Sarlat-la-Canéda, tourist heart of the Dordogne

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Sarlat is considered the tourist heart of the Dordogne and is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in France. If you have booked a holiday in France in the Dordogne-Lot region, a visit to Sarlat is a must. This medieval town is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Southwest France. Especially during the summer months. The narrow streets, markets and terraces attract thousands of visitors. As soon as you walk through the old gates, you enter a completely different environment. In the narrow streets, the clinking of cutlery can be heard from the terraces, and in the morning, the air smells of freshly baked croissants and coffee from the small cafés around the centre.

Sarlat is often called the pearl of the Périgord Noir, the most famous and most visited part of the Dordogne. You notice this immediately when you stroll through the historic centre. Everywhere you can see sand-colored stone houses, small alleys, old lanterns and squares where the atmosphere remains lively even in the evening. By midday in Sarlat, the scent of truffles, foie gras and grilled meats from the restaurants around Place de la Liberté fills the streets.

Many holidaymakers visit Sarlat from a holiday park in the Dordogne or a holiday home in the Dordogne. From Domaine de Lanzac, you can drive to Sarlat in about 35 minutes for a day full of culture, gastronomy and vibes. Sarlat's most famous sights are within walking distance of each other in the historic centre.

History of Sarlat

The official name of the city is Sarlat-la-Canéda. The origins of Sarlat date back to the 9th century when a Benedictine abbey was built. A settlement arose around the monastery, which grew into an important trading city in the Périgord.
From the 13th century onwards, Sarlat gained increasing influence. The city lay on a route to Santiago de Compostela, causing merchants, travellers and pilgrims to regularly stop here. During that period, many mansions were built that still stand in the old centre.

Sarlat was hardly modernised over the centuries. Large parts of the Dordogne remained relatively isolated for centuries. As a result, many historic buildings have been preserved. While other cities acquired wide roads and boulevards, Sarlat remained a maze of narrow streets, passageways and small squares. It is precisely this that makes the city so attractive for holiday goers looking for an authentic French atmosphere, during their vacation in the Dordogne. Hence, there are relatively many villages in the Dordogne-Lot region that belong to the Plus Beaux Villages de France.

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The old centre of Sarlat

Sarlat is one of the most beautiful medieval cities in France. The historic centre boasts more than 250 protected monuments, giving the city one of the highest concentrations of historic buildings in France. Due to its authentic medieval centre, movies and historical series are regularly filmed in Sarlat. The historic centre of Sarlat is among the best-preserved medieval city centres in France. You can find more information about the region's cultural heritage on the UNESCO website.

The city centre is largely car-free, making it pleasant to stroll around. As you walk through the narrow streets, you will see tall natural stone facades, turrets, wooden shutters and old staircases winding up between the houses. Some passageways are so narrow that two people can barely pass each other. Occasionally, an accordion player or street musician can be heard somewhere between the stone walls. Even outside the peak season, the centre is lively and charming.

Atmosphere in the streets of Sarlat

On warm days, the streets often remain pleasantly cool due to the thick walls of the old buildings. This is especially nice in July and August when temperatures can rise considerably.
You have beautiful views of the rooftops of the old town, particularly from the higher streets and small staircases. Many visitors stay in Sarlat longer than planned. Wine shops, outdoor cafes, or small delicatessens can be found around almost every corner.
In the evening, the atmosphere changes again. The facades are illuminated and musicians play in various squares. A lively atmosphere hangs over the city, especially around dinnertime. As soon as the evening lights come on, the honey-colored facades take on a warm glow, and the terraces around the squares remain full for hours.

Sights in Sarlat

  • Place de la Liberte
  • Church of Sainte-Marie
  • Manoir de Gisson
  • Cathedrale Saint-Sacerdos
  • Maison de la Boétie

Place de la Liberté

Place de la Liberté is the heart of Sarlat. This square is surrounded by beautiful Renaissance houses from the 15th and 16th centuries, interspersed with restaurants, bistros, cafes and ice cream parlours.
Many visitors end up on a terrace here. Around dinnertime, waiters come and go with plates full of confit de canard as the facades turn golden yellow in the evening light. While children run around the square, others quietly drink a glass of wine or order a platter of regional products from the Dordogne.

