Issel: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

Issel is a circularly laid-out village of the “Circulade” type that has retained part of its former defensive ditches. In the 12th century, a circular castle mound village replaced an ecclesiastical settlement at the site of today’s Issel cemetery.

Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Issel can include the village in their travel plans.

Culture and History

The current site of the “Église de l’Assomption” church dates back to the 13th century. The church is built in visible stone both outside and inside and has a five-arched bell gable with a single bell.

The street names “des Potiers” and “des Fours” recall the rich pottery history that made Issel famous from the 14th century onwards. The name of cassoulet is also derived from the cassole, which was made from clay sourced in Issel.

Landscape and Nature

Issel lies at the foothills of the Montagne Noire. From Issel, there are sweeping views of the Pyrenees mountain range. The natural area includes the “Montagne Noire occidentale” ZNIEFF site, a type 2 natural area of faunal and floral importance.

During walks through the woods around Issel, you may come across a quarry with red earth beside one of the paths.

Paths and Orientation

The signposted “Tour de Pays” circular trail runs through the municipality of Issel. Issel village can be entered through the Porte d’Aval. Issel town centre can also be reached at the edge of a pond, which consists of the remains of the former ditches.

Events and Everyday Life

Issel hosts the “Médiévales d’Issel” every year. The recurring annual heritage programme “Les secrets de nos villages” also includes an event in Issel presenting the history of the village from the Cathars to the French Revolution.

At Issel’s Friday market, local producers traditionally offer meat products, artisanally made bread, organic produce and country wines; a food truck is also present.

More village pages: Villeneuve-Minervois, Montolieu, Cuxac-D'aude, Ornaisons, Sallèles-Cabardès, Peyriac-De-Mer, Payra-Sur-L'hers, Bellegarde-du-Razès

To the higher-level travel overview: Aude.