Thermes De Vésone

Thermes De Vésone: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites in Périgueux

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

In the heart of Périgueux, southwestern France, the Thermes De Vésone, or Vésone Baths, stand as a captivating testament to the region’s Gallo-Roman heritage. As remnants of the ancient city of Vesunna—the capital of the Petrocorii tribe during the Roman Empire—these baths offer a unique opportunity to experience Roman urbanism, architecture, and culture dating from the 1st to 3rd centuries CE. Today, the Thermes De Vésone are preserved within the Parc de Vésone and are closely linked to the acclaimed Vesunna Museum, designed by Jean Nouvel, which provides immersive educational experiences and showcases archaeological discoveries.

This guide presents a detailed overview of the Thermes De Vésone’s historical significance, architectural features, practical visitor information (including opening hours and ticket prices), accessibility, and nearby attractions. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a curious traveler, use this resource to plan and enrich your visit to one of France’s most remarkable Gallo-Roman sites.

For official updates and visitor details, consult the Vesunna Museum official website and the Périgueux tourism office.

Architectural plan of the Château de Godofre thermal baths in Périgueux from 1930

1859 architectural plan of the Château de Godofre thermal baths in Périgueux

Historical floor plan of the Godofre Castle thermal baths in Périgueux from 1862

Perspective plan of the ruins of the Thermes de Vésone discovered in 1759 and 1760

Map showing vestiges described by J. de Lafayardie in Périgueux in the 1930s

Archaeological vestiges discovered at the south of Rue Petit and Jardin Boras in Périgueux, 1930

Remains of ancient Roman baths unearthed in 1939 during trench digging for passive defense on Rue de Vésone in Périgueux, Dordogne

View of the aqueduct of the Thermes de Vésone below the Petit-Change castle in 1813 with surveyors tracing the aqueduct and road workers cutting the imperial road

The History and Significance of Thermes De Vésone

Origins and Development

The Thermes De Vésone were integral to the ancient city of Vesunna, founded after the Roman conquest of Aquitaine in 16 BCE. Strategically positioned on the Isle River, Vesunna flourished as a center of trade and Romanization, boasting extensive monumental architecture including baths, an amphitheater, temples, and city walls (perigord.com).

The baths—constructed in the 1st and 2nd centuries CE—reflect the Romans’ emphasis on hygiene, leisure, and social interaction. Their construction, using local limestone and Roman concrete, demonstrates advanced engineering, particularly in water management and heating systems. Water for the baths was supplied by an aqueduct from Grandfont, approximately 7 kilometers away (Vesunna Museum).

Architectural Features

The typical Roman bath complex consisted of the frigidarium (cold room), tepidarium (warm room), caldarium (hot room), and areas for exercise and socializing. The baths’ ruins, though partially preserved, provide valuable insight into Roman daily life and urban sophistication (Wikipedia).

Prominently nearby is the Tour de Vésone, a 24-meter-high temple tower dedicated to the goddess Vesunna, symbolizing the city’s prosperity and religious syncretism (France Voyage). The baths themselves showcase vestiges of mosaic floors, marble cladding, and a hypocaust heating system.

Civic and Religious Role

The baths and adjacent temple formed a focal point for civic life, religious rituals, and social gatherings. Wealthy citizens often funded such public amenities (a practice known as évergétisme), reinforcing social status and urban identity.

Decline and Preservation

With the decline of the Roman Empire in the 3rd and 4th centuries CE, Vesunna contracted, and public buildings like the baths were abandoned or quarried for materials. During the Middle Ages, only the Tour de Vésone remained visible. Systematic excavation and preservation began in the 19th century, culminating in the creation of the Vesunna Museum in the early 21st century (guide-tourisme-france.com).

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Location and Access

Address: 3 rue Claude Bernard, 24000 Périgueux, France (TouchScreenTravels)
GPS: 45° 10’45.9”N, 0° 42’51.87”E

The Thermes De Vésone are set within Parc de Vésone, a landscaped park adjacent to the VESUNNA Gallo-Roman Museum. The park and museum are easily reached by foot from Périgueux’s city center, with ample parking and public transport nearby (Audiala).