Église Sainte-Marie

On the edge of the square stands the former church, Église Sainte-Marie. This church has been converted into a market hall by architect Jean Nouvel. The enormous black steel door is particularly striking.
Inside, you will find local specialities from the region. You can also take the glass elevator up to the panoramic deck on top of the tower. From there, you can look out over the rooftops of Sarlat and the surrounding hills of the Dordogne Valley (also known as Vallée de la Dordogne).

Place du Marché aux Oies

Behind the market hall lies the Place du Marché aux Oies. This small square owes its name to the former goose market that was held here. In the middle of the square, there is a famous statue of three bronze geese.

The square is smaller and quieter than Place de la Liberté. Because of this, it has a lot of charm. Especially in the evening, when the lights come on and the terraces fill up. This is a lovely place to sit for a while.
The shops around the square sell regional products, antiques and handmade items. Many visitors take products from here to take back home with them, such as walnut oil, duck rillettes or local wine.

Holiday with children in Sarlat and the Dordogne

Sarlat is very suitable for families with children. Children especially enjoy the narrow streets, markets and ice cream shops. In the summer, a tourist train runs through the centre of Sarlat. Additionally, there are many activities for families in the surrounding area, such as canoeing, visiting caves, viewing castles, swimming in the river, visiting animal parks and climbing parks.

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Manoir de Gisson

One of Sarlat's most beautiful buildings is situated on the Place du Marché aux Oies: the Manoir de Gisson. This Renaissance building consists of two houses connected by a tower.

A wealthy noble family lived here in the 13th century. Today, the building is a museum. Inside, you can see historic rooms, antique furniture, wooden ceilings and vaulted cellars.
The cellar, in particular, is impressive. The atmosphere of the past truly lingers there. The stone walls, low ceilings and dark spaces provide a vivid picture of life during the Middle Ages.

Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral

The Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral stands in the southern part of the city centre. Construction lasted from the 14th century to the 17th century, revealing various architectural styles. Part of the old bell tower dates back to the 12th century. Inside, there are paintings and an impressive 18th-century organ.
Behind the cathedral stands the Laterne des Morts, a round stone tower where, in the past, a light probably burned in memory of the deceased. Various stories and legends surround this tower.

Maison de la Boétie

Opposite the cathedral, you will find the Maison de la Boétie. This Renaissance house was the birthplace of writer and philosopher Étienne de La Boétie. The building stands out due to its ornate windows, turrets and steep tiled roof. Architecture enthusiasts often stop here for a moment to admire the details of the facade.

Markets in Sarlat

Sarlat is known for its atmospheric French markets filled with regional products from the Dordogne. In particular, the Saturday market attracts many visitors from the Dordogne and surrounding regions. Up-to-date information regarding market days and events in the city can be found on the official Sarlat Tourisme website. Early in the morning, the streets fill with stalls selling regional products such as truffles, foie gras, duck breast, walnuts, goat cheese, honey, porcini mushrooms and dried sausages. A buzz of vendors promoting their products can be heard between the market stalls, while the scent of grilled sausage and fresh herbs wafts through the centre. During the winter months, Sarlat is also known for its truffle market, where vendors and restaurants sell black truffles from the Périgord.

Many products come directly from local producers and can be sampled at the market. This makes a visit to the market extra enjoyable during your holiday in the Dordogne. Sarlat can be busy on market days. Anyone who wants to walk around peacefully should go to the city early in the morning.

Evening market in Sarlat

In the summer, evening markets are regularly organised in the Sarlat area, where visitors eat between long tables, listen to music and sample local specialities.

Christmas market in Sarlat

Sarlat also attracts many visitors in December due to the atmospheric Christmas market. The historic centre is illuminated with Christmas decorations, wooden chalets and winter stalls featuring regional products from the Dordogne. Especially in the evening, there is a cosy atmosphere in the city squares.

Markets in the region

Would you like to visit more markets during your stay? Then check out the page about markets in the Dordogne-Lot. Popular markets can also be found around the FranceComfort holiday parks, such as the markets around Lanzac and the markets around Mauroux.

