Issigeac: Medieval Architecture and Traditional Sunday Market

When you choose Issigeac as a destination, its historic architecture takes center stage. The medieval town lies within the center of a former circular fortification. A range of buildings brings its historic character to life through distinctive architectural features and former functions: alongside a charterhouse, there is a former bishop's residence and houses with half-timbering or projecting upper storeys.

Historic Houses and Their Architectural Features

The Prévôté is a 17th-century charterhouse and served as the residence of the Prévôts of Issigeac. The Palais des Évêques, Issigeac Castle, was the former residence of the bishops of Sarlat. The two buildings represent different historical functions: the Prévôté was associated with the Prévôts, while the Palais was associated with the bishops of Sarlat. The tourist information office and exhibition rooms are located in the vaulted cellar of the Palais des Évêques. Check current access information before visiting.

The Maison des Têtes stands out for the combination of its architectural features: the house dates from the late 15th century, has a half-timbered upper storey, and features grotesque heads beneath the windows. The Maison Champignon stands apart; its projecting upper storeys were arranged so that carts could pass underneath. Issigeac also has stone and half-timbered houses dating from the 13th to the 17th centuries. Together, these examples show a range of materials and building methods rather than a single, uniform façade style.

Lanes and Guided Tours

A guided tour combines several historic houses with typical medieval lanes. The tour includes the Prévôté, the Palais des Évêques, the Maison des Dîmes, the Maison des Têtes, and the Maison Champignon, among other sites. This gives you a chance to see the buildings and the town's medieval character in one visit. Group tours are available throughout the year by prior reservation. If you are planning a group tour, check the reservation arrangements before you arrive.

The distinction between the houses and the surrounding landscape can help you choose what to see: the guided tour focuses on historic buildings and lanes, while the Sentier du Faurissou is a separate footpath along the edge of the built-up area. When planning, you can decide whether you are more interested in the architecture in town or the path on its outskirts.

Sunday Market and Regional Specialties

Issigeac's traditional Sunday market takes place in the square by the church and castle, as well as along several streets. It offers organic and local produce, along with regional and artisan specialties. The market adds a firm connection to local products to the town's historic sights. If you would like to plan your stay around a market visit, check the current schedule. The goods on offer may vary depending on the date and season.

A Walk Along the Sentier du Faurissou

The Sentier du Faurissou is a 1.5-kilometer footpath along the edge of Issigeac's built-up area. A wetland along the route is home to rare and protected species. This gives the path a different focus from a tour of the historic houses: here, the walking route and wetland take center stage. Maps for walks around Issigeac are also available as PDFs. You can take the stated length of the Sentier du Faurissou and the maps for other walks into account when planning, without combining the different paths into a single route.

Discover more destinations: Flaugeac, Saint-Crépin-De-Richemont, Prats-du-Périgord, Carlux, Monsac, Agonac, Paulin, Brouchaud

For the broader travel guide: Dordogne.