Issigeac is a medieval town in the south of the Dordogne, recognised as a ‘Petite Cité de Caractère’, known for its ancient alleyways, half-timbered houses, well-preserved heritage and Sunday market. Starting from the Domaine du Trouiller, this day-long tour offers the chance to discover another side of the Périgord.
During a stay at the Domaine du Trouiller, Issigeac is a fascinating destination for exploring the heritage of the Périgord in a town on a human scale. This medieval town is characterised by its circular layout, its narrow streets and its many historic houses. To Explore Issigeac whilst staying in a holiday cottage in the Périgord, we recommend that you allow several hours so that you can take your time exploring the village, admiring its architecture and, if your stay allows, enjoying its Sunday morning market.
Discover a medieval town in the heart of the Périgord
Issigeac is situated in the south of the Dordogne, near Bergerac. Unlike neighbouring bastides, which are generally laid out in a grid pattern, the town retains its original circular layout. Its streets, lanes and alleyways criss-cross around the historic centre, making it a particularly pleasant place to explore on foot.
Since December 2024, Issigeac has been officially recognised Small Town of Character. This award particularly highlights its architectural and historical heritage. The Pays de Bergerac Tourism website presents the history of the village and points out that its development dates back, in particular, to the Middle Ages, although the area also retains traces of earlier settlements.
Take a look at the old houses in Issigeac
Much of Issigeac’s appeal lies in its architecture. As you wander through the village, you’ll come across stone houses, half-timbered façades and several buildings with distinctive shapes. This diversity allows you to gradually gain an understanding of the town’s development without necessarily having to follow a set route.
One of the best-known buildings is the Mushroom House. Its name derives from its distinctive shape and corbelled sections, which were originally designed to allow carts to pass through. Today, it houses a space dedicated to various forms of artistic creation. Pays de Bergerac Tourisme has dedicated a detailed overview which allows you to find out more before your visit.
The Maison des Dîmes, the Maison des Têtes and other historic buildings also dot the route. We simply recommend that you stroll through the town centre, taking the time to admire the façades, as much of Issigeac’s heritage can be explored directly from the streets.
Visit Saint-Félicien Church and explore the area’s historical heritage
The’Saint-Félicien Church is one of Issigeac’s main landmarks. It is an important example of the town’s religious heritage and fits naturally into a tour of the old town centre. The village is also home to the Bishops’ Palace of Sarlat, which is currently undergoing renovation work, according to information published by the ‘Petites Cités de Caractère’ network.
To plan your visit and find out about the main sights, you can visit the official page dedicated to Issigeac on the ‘Petites Cités de Caractère’ website. In particular, it showcases Saint-Félicien Church, the half-timbered houses, the Bishops’ Palace and several other examples of local heritage.
Enjoy the market in Issigeac on Sunday mornings
Le Issigeac weekly market is one of the highlights of the week in the village. It takes place on Sunday mornings and brings together farmers, shopkeepers and craftspeople in the streets of the village centre. If your stay includes a Sunday, we recommend you include a visit to the market in your itinerary so that you can explore both the village and the local produce.
The market also offers the chance to discover some of the Périgord’s specialities and meet local producers. This aspect ties in with what we love to share with our guests at the Domaine du Trouiller: discovering the Dordogne is as much about its heritage as it is about its local produce and traditional skills. We have, in fact, dedicated a page to the artisan products from the Périgord to continue exploring during your stay.
Meet the craftspeople and discover local skills and traditions
Issigeac is also home to several craftspeople and artists. Pottery, sculpture, glasswork, painting and stained-glass are just some of the crafts you may come across in the village, depending on which workshops are open at the time of your visit. This presence helps to keep the historic centre bustling, whilst allowing visitors to discover locally made creations.
We find this aspect particularly interesting during a stay in the Périgord, as it complements visits to monuments and villages by offering a more contemporary perspective on the region. Opening hours may vary throughout the year, so it is best to check the practical information before setting off.
Plan a day out around Issigeac
A visit to Issigeac can easily be included in a day spent exploring the southern Périgord. According to the ‘Petites Cités de Caractère’ network, the village is situated about 20 kilometres from Bergerac. You could therefore spend the morning in Issigeac, have lunch nearby, then continue your tour towards Bergerac or the Monbazillac vineyards.
The Domaine du Trouiller is the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding area during your stay. Our charming gîte in the Dordogne is situated in Val de Louyre and Caudeau, on the grounds of the Musée Napoléon de la Pommerie. After a day spent exploring the villages and sights of the Périgord, you’ll find yourself back in a peaceful, rural setting.
Explore the Dordogne from the Domaine du Trouiller
Issigeac fits naturally into the range of destinations you can visit whilst staying at our estate. The Dordogne offers a mix of historic villages, castles, caves, markets, museums and walks in the countryside. We encourage this variety so that everyone can plan their stay according to their own interests and pace.
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You can find more ideas on our page dedicated to Things to do around our holiday cottage in the Dordogne. Other possible visits include the Musée Napoléon de la Pommerie, situated on the estate, as well as various historic sites in the Périgord.
FAQ
What is there to see in Issigeac during a visit?
We recommend that you explore the medieval centre and take a look at the half-timbered houses, the Maison Champignon, Saint-Félicien Church and the other historic buildings. The village streets themselves form part of the tour, thanks to their circular layout and well-preserved architecture.
What is the best day to visit Issigeac?
Sunday mornings are particularly interesting because of the weekly market. If you’d prefer to explore the local heritage in a generally quieter atmosphere, you could also choose another day of the week.
Is Issigeac a ‘Petite Cité de Caractère’?
Yes. Issigeac has officially been recognised Small Town of Character in December 2024. This award recognises, in particular, the quality of its heritage and the way it is showcased.
Is Issigeac a good place to visit with the family?
Yes. The town centre is best explored on foot, and you can plan a walk suitable for families. The tour can be tailored to the children’s ages, focusing on the narrow streets, the market and a few monuments.
How much time should you allow to explore Issigeac?
It only takes a few hours to explore the historic centre and its main attractions. However, we recommend allowing a bit more time on Sundays if you’d also like to enjoy the market, the shops and the craft stalls.
What is there to see around Issigeac?
Issigeac is situated near Bergerac and the Monbazillac area. A visit here can therefore be combined with a tour of the Périgord’s heritage, countryside and villages to make a full day’s outing from our holiday cottage.