Shopping in Sarlat

In addition to being a tourist attraction, Sarlat is also an important shopping centre for the region. In the city, you will find large supermarkets and small speciality shops such as wine shops, delicatessens, art galleries, antique shops, soap shops and boutiques selling local products. Many shops sell handmade products from the Dordogne. For example, ceramics, knives, wooden cutting boards, or products made with walnuts. Many shops, boutiques and delicatessens are located especially around Rue de la République.
For vacationers, it is convenient that there are many shops for daily groceries. You may want to check the information about supermarkets in France before your trip.

Gastronomy and specialities

The Dordogne is known as one of France's culinary regions. You will notice this in Sarlat right away. Dishes from the region appear on almost every menu. Famous specialities include foie gras, truffles, confit de canard, pommes sarladaises, walnut products and goat cheese. Pommes sarladaises, potatoes fried in duck fat with garlic and parsley, feature on many menus in Sarlat. Restaurants where even the locals enjoy dining are found primarily in the smaller streets away from the busiest squares.
Wine and regional product enthusiasts are also well catered for in this region. You can find more culinary tips here: Culinary delights in the Dordogne-Lot.

Restaurants in Sarlat

In the small streets surrounding Place de la Liberté, dozens of restaurants and bistros are situated where you can fully enjoy Dordogne cuisine. Especially in the evening, the centre fills with visitors taking seats on the terraces between the illuminated stone facades. Many menus feature regional dishes such as confit de canard, foie gras and pommes sarladaises. Well-known establishments in Sarlat include Le Bistro des Glycines, Le Medieval and La Couleuvrine. These restaurants are popular amongst both visitors and locals. In the narrower side streets, you will often find quieter restaurants where Sarlat residents also enjoy dining.

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Festivals and events in Sarlat

In July and August, the city has a lively atmosphere. Various festivals featuring theatre and music are organised during this time. On summer evenings, the terraces remain full for a long time. Street musicians play in the squares, and stalls selling local products can be found in some of the side streets. As the temperature slowly drops in the evening, many visitors continue to sit outside for hours on the terraces around the old town.
The Dordogne is also particularly lively around Quatorze Juillet, the French national holiday on July 14th. In many places, there are firework displays, musical performances and evening markets. Be sure to check the other national holidays in France if you are going on vacation during this period.

What can you combine with a visit to Sarlat?

Many holidaymakers combine Sarlat with other excursions to tourist destinations in the Dordogne. Surrounding the city are various famous villages, bastide towns and sights of the Dordogne. The bastide town of Domme sits atop a rocky plateau overlooking the Dordogne Valley. Beynac-et-Cazenac is one of the most beautiful villages in France and is known for the large castle overlooking the river. La Roque-Gageac is also located directly on the Dordogne and features beautiful old houses built against the rock face. The medieval village of Belvès is quieter but still very atmospheric. Souillac on the Dordogne River is a nice place for a stopover or lunch.
The famous caves of the Dordogne and Lot are also within driving distance of Sarlat. The prehistoric caves of Lascaux and Gouffre de Padirac are among the most popular excursions in the region. You can find more inspiration for excursions, villages and routes on the official website of Dordogne Périgord Tourisme.

Active holiday around Sarlat

Many holidaymakers choose an active holiday in the Dordogne because of the availability of nature, culture and outdoor activities. In the Périgord Noir, you can fill days with excursions through valleys, along rivers and through medieval villages. Hiking trails, bastide villages and viewpoints overlooking the Dordogne Valley are all located close together here.

Canoeing

One of the most popular activities during a stay in the Dordogne is canoeing on the Dordogne. From the water, the region looks completely different. You paddle past high cliffs, castles and old villages such as Beynac and La Roque-Gageac, while children often stop along the way to jump off the canoe and take a swim. In addition to canoeing, there are many other activities possible on the water. For example, swimming, boat trips on the Dordogne, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, or boating on the rivers and lakes in the region. View all the options for water sports in the Dordogne-Lot.

