Périgueux

Périgueux grew beside the Isle from two neighbouring settlements. The old Cité, heir to Roman Vesunna, belonged to the bishop and count of Périgord; nearby Puy-Saint-Front developed around the saint's tomb as a town of merchants and craftsmen. In 1240 the two communities agreed to unite for mutual defence and to end their rivalry. Roads linking Périgueux with Limoges, Saintes and Cahors encouraged the growth of Puy-Saint-Front. Yet its churches and inhabitants suffered amid the Wars of Religion. In 1575 Huguenots took the city and plundered the church of Saint-Front, removing its relics. Périgueux remained under Protestant control until 1581.