Sarlat la Canéda, more commonly known as Sarlat, is the capital of the Périgord Noir. This beautiful city has one of the most important medieval urban ensembles in the world, making it a unique tourist attraction not to be missed. Composed of small streets that criss-cross with multitudes of small shady squares, sumptuous private mansions with lauze roofs, you will enjoy walking around, taking advantage of the small atypical shops and the numerous cafés or restaurants where you can lounge on the terrace.
Among the many things to discover in this unique city, here are some of the main attractions that you must see:
A sanctuary dedicated to Saint Sacerdos, the cathedral dominates the town centre of Sarlat. A majestic monument whose origins date back to the 9th century, it mixes the Romanesque style for its oldest parts with a light and luminous Gothic style. Its original bell tower, a magnificent heart, numerous small chapels, stained glass windows and a magnificent organ await you. It is one of the historical monuments in perfect condition to be discovered.
Born on 1 November 1530 in Sarlat, Étienne de La Boétie was a famous French humanist writer and poet. He gained popularity for his Discourse on Voluntary Servitude. He was also Montaigne's best friend.
A must-see during your visit, his house, located opposite the Saint Sacerdos cathedral, is easily distinguished from the surrounding buildings by its Italian Renaissance style. Its facade is decorated with large mullioned windows framed by medallion and rhombus pilasters. The roof is made of slate and has a modern dormer window with a luxuriant decoration. At its feet, there are shops and a small passageway leading to a charming inner courtyard where you will find a restaurant.
Unfortunately, the interior of this exceptional building cannot be visited...
The best way to discover this jewel of the Périgord is to walk through its streets accompanied by a guide, who will be able to tell you the stories and secrets that the stones of its ancestral buildings preciously preserve. The Tourist Office organises guided tours of Sarlat throughout the year. As a couple, with children or with friends, beautiful discoveries await you.
In summer, the streets of the city come alive and its historic heart welcomes you in a friendly and festive atmosphere!
No need to book or buy tickets, to enjoy the atmosphere, just stroll through the streets of the town and you will come across jugglers, clowns, acrobats, etc. Stages are regularly set up for shows. In short, there are always nice surprises to discover throughout the summer.
You'll fill up on fresh, local produce!
The Sarlat market has become a real institution and gathers every week producers of the region who make you discover the products of their culture and their work. It is an opportunity to taste foie gras, ceps, confits, duck breast, truffles, nuts, honey, wine and many other typical products of the Périgord... coming directly from the producer!
And every season has its own market, so no matter when you visit the city, there's always something to taste!
Sarlat is a very touristic and dynamic town, so there is always something going on and you can vibrate all year round to the rhythm of great events, there will be something for everyone:
Discover the programme of events in Sarlat which has been concocted for you this year on the website of the Tourist Office of Sarlat and the Périgord Noir.
Photo credit : Office du Tourisme Sarlat Périgord Noir
