reveals an imitation of Oriental art, the construction differs altogether from Byzantine methods. The dates 984–1047, often given for the erection of St Front's, he considers too early; he thinks that the present church of St Front was built about 1120–1173, in imitation of a foreign monument by a native local school of architecture which erected the other domed buildings in the south-west of France. The local architect, Paul Abadie (1812–1884), was responsible for radical changes to St Front's which are no longer appreciated by architects or local residents who prefer the purer Romanesque church of Saint-Étienne de la Cité, the former Cathedral of Périgueux. The cathedral is part of the World Heritage Sites of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France. Transport Périgueux railway station offers connections to Limoges, Bordeaux, Brive-la-Gaillarde, and other regional destinations. The trains are operated by train company SNCF. Climate Périgueux has an oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb) with warm to hot summers combined with cool to mild winters. Périgueux has a mild climate for its latitude and inland position due to the significant Gulf Stream influence on the Bay of Biscay to its west. The resulting maritime air warms winters up, while at the same time it is far enough inland to cause warm summers on average. Personalities Périgueux was the birthplace of: Pierre Daumesnil (1776–1832), general of the First Empire. Georges Bégué (1911–1993), engineer and agent in the Special Operations Executive Francine Benoît (1894–1990), composer, music critic and teacher, who gained Portuguese citizenship in 1929. She taught pianist Maria João Pires and composer Emanuel Nunes, amongst others. William Joseph Chaminade (1761–1850), founder of the Society of Mary (Marianists) and the Daughters of Mary Immaculate Patrick Ollier (1944–), politician, President of the National Assembly in 2007. Jean Clédat (1871–1943), Egyptologist, archaeologist and philologist. Ketty Kerviel (1916–2009), film actress Nicole Duclos born Salavert (1947–), athlete. Rachilde (1860–1953), writer associated with the Decadent and Symbolist movements. Julien Dupuy (1983–), rugby union player. Greg Mathias (1967–), artist and sculptor, member of the Neo Cubist school of art. René Thomas (1886–1975), racing driver, winner of the Indianapolis 500 in 1914. International relations Périgueux is twinned with: Amberg, Germany See also Communes of the Dordogne department Périgord Notes References External links City council of Périgueux reports on culture and people in Périgueux Web site of the Périgord Perigueux-city.com Communes of Dordogne Dordogne communes articles needing translation from French Wikipedia