Issac is a village in the valley of the Crempse river in the Dordogne. It is a few kilometers south-east of Mussidan is in the area known as the Perigord Blanc.
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France This Way review: Issac is a small village but has a charming centre and if you are in the area it is worth stopping and having a stroll around.
Issac is a small village that you will most likely come across on a visit to the nearby Chateau de Montreal or on your way to the A89-E70 motorway junction at Mussidan however it has a pretty centre and a couple of historic monuments making it worth a short detour.
The most striking feature of Issac is its impressive entrance through the stone gateway attached to the Tour Saint Jacques and with the belltower of the church rising up behind.
The Tour Saint Jacques was built in the 15th century as were the houses that are attached to the tower. It was once the seat of the judge of the Lord of Montreal. The tower is round and houses a spiral staircase. It is built on top of a small underground cave supplied with water by a small stream and which once served as a refuge.
Inside the stone gateway the church is at the heart of the village. The church of Saint Avit was built in the 12th century in Romanesque style and though the church has been altered since then the rounded apse dates back to this time.
On the edge of the village is the 'Maison Chastenet' which was built in 1707. In its grounds, on the edge of the small river Crempse is an attractive stone pigeonnier. Both the Maison Chastenet and the Tour Saint Jacques are listed historic monuments.
On the southern edge of the village is the village lavoir, a communal wash area where villagers once did their clothes washing.
The area around Issac is pretty to explore and is home to lots of vineyards producing wines of Bergerac which are much appreciated locally.
Attractions nearby
The Chateau de Montreal is just two kilometers from Issac and there was once an underground tunnel linking the two and serving as an escape route in times of attack. One of the ancient Lords of Montreal sailed to the New World in 1535 and reached a settlement of Native Canadians which he renamed Montreal. This is the site of the present city of Montreal in Canada!
North of Issac is the small town of Neuvic sur Isle which is home to the Chateau de Neuvic which is open for visits in July and August.
Bergerac, to the south of Issac, is a beautiful riverside town with a charming medieval centre and is well worth a visit. There are a number of vineyards in the Bergerac area that are open for tours and wine tasting. One of our favourites is the majestic Chateau de Monbazillac famous for its sweet white wine.
Explore elsewhere in the Perigord Blanc. You can find more travel ideas in the Dordogne guide and the Aquitaine guide.
Photos of Issac
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Map of Issac and places nearby
Visit near Issac with France This Way reviews
Villamblard
North of Bergerac, Villamblard is a pleasant town to discover and surrounded by attractive countryside
Villamblard guide
Mussidan
Mussidan is a small town on the confluence of the rivers Isle and Crempse in the Dordogne.
Mussidan guide
Neuvic sur l'Isle
Neuvic is a small town with a chateau, the Chateau de Neuvic which is open for visits in the summer.
Neuvic sur l'Isle guide
Saint-Astier
Saint Astier is a small town in the Dordogne with an attractive riverside setting.
Saint-Astier guide
Bergerac
Bergerac is a substantial town on the banks of the river and with an extensive medieval old town. One of our favourite towns!
Bergerac guide
Monbazillac
Monbazillac is home to the Chateau de Monbazillac, famous producer of sweet white wines
Monbazillac guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Dordogne
Address: Issac, Villamblard, Bergerac, Aquitaine, 24400, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 45.0161, longitude 0.4517
Plan your visit to Issac, Dordogne
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Jardins du château de Montréal: remarkable garden
- Bergerac: ville fleurie 4* (19 km)
- Ancien Prieuré de Merlande (La Chapelle-Gonaguet): religious monument (27 km)
- Abbaye Notre Dame (Chancelade): religious monument (27 km)
- Eglise Notre Dame de Faye (Faye): religious monument (27 km)
- Eglise Saint Etienne de la Cité (Perigueux): religious monument (28 km)
- Perigueux cathédrale Saint Front (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (28 km)
- Perigueux: town of art and history (29 km)
- Jardins du Sardy: remarkable garden (32 km)
- Eglise de Saint-Hilaire et Eglise de Saint-Nicholas (Tremolat): religious monument (34 km)
- Abbaye de Saint Martial (Paunat): religious monument (34 km)
- Montcaret Archaeological site: national monument (35 km)
The French version of this page is at Issac (Francais)