The Maison Champignon is an example of a distinctive architectural form: the house stands apart like an island, and carts could pass beneath its widely projecting sections. Issigeac is a medieval town at the centre of a former circular fortification. Alongside this historic townscape, buildings and former residences, the traditional Sunday market, and walks offer different themes for your stay. This lets you plan your visit around the town’s history and other attractions according to your own interests.
Historic Houses and Architectural History
The Maison des TĂŞtes dates from the late 15th century. Its upper section includes a half-timbered storey, with grotesque heads beneath the windows. Issigeac also has stone and half-timbered houses dating from the 13th to the 17th century. The different building styles and broad time span offer several architectural points of interest, rather than reducing the town to a single period.
The former functions of individual buildings also provide context: the Prévôté is a 17th-century Carthusian monastery and served as the residence of Issigeac’s provosts. The Palais des Évêques, Issigeac’s castle, was the former residence of the bishops of Sarlat. Comparing the two buildings therefore reveals different historical connections—the residence of the provosts and the former episcopal residence.
Visiting and Getting Your Bearings
A guided tour of Issigeac includes several historic houses: the Prévôté, the Palais des Évêques, the Maison des Dîmes, the Maison des Têtes, and the Maison Champignon. It also takes in typical medieval lanes. Guided tours for groups are available year-round by prior reservation. If you are planning a group tour, check the reservation arrangements before your trip.
The vaulted cellar of the Palais des Évêques houses the tourist information office and exhibition rooms. Check the latest access information before your visit if you plan to use these facilities. This allows you to combine a visit to the historic building with a visit to the information office or exhibition rooms there, without treating the two as the same offering.
Sunday Market and Walking Routes
The traditional Sunday market is held in the square by the church and castle, as well as in several streets. It offers organic and local produce, along with regional and artisanal specialities. The selection may vary by date and season; confirm the current market day and schedule before your visit. The market is a distinct activity, with both its location and changing selection relevant to your plans.
The Sentier du Faurissou is a 1.5-kilometre walking route along the edge of Issigeac’s built-up area. A wetland along the trail is home to rare and protected species. If you would like to explore the natural side of the town as well as its architectural history, this named trail offers a specific focus for a walk. Maps for walks around Issigeac are also available as PDFs. This lets you distinguish the trail, with its stated length, from other walking options for which maps are available.
Discover more destinations: Corgnac-Sur-L'isle, Lempzours, Valeuil, Saint-Laurent-Sur-Manoire, Tamniès, Salignac-Eyvigues, Saint-Laurent-Des-Vignes, Flaugeac.
Return to the main travel overview: Dordogne.
