Razac-sur-l'Isle is a commune in the Dordogne, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, 9 km west of Périgueux.
Its territory of 14 km² belongs to the natural and cultural region of "White Périgord", in reference to the color of its limestone subsoils.
The locality is crossed to the north and west by the Cours de l'Isle, which also constitutes its limit with Annesse-et-Beaulieu. As for its tributary the Cerf, in periods of heavy rains, it sometimes reaches the Isle in the north of the village…
Razac-sur-l'Isle presents a green landscape, covered by forests (30% of its area) and agricultural land (51 %).
Under the lordship of Périgueux, the lordship of Razac, which will be erected as a marquisate before the Revolution, was tested during the Hundred Years War, the seigneurial castle falling several times under English domination. Subsequently, apart from the vagaries of the river, which nevertheless contributed to agricultural prosperity, the village remained rather away from the turmoil.
A true green lung, today it retains a bucolic aspect despite the proximity of Périgueux which has boosted its demography somewhat in recent decades, Razac-sur-l'Isle now counting 2,400 inhabitants. We will gladly stop off there during a stay in this gourmet region with a rich heritage.
The locality retains a few sites of heritage interest. One can thus quote on the eponymous hamlet, to the east of the village, the castle of Antoniac, built in the 17th century but which unfortunately lost its towers during the Revolution. However, the main building with nicely crafted facades still has a noble and charming appearance. With a chapel, the building is now at the center of a farm.
To the south-east, on the edge of Coursac, it is the Château de Marsaguet which was built in the 17th century by Jean de Rieu, a squire ennobled in 1653. Several great names of the Perigord nobility have owned the estate before that it does not lose its splendor and is even transformed into a smallholding. New owners at the end of the 20th century gave back all of its character to the castle (no visit).
In the village, there is no longer any real evidence of the old seigneurial castle. However, you can discover the parish church of Our Lady of the Assumption, whose foundations date back to the 12th century. Originally Romanesque in style, the building was subsequently altered several times, especially when it had to be fortified during the Hundred Years War, then, due to the growth in the number of faithful, be enlarged.. The orientation of the church was even reversed in the 19th century at the same time as the adjoining cemetery was moved. A porch was then created at the level of the old choir and a rose window replaced the old glass roof.
The proximity of the Isle and its tributary has also marked the village and its hamlets in terms of "small heritage": thus we can observe, in addition to the aptly named Place de la Fontaine, a number of other fountains, wells, washhouses and bread ovens which also bear witness to the daily life of yesteryear.
Regarding sports and "nature" leisure activities, note that in certain sections, the Cours de l'Isle is navigable and therefore lends itself to canoe trips for example (inquire at +33 5 53 53 10 63). In addition, the river is popular with fishermen: information on regulations and suitable sites on +33 5 53 06 84 20.
For a game of tennis, reserve a court on +33 5 53 54 60 20.
Mais it is especially for its potential in terms of hiking that we will appreciate Razac-sur-l'Isle. In addition to the outings offered on Sundays by the local association (contact +33 6 63 05 79 67), several trails allow you to understand the protected natural areas formed by the groves and wet meadows along the Isle valley, or even the rich biodiversity of the Peyssac reserve. Between forest and peat bogs, for example, in season, "wild" orchids can be observed. Finally, of course, you can choose to reach Périgueux by crossing paths... Maps and information on +33 5 53 53 10 63.
The market every Saturday morning highlights the rich Périgord region and the local gastronomy!
The Sunday following August 15, patronal feast.
In October, in even years, for two weeks, the Salon d'Automne offers exhibitions of paintings and sculptures and welcomes craftsmen.
Théâtre Dryadalis : Tapis Jaune
- On 2 may 2024
- Place de la Mairie
- Thursday, May 2nd - Theater : Yellow Carpet - A comedy by Etienne Fraday - Razac-Sur-L'Isle : Foyer Rural / Place de la Mairie
Immersion Week
- From 22 to 25 june 2024
- 6 Route de Boussac
- June 22 to 25 - immersion week - Les ateliers de langues et loisirs franco-anglais offers a week of French immersion for English speakers. It takes place over 5 days, from June 22 to 25. On the program : French lessons, visits to local producers and activities. - This immersion week will enable English speakers to develop their language skills while discovering the culture of our department.
