There are two different areas of focus to choose from for a stay in Issac: architectural and conservation history around Château de Montréal and Tour Saint-Jacques, and trails featuring traces of a forge, art and connections to the landscape. The themes are easy to distinguish: one is about historic architectural styles and protected status, the other about trail length, artistic works and tangible traces in the landscape. You can plan your stay according to whether architectural history or trails are your main focus.
Château de Montréal and Tour Saint-Jacques
The chapel at Château de Montréal was built around 1539 to house the relic of the Sainte-Épine. The Château is partly listed and partly classified as a historic monument; the entire complex is fully protected. The chapel thus combines a specific religious function with the protected status of the Château.
Tour Saint-Jacques offers a different perspective on architectural styles. It was built in the 15th century. Like the adjoining houses, the round tower is built above an underground room; it also has a spiral staircase. Since 2 July 1987, Tour Saint-Jacques has been classified as a historic monument. Comparing it with the chapel highlights two different periods of construction: the tower dates to the 15th century, while the chapel was built around 1539.
Visits to Château de Montréal take place from 1 July to 31 August. Check the dates before your trip.
Trails with different points of interest
The Sentier des 10 000 ans is a 13-kilometre circular trail. About twenty years ago, students from Issac created it as part of an educational project. At the edge of the forest, traces of a bloomery forge can be identified from the remains of slag. The trail also points to the Tourbière du Laquin, a peat bog located off the trail. Its length, traces of the forge and the reference to the bog offer different points to consider when planning your visit.
The Boucle des 10 000 ans is designated for hiking, horse riding and mountain biking. So, in addition to hiking, horse riding and mountain biking are among the listed options to consider when choosing activities in Issac.
The Sentier poétique is about three kilometres long and runs through the forest. Along the trail are sculptures by Christophe Besse and framed photographs by Éric Solé. The starting point is the car park northwest of Issac’s school. Here, artistic works define the trail; the Sentier des 10 000 ans, by contrast, is distinguished in part by traces of the forge.
Compare trail lengths and interests
In terms of length, the Sentier poétique, at about three kilometres, contrasts with the 13-kilometre Sentier des 10 000 ans. This difference offers a practical criterion when comparing the trails. The Boucle des 10 000 ans has a different focus: its designated activities include hiking, horse riding and mountain biking. For a stay focused on architectural history, the chapel at Château de Montréal and Tour Saint-Jacques are the relevant themes around which to organise your interests.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Cyprien, Saint-Marcel-Du-Périgord, Vergt, Saint-Martial-De-Nabirat, Lavaur, Barraux, Saint-Germain-Des-Prés, Saint-Pancrace.
For the overview of the wider region: Dordogne.
