Visiting Issoire
Located in the heart of the Puy-de-Dôme, Issoire holds a distinct cultural and natural heritage. This small town, situated just a short drive from Clermont-Ferrand, is officially recognized as a Pays d'Art et d'Histoire by the French Ministry of Culture. While many travelers head here as a base to explore the nearby Auvergne volcanoes, the town offers plenty of reasons to linger.
Exceptional monuments
The undisputed star of Issoire is the abbatiale Saint-Austremoine. Originally built in the 12th century, this church underwent a complete interior repainting in the 19th century. Visitors are often struck by the vivid colors and the frescoes depicting the Easter cycle. It stands as one of the five major Romanesque churches in Lower Auvergne, all of which are worth a visit. Don't miss the crypt, which houses a 13th-century reliquary chest made of Limoges enamel.
A short distance from the place de la République, the town center, you can climb the Tour de l'Horloge. Built in the 15th century to serve as a belfry, watchtower, and town hall, it now offers a panoramic view of Issoire and the surrounding landscape. The town also features several historic buildings, such as the hôtel Bohier and the hôtel Clément, which are examples of the luxury residences of that era. The château d'Hauterive, dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, is known for its expansive gardens.
Local character and nature
Issoire occupies a prime location in the Puy-de-Dôme department. Its narrow streets and houses with traditional tiled roofs have earned it the label of Plus beau détour de France. Small canals weave through the town, providing a cooling effect during the summer months. Be sure to check out the market in Issoire, the second largest in the Auvergne region. It is the best place to sample local specialties like aligot, truffade, bourriols, and stuffed cabbage. Local vineyards produce a solid regional wine, the AOC Côtes d'Auvergne.
For those interested in the outdoors, hiking trails are accessible right from the edge of town. The massif du Cézallier is a favorite for hikers and mountain bikers, with vast, open spaces that some compare to the steppes of Mongolia. The Vallée des Saints is visually striking due to the bright red color of its rocks and clay peaks known as fairy chimneys. Families may also enjoy the Parc Animalier d'Auvergne, located about 20 minutes from Issoire. The 25-hectare park focuses on mountain animals from around the world.
When to go
The most comfortable time to visit Issoire is during the warmer months, from May through October. The temperatures are mild, making it easier to enjoy the town's atmosphere and spend time on the surrounding hiking trails.
How to get there
To reach Issoire, you can fly into Clermont-Ferrand, which has connections to major French cities. From there, it is a 25-minute drive or train ride to Issoire. The town is also a 2-hour drive from Lyon. If you are driving, access is simple as the town sits right off the A75 motorway, often referred to as the gateway to the South.
For our trip to Auvergne, we found some cheap accommodation in Issoire. By road, you are well situated to see quite a few things in the region.
The town itself did not really leave much of an impression on me. There is a historic center and an interesting abbey church, but you can see everything pretty quickly.