meal: ~$22 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$43 USD
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Perigueux.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Perigueux, two standouts are:
- Cathédrale Saint-Front — Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
- Vésunna Gallo-Roman Museum — You can see the highlights in about an hour without rushing.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside PGX — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Aircraft Spotting Area
- Relaxing Terminal Area
Food & Dining Options
- In the city: Le Saint-Front and L’Amphore are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Perigueux.
- At the airport: Le snack de l’aérodrome and Airport Vending Machine Area will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and PGX is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Perigueux and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Resting at the Airport
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at PGX, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Perigueux count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave PGX. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.