Cycling

Cycling enthusiasts also love coming to this region. The hilly surroundings of Sarlat offer varied routes through forests, past walnut orchards and small French villages. Check out the most beautiful routes for cycling in the Dordogne, or opt for longer tours while cycling along the Lot.

Walking

Those who prefer walking will find dozens of hiking trails in the Sarlat area that go through valleys, forests and historic sites. Walking is particularly pleasant in the spring and autumn, when temperatures are comfortable and nature is at its most beautiful. You can find more inspiration on the Dordogne Walking page.

Castles and fortresses in the Dordogne

The Dordogne is known for the many castles and fortresses along the river and on the hills. Around Sarlat, you regularly drive past old fortifications, medieval villages and impressive castles towering high above the Dordogne.
The castles near Beynac, Castelnaud, and Milandes attract many visitors during a holiday in this region. You can find more information about historic castles and cultural heritage in France on the website of the Centre des Monuments Nationaux.

Routes and gardens in the Dordogne

If you wish to combine several places along the way, there are various tourist routes in the Dordogne-Lot. Along these routes, you will drive past valleys, vineyards, market towns and viewpoints overlooking the river.
In addition to historical sites, the region also boasts many unique gardens and parks. Especially in spring and summer, the formal French gardens, shaded parks and exotic botanical gardens are popular amongst visitors.

Stay in the Dordogne

Would you like to enjoy the atmosphere of the Dordogne for longer? From a comfortable holiday home in France, you can easily discover the region's most beautiful villages, markets and sights. FranceComfort offers a variety of luxurious and comfortable holiday homes and charming holiday parks in the Dordogne-Lot region. Many guests return year after year for the tranquillity, nature and many excursions in the region. If you are travelling by car, an environmental sticker in France may be required.

Buying a holiday home in the Dordogne

Some holiday goers take things to the next level by opting to buy their own home in this region. Some choose a holiday home as an investment and to have their own residence in France. Depending on your situation, you can enjoy personal use with rental income and potential tax benefits, all without any worries. You can find more information about this here: Buying a holiday home is double the enjoyment.

Parking in Sarlat

The historic centre of Sarlat is largely car-free. Several large parking lots are located around the city centre where you can easily park your car. It is advisable to arrive early, especially during the summer months and on market days. From some parking lots, you can walk to the old centre in a few minutes.

What is the best time to visit Sarlat?

May, June and September are the most pleasant months for many holiday goers to visit Sarlat. The weather is often sunny, while the crowds are less than in July and August. In the summer, there is a lively atmosphere with full terraces, markets and festivals.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sarlat

1. When is the market in Sarlat?
The main market in Sarlat takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Saturday, in particular, features a wide range of regional products and local specialities.
2. Is Sarlat fun with children?
Yes, the pedestrian streets, markets and activities in the surrounding area make Sarlat suitable for families.
3. How much time do you need for Sarlat?
You need at least half a day for the historic centre. Many vacationers stay for a full day to enjoy an extensive lunch or go shopping.
4. What are the famous specialities from Sarlat?
Foie gras, truffles, pommes sarladaises, walnut products and duck breast are among the most famous regional dishes.
5. What can you combine with a visit to Sarlat?
Many visitors combine Sarlat with Domme, Beynac-et-Cazenac, La Roque-Gageac, or a canoe trip on the Dordogne.
6. What can you do in Sarlat in bad weather?
Even in less-than-ideal weather, Sarlat is suitable for a day out. You can visit the market hall, shop in the old streets, see Manoir de Gisson, or enjoy a leisurely lunch at a restaurant around Place de la Liberté.

Book your holiday to Sarlat and the Dordogne

Do you want to experience first-hand why Sarlat is called the tourist heart of the Dordogne? Then take a look at the comfortable holiday homes in France, discover the charming holiday parks of FranceComfort, or directly view the selection in the Dordogne-Lot region. During the day, you visit markets and medieval villages, while in the evening you enjoy the warm summer nights in the Dordogne from your terrace.
Book your holiday in advance, especially if you want to travel to the Dordogne in the spring or summer. Many holidaymakers book their stay months in advance to ensure a beautiful villa or a spot at their favourite holiday park.

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