Sarlat

Sarlat: the capital of Périgord Noir

Situated in the east of the département between the Dordogne and Vézère rivers, Sarlat is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Europe. Protected from modernism by the Malraux law, Sarlat has preserved the picturesque character of its narrow streets and the beauty of its monuments. With 65 protected monuments and buildings, Sarlat holds the record for the highest number of listed historic monuments in France.
To stroll through its narrow streets is to read almost a thousand years of authentic architecture, where cobblestones and slate roofs are the predominant features of this warm, blonde stone.....

Rooted in the heart of its terroir, Sarlat is the ideal place to discover Périgourdine gastronomy: a paradise of truffles, porcini mushrooms, foie gras, confits, pâtés and fine charcuterie from campagne, the Périgourdins have maintained this great culinary tradition for centuries, a veritable quintessence of aromas and flavors that you'll find at the magnificent Sarlat market.

The town is very lively all year round, with its twice-weekly markets on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, making it a must-see during your stay in Périgord.

Sarlat's remarkable monuments:

Numerous buildings are classified as "historic monuments":

• Former convent of the Order of Notre-Dame: place Salvador-Allende
• Old Hôtel-Dieu of Sarlat-la-Canéda with its half-timbering: rue du Minage
• Former Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral, SarlatPlace du Peyrou
• Former town hall of Sarlat also former bishopric of Sarlat:place du Peyrou
• Maison de La Boétie :place du Peyrou
• Hôtel de Mirandol: rue des Consuls
• Remaining part of the Saint-Benoît cemetery, enfeus and lantern of the dead Behind the former Saint-Sacerdos cathedral
• Hôtel Plamon or Maison des Consuls: rue des Consuls
• Ancienne maison du Présidial: 6 rue Landry
• Former chapel of the Récollets or Pénitents blancs monastery and its cloister
• Saint Mary's fountain

...and many private homes and buildings...
Don't miss the covered market housed in the Saint Marie church. the architect Jean Nouvel to create a glass elevator that will take you to the top of the bell tower for a 360° view of the medieval town of Sarlat. Two huge metal doors open on market days.

Many festivals follow one another:

- Truffle and foie gras festival in late January
- Truffle markets every Saturday morning from November to March - The Fest'oie festival featuring duck and goose foie gras at the end of February
- Local produce days on Ascension Day
Open-air theater games festival from mid-July to early August
- International Film Festival mid-November
-Christmas market
-Flea markets every last Sunday of the month

The best way to discover Sarlat is to set off on an adventure through its narrow streets. The tourist office also organizes guided tours from April to December, as well as guided audio walks.

Close to the Dordogne and Vézère valleys, Sarlat is the ideal base for discovering the tourist attractions of the Périgord Noir:

- the Lascaux caves in Montignac
- the village of Les Eyzies
- the Proumeyssac chasm à Audrix
- the château des Milandes Josephine Baker's home in Castelnaud
- the Eyrignac gardens
- the Biron castle
-l'aquarium du Périgord noir

and many more Périgord tourist sites...

Coming to Sarlat all year round, and particularly in the off-season when nature reveals its true personality, is a sure-fire way to discover a true art of living. And if you're lucky enough, at least once in your life, to see the old town decked out in snow (admittedly a rare occurrence), you'll never forget the magic it exudes.