Issigeac | Things to See and Do in Issigeac
Issigeac
Issigeac is a small medieval village that dates back to Roman times, located in Périgord and is approximately 20 km (12 mi) southwest of Bergerac in Aquitaine in southwestern France. It is a commune of the Dordogne department.
The village is very pretty with timbered houses circling the gothic St Felicien church and 17th century the Palais des Eveques de Sarlat (Bishop’s Palace). The Bishops Palace was the residence of the Bishops of Sarlat, at each end of the palace is a small round tower largely built in brick.
The village is circular in plan with many of the buildings built in the medieval half-timbered style that is common of the area, the village retains much of its 13th-century walls. In 1438 it was pillaged by Rodrigo de Villandrando the mercenary military leader in Gascony during the final phase of the Hundred Years’ War. He was famous for his pillaging and was consequently known as the Emperor of Pillagers
The village is set in the heart of wine country, close to the famous Chateau de Monbazillac and their famous sweet dessert wines. Many other wineries can be visited including Chateau Jaubertie.
Things to See and Do in Issigeac
The village has a thriving market on Sunday mornings and throughout the year hosts a number of festivals and events. These include;
- The Flower Market, Marche aux Fleurs, in the spring – see Issigeac swamped in colour.
- The Foire aux Paniers et à la Vannerie in July – this is a willow weaving festival. Bodega en Issigeac – A tribute to the Spanish influence this evening of music, food and drink is in July
- Medieval day – Issigeac’s medieval day is in August and locals dress in medieval clothing and medieval crafts and music and art are all on display.
- Pumpkin festival, Foire aux Potirons, in October