A Visit to Sarlat in the Dordogne
Medieval city
Where is Sarlat located?
Sarlat-la-Canéda is one of those medieval towns whose charm has stood the test of time. The town is brimming with listed or designated historic monuments, including religious buildings, manor houses, and castles… Sarlat is also a great starting point for exploring the picturesque villages that dot the Dordogne Valley, as well as the gardens and castles that make this region so rich in cultural heritage.
Sarlat-la-Canéda, named one of the most beautiful villages in France, is among the top destinations in the Dordogne department—specifically in the Périgord Noir region and for tourism in the Dordogne. Located less than 25 km from the Dordogne River, this picturesque medieval town—a UNESCO World Heritage Site, just like its neighbors, La Roque-Gageac and the Lascaux Caves—is an unmissable stop during a stay at a campground in Sarlat.
This getaway is also a great opportunity to discover other historic towns in the Southwest. There are, in fact, several iconic villages to explore around the capital of the Périgord Noir. These include Brive-la-Gaillarde (55 km), Montignac (26 km), Rocamadour (53 km), and Les Eyzies (22 km).
Among the major cities near Sarlat are Bordeaux and Toulouse, both 2 hours and 20 minutes from the medieval town. Limoges is 1 hour and 45 minutes away, and Clermont-Ferrand is 2 hours and 45 minutes away.
A heritage to discover
Discover the capital of the Périgord Noir
Sarlat-la-Canéda is one of the towns with the highest concentration of listed or registered historic monuments in the world. You’d need to spend several days in this medieval town in the Périgord Noir region of the Dordogne to explore them all one by one. If you’re planning a stay at a campground in the Dordogne, take the opportunity to explore not only the town’s historic center—where most of the historic monuments are concentrated—but also the many castles in the Dordogne, churches, and manor houses in the surrounding area—such as the châteaux of Les Milandes, Castelnaud, and Beynac in the Dordogne Valley.
During your vacation in a mobile home in the Dordogne, the best way to make sure you don’t miss the most iconic sites and monuments—both in Sarlat and the surrounding area—is still to take a guided tour. It will be a wonderful opportunity for you to learn more about life since the Middle Ages and to immerse yourself in the world of that era by visiting buildings such as the Gisson Manor, among others.
If you don’t have much time during your camping vacation with a pool in the Dordogne, you can always enjoy Sarlat-la-Canéda for a day or an afternoon. All you have to do is take a stroll through the picturesque streets of the old town. This stroll will let you admire the various architectural styles of the mansions and religious buildings in the city’s historic center. For a touch of adventure, you can opt for a canoe trip along the Dordogne River.
Places to visit
Visit the town of Sarlat
As you stroll through the city’s streets—especially in the historic center—you’ll discover numerous architectural gems that bear witness to Sarlat’s past, which has at times been turbulent. The most beautiful religious buildings and manor houses in the Périgord region are all concentrated in this picturesque medieval town. The concentration of so many historic monuments and the quality of their preservation have earned Sarlat the designation “City of Art and History.” You can also admire the facades of the buildings, mansions, and other structures that bear witness to Sarlat’s history.
Our campground with a fishing pond in the Dordogne has selected six must-see spots for you to visit during your stay in Sarlat-la-Canéda.
- The Old Town: Old Sarlat boasts dozens of streets, facades, and iconic monuments. It’s a unique architectural world where new discoveries await you around every corner. It’s hard not to fall in love with such a wealth of treasures.
- The Sarlat Market: Located on Place de la Liberté, the Sarlat market is naturally brimming with local products. It takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- The Lantern of the Dead: The building’s origins date back to the 12th century. The monument, whose purpose remains unknown, is nearly ten meters tall.
- Sarlat as seen from the sky, from the top of the Sainte-Marie Church: It costs 4 or 5 euros, depending on the season, to ride the panoramic elevator at the Sainte-Marie Church. It’s a wonderful experience to be able to admire the most beautiful medieval town in the Périgord from the top of the building.
- Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral: Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral plays an important role in the history of Sarlat-la-Canéda. In fact, the town gradually developed around this church.
- The Gisson Manor: The Gisson Manor is quite simply one of the most beautiful historic sites in Sarlat. The museum offers insight into the life of Sarlat’s bourgeoisie in the 17th century.
Local Cuisine
What is Sarlat-la-Canéda known for?
Truffles, foie gras, porcini mushrooms, chanterelles, morels, walnuts, and confits are just some of the delicacies you’ll never tire of in Sarlat-la-Canéda. The same can be said of fine country-style charcuterie, as well as chestnuts, strawberries, liqueurs, and brandies…
Sarlat’s culinary tradition is characterized by the passing down of culinary skills and traditional recipes from one generation to the next. This ensures the authenticity of the various dishes offered to you in the town.
The Sarladais way of life has evolved over the centuries around its gastronomy. This is linked not only to the agricultural character of the entire region but also to the town’s architectural and cultural heritage. The importance of gastronomy is also reflected in the prominent role played by the town’s colorful, lively, and fragrant markets.
To discover
Visit the town of Sarlat
- Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral, whose origins date back to the 12th century, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It has been designated a historic monument since 1840.
- The Récollets Chapel, also known as the Chapel of the White Penitents, is now a museum of sacred art. Appointed bishop of Sarlat in 1602, Louis II de Salignac de La Mothe-Fénelon was determined to take control of his diocese. To this end, he encouraged the establishment of the brotherhoods of the White and Blue