Opening Hours

Parc de Vésone (Thermes ruins): Open daily, typically from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM (summer) and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (winter). Free entry (Guide du Périgord).
Vesunna Museum: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Closed Mondays and certain public holidays. Last admission 45 minutes before closing.

Ticket Prices

Parc de Vésone: Free entry.
Vesunna Museum: Adults €7–€8, concessions (students, seniors) €5, free for under 18s. Family passes and combined tickets for other sites available (Guide du Périgord).

Accessibility and Amenities

Wheelchair access, paved paths, elevators, and adapted restrooms are available at both the park and museum.
The Vesunna Museum offers a café, gift shop, and restrooms.
Audio guides and regular guided tours (in French, with some in English) are available for a small additional fee.

Guided Tours and Events

The Vesunna Museum hosts guided tours, temporary exhibitions, workshops, and family-friendly activities. Check the museum website or Tourist Office for current programming.

What to See Nearby: Top Périgueux Historical Sites

After exploring the Thermes De Vésone, discover other highlights of Périgueux’s ancient and medieval heritage:

Tour de Vésone: Striking Gallo-Roman temple tower, open during daylight hours (France Voyage).
VESUNNA Gallo-Roman Museum: Built atop a Roman domus, with interactive exhibits and panoramic views (Lonely Planet).
Jardin des Arènes: Ruins of the Roman amphitheater in a landscaped park (The Crazy Tourist).
Saint-Étienne-de-la-Cité Church: Romanesque church on Roman foundations (Lonely Planet).
Medieval Old Town: Cobbled streets, Renaissance mansions, lively markets (Pourquoi Pas Nous).

Archaeological Discoveries and Research

Excavations at the Thermes De Vésone and the Vesunna domus have yielded mosaics, marble cladding, hypocaust remains, ceramics, coins, and daily life artifacts. Ongoing research, in partnership with universities, enriches understanding of Roman urban life in Aquitaine (Guide du Périgord).

The Vesunna Museum’s innovative architecture, designed by Jean Nouvel, allows visitors to walk above the preserved ruins and offers interactive displays, digital reconstructions, and thematic exhibitions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Thermes De Vésone opening hours?
A: The park is open daily (typically 8:00 AM–7:00 PM in summer, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM in winter). The Vesunna Museum is open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM.

Q: Do I need tickets to visit the Thermes De Vésone?
A: The park and ruins are free to enter. Tickets are required for the Vesunna Museum.

Q: Is the site accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, the park and museum are wheelchair accessible and have adapted facilities.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, both guided tours and audio guides are available at the Vesunna Museum.

Q: Can I take photographs at the site?
A: Photography for personal use is permitted; check museum guidelines for restrictions on flash or professional equipment.

Q: How do I get to the Thermes De Vésone from the train station?
A: It’s approximately a 15-minute walk or a short bus/taxi ride from the Périgueux train station.

Practical Visitor Tips

Transport: Périgueux is compact and walkable. Most historical sites are within a 10–15-minute walk of each other. Parking is available near the Cité district and museum.
Recommended visiting times: Early mornings on weekdays are quieter, especially outside summer.
Family visits: The museum offers educational materials, quiz booklets, and family workshops.
Events: The park and museum host concerts, reenactments, and seasonal festivals. Check official listings for current events.

Summary

The Thermes De Vésone are a cornerstone of Périgueux’s Gallo-Roman legacy, offering insight into ancient urban planning, social life, and religious practice. The integration of the archaeological site with the Vesunna Museum, along with nearby historical attractions, makes Périgueux an exceptional destination for heritage tourism. Accessibility, family amenities, and engaging events ensure a rewarding visit for all ages.

For the most enriching experience, plan ahead by checking seasonal hours, booking museum tickets or tours, and utilizing resources like the Audiala app for audio guides and interactive maps. Stay connected with the Vesunna Museum website and Périgueux tourism office for up-to-date information.

Experience the enduring legacy of Roman civilization firsthand at the Thermes De Vésone!