France > France regions > Auvergne > Puy-de-Dome > Issoire

Issoire

Issoire is south of Clermont-Ferrand in the Puy-de-Dome department of the Auvergne, just off the 'autoroute to the sun' that carries thousands of holidaymakers to the Riviera..

Known affectionately as the 'Tuscan Auvergne' the region is marked by the Mediterranean architectural style and the clear sunlight, set in rolling green valleys with the softened volcanoes of the region as a backdrop.

Although important as long ago as roman times, Issoire was almost completely destroyed during the Wars of Religion and little remains of the town from before this time. It is now an active bustling local town, with its own personality and fascination..

The most well known historical monument in Issoire is its church - the Church of Saint-Austremoine is an attractive and fine example of Romanesque style churches and dates from the 12th century, and is interesting because of the high level of decoration - more than usual for this style of building (both on the inside and the outside). Almost all surfaces of the interior are painted, often with patterns in many different colours, giving the interior a quite different aspect to most churches. There are also numerous candelabra type lights between the columns further enhancing the appearance. The church also has a fascinating crypt. It is considered to be one of the most important churches in the Auvergne region.

(At the time of my visit, first they turned all the lights on showing the interior at its best, and then the sun burst forth through the stained glass windows - extraordinary, because not only did it make the windows more beautiful, but these also threw great areas of coloured light across the interior walls of the church, perhaps the first time I had seen this happen so effectively.)

There is also a belltower in the town centre - you can ascend the tower for a nice view across the town. Issoire itself is a pleasant place for a stroll, with open squares joined by winding narrow streets - the old town has some interesting houses, including some historical arcaded buildings.

There are various other buildings that will catch your attention as you wander (some are signed to highlight them, see Issoire Tourist Office for information) - an arcaded house here, a 15th century noblemens house there. The main square, the Place de la Republique, features lots of attractively painted houses, some with cafes at ground level.

The town has clearly escaped the tourism and wealth of the Provencal towns further south in France, to which the architecture of Issoire often bears more than a passing resemblance. I found the centre of the town to be a very pleasant, unpretentious kind of place to amble around, and recommend you find the time to explore if in the Puy-de-Dome region.

Market day in Issoire is Saturday morning.

Attractions to visit in the region include the medieval village at Montpeyroux, and the village of Usson - both are classified as most beautiful villages of France, and have attractive medieval houses to admire.

Issoire: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites

Tourist Classifications for Issoire

- Listed as "Plus Beaux Detour" town in France (ie recommended stopover place)

Places to visit near Issoire

Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Issoire.

Some places to visit within 30 km of Issoire are shown below (if found).

Clermont-Ferrand important regional centre at 32 km
Montpeyroux Most beautiful village at 10 km
Saint-Nectaire Spa town at 28 km
Saint-Saturnin medieval village at 21 km
Usson beautiful village at 10 km

See also Issoire (version Francais)

Airports near Issoire

No airports have been found within 150km. Please see France airports to locate other airports in the region.