HOW TO SPEND ONE DAY IN ISSIGEAC, DORDOGNE.
I visited Issigeac recently while staying with my parents, who live nearby and are regulars in the village. We spent a day there together, wandering the streets, eating well, and enjoying the unique medieval architecture.
Issigeac may be small, but there’s plenty to do if you give yourself a day to explore. In this short guide, I’ll set out the best things to do in Issigeac as well as some practical tips for your visit.
What is Issigeac known for?
Issigeac is best known for its Sunday market, one of the busiest and most atmospheric in the Dordogne. Every week, the medieval lanes fill with stalls and a mix of locals and visitors.
The village itself is also known for its preserved medieval architecture — timber-framed houses that lean at curious angles, carved beams, and narrow lanes that spiral in a snail-shell pattern around the old centre.
It’s also earned a reputation as an artists’ hub, with craft shops, galleries, and studios tucked into its side streets.
Things to do in Issigeac
Here are eleven of the best things to do in Issiegeac.
1/ Watch pottery in action
Whenever I visit this area of France, I always seem to come home with a new piece of pottery. Atelier Poterie is an artisan ceramics store in the heart of Issiegeac. You can pop in to browse the beautiful handmade pottery pieces and sometimes catch a glimpse of the owner in action behind the wheel.
2/ See the Mushroom House
One of the quirks of Issigeac is the Maison des Champignons – the Mushroom House. The top-heavy half-timbered structure looks like it’s sprouting from the ground, and it’s probably the most photographed building in town.
3/ Wander the Medieval Streets
It’s a bit of a cliche, but there’s nothing I love more than a visit to a town or city when the best thing to do is to get lost. Issigeac is one of these places.
Sure, it’s nice to have an idea of things you might want to see, but the medieval streets are really best appreciated with a slow wander and a camera in hand.
4/ Visit the market
The Sunday market in Issigeac is one of the biggest attractions in the Dordgone, especially in summer months. The market takes over the main square and nearby streets and you can buy just about anything you want from the colourful stalls.
5/ And the night market
Throughout July and August you will find the fantastic Marché nocturne – a night market. It takes place on a Thursday evening. Expect large tables and food stalls serving local cuisine, like foie-gras and meat stews, alongside Bergerac wine. There’s often music and a great atmosphere.
6/ Enjoy one of Issigeac’s restaurants
For such a small town, there’s a great selection of restaurants. But, a word of caution, lunch time can get busy, so it’s best to book in advance if you want to secure a good table.
Within the walls of the town, the best seats are at Marché d’Issigeac (a market/ deli with some lovely lunch choices) and at Le Bouchon Médiéval (a more upmarket choice.)
Outside of the walls, consider either Restaurant L’Atelier or La Brucelière – both tend to require reservations.
7/ Pause for a glass of wine
There are ample spots in Issigeac where you can pause for a glass of wine and enjoy some people watching. Pub L’Europe is a popular spot with a great view over the main market square.
Wine lovers should be sure to visit Au Taste Vin, a top notch wine shop where you can browse local wines.
8/ Visit nearby vineyards
The Bergerac area isn’t quite as well known as Bordeaux for wine, but that shouldn’t put you off. In fact, it makes it an even better opportunity to visit vineyards without the crowds.
I love the visitor experience at Vignoble des Verdots. And it’s less than a ten minute drive, or 30 minute cycle from Issiegeac. Alternatively, head to the famous Monbazillac village, known for their honey coloured sweet wines (an easy 15 minute drive.)
9/ See one of Issiegeac’s festivals
Issigeac’s calendar is surprisingly full for a small village. In spring, the Marché aux Fleurs fills the streets with plants and colour. July sees both the Foire aux Paniers et à la Vannerie, a celebration of willow weaving, and the lively Bodega en Issigeac, an evening of Spanish-inspired food and music.
In August, the village stages its Medieval Day, with costumes, crafts, and musicians. Finally, October brings the Pumpkin Festival, marking the harvest season.
10/ Cycle around the area
Issigeac is surrounded by quiet roads and rolling farmland. If you have a bike, it’s easy to plan a circular route through vineyards and sunflower fields before returning to the village for a drink.
11/ Visit Artisan Stores
Issigeac is known for its artists, and you’ll find small shops selling various crafts, as well as beautiful textiles, and jewellery in the medieval lanes. Many pieces are made locally, making it a good place to pick up something unique.
The practical stuff
Issigeac is about 20 minutes from Bergerac by car, which makes it easy to reach if you’re flying into Bergerac airport. From Bordeaux it’s a longer drive, around 90 minutes. Parking in Issigeac is straightforward except on Sundays, when the market takes over and the village fills up quickly.
Where to stay in Issigeac
Within the Medieval walls, there are a number of quirky B&Bs and apartments for rent. Such as this gorgeous room with a terrace. Alternatively, you can find countryside chic hotels with swimming pools a little way out of town. If this appeals, consider La Maison Forte.
Where else in France?
You can find more travel guides for France below.
- How to spend one day in Issigeac
- Lille
- Aubeterre Sur Dronne
- Visiting Food Markets in France: A guide for the best ones
- How to spend one day in Périgueux
- Things to do in Riberac
- Things to do in Verteillac
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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