At the centre of a plateau covered now with fields of corn
and barley (but previously woods) interspersed with vineyards
which produce the Monbazillac and Bergerac (AOC) wines,
one suddenly sees a bell tower…. THIS IS ISSIGEAC.
Issigeac, on the edge of the Dordogne and the Lot et Garonne,
is a medieval village which is different from all the
other ‘bastides’ found in the vicinity.
Within the ancient perimetre, where the streets spiral
like the shell of a snail, one discovers a picturesque
village where light and shade, stone and wood mingle in
narrow lanes and passageways which bring back visions
of the past.
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On arriving at the centre of this labyrinth one sees the medieval
houses in stone interwoven with those of a type of wattle
and daub unique in the Perigord. Built in the 14th &
15th centuries Issigeac has preserved its authenticity
and the beauty of its original architecture.
Those looking for beautiful and unusual sights will find
them here. For example, at the corner of the Grand Rue
on looking up one can see the Maison des Têtes with
its stone arcade and wooden fascia, the uprights of which
are adorned with carved faces.
In the central square facing each other, one finds the
Palais des Evêques de Sarlat (17th century) and
the church of St Félicien (late gothic). On the
Tour de Ville a good example of the architecture of the
18th century is the Provost House….. and the list
goes on !!!!
A peaceful village in the heart of the countryside which
comes to vibrant life on Sundays with its colourful &
busy market; a village which maintains its history and
culture with various fairs and festivals.
ISSIGEAC : an invitation to a voyage of discovery, a place
to wander through with only the cooing of the doves to
disturb the peace. One can easily imagine the life of
yesteryear with the gossiping around the fountains and
wash places and the tales recounted on the banks of the
river...
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