Issoire is south of Clermont-Ferrand in the Puy-de-Dome department of the Auvergne, near the 'autoroute to the sun' that carries thousands of holidaymakers south to the Riviera each year.
Known affectionately as the 'Tuscan Auvergne' the region is marked by the Mediterranean architectural style and clear sunlight, and Issoire is set among rolling green valleys with the softened volcanoes of the region as a backdrop.
Although it was an important town 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.
Explore Issoire
Start your visit in the centre of Issoire with a visit to the church, the most important historical monument in the town. The Church of Saint-Austremoine is an attractive 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.
On the outside, the detailing around the apse is very impressive. Almost all surfaces of the interior of the church 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 and is considered to be one of the most important churches in the Auvergne region.
At the time of my visit, first they turned on all the candelabras, showing the interior at its best, 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 in Issoire which you can ascend for a nice view across the town.
Apart from these individual monuments, 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, and there are various other buildings that will catch your attention as you wander (some have signs to highlight them, see Issoire Tourist Office for information).
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 nearby
Two villages that we particularly recommend you visit, both within a few kilometres of Issoire, are those at Montpeyroux and Usson - both are classified as most beautiful villages of France, and have attractive medieval centres to explore.
Explore elsewhere in the Massif Central. You can find more travel ideas in the Puy-de-Dome guide and the Auvergne guide.
Photos of Issoire
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Map of Issoire and places nearby
Visit near Issoire with France This Way reviews
Usson
One of the least developed of the 'most beautiful villages in France' (a good thing!) the quaint centre of Usson is overlooked by a large statue of the Virgin Mary
Usson guide
Montpeyroux
Montpeyroux is a small village now listed among the 'most beautiful in France' and very pleasant to explore
Montpeyroux guide
Sauxillanges
The principal monuments in Sauxillanges, the monastery and the castle, are not open to the public but the village is still pleasant for a look when you are in the region
Sauxillanges guide
Saint-Floret
The tiny village of Saint-Floret with its ruined castle and frescoes is now listed among the 'most beautiful in France'
Saint-Floret guide
Saint-Saturnin
With ancient narrow streets, an imposing church and its position on the side of a steep valley Saint-Saturnin is among our favourite Auvergne villages
Saint-Saturnin guide
Auzon
The cobbled streets of Auzon wind up the hill from the river, passing an imposing church and medieval houses
Auzon guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Puy-de-Dome
Tourist classifications for Issoire
Issoire has received the following tourist classifications: recommended detour town (plus beau detour); listed town of Art and History
Address: Issoire, Auvergne, 63500, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 45.545, longitude 3.2497
Plan your visit to Issoire, Puy-de-Dome
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Jardins du château d'Hauterive: remarkable garden
- Eglise de Saint Austremoine d'Issoire (Issoire): religious monument
- Usson: most beautiful village (7 km)
- Villeneuve-Lembron Chateau: national monument (9 km)
- Montpeyroux: most beautiful village (9 km)
- Eglise de Notre Dame de Mailhat (Lamontgie): religious monument (13 km)
- Saint-Saturnin: most beautiful village (18 km)
- Eglise Notre Dame (Saint-Saturnin): religious monument (18 km)
- Jardins du château de la Batisse: remarkable garden (21 km)
- Eglise de Notre Dame (Saint-Nectaire): religious monument (22 km)
- Jardins du château d'Opme: remarkable garden (24 km)
- Blesle: most beautiful village (26 km)
Market days in Issoire, France
Regular market(s) are held in Issoire each Saturday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Issoire (Francais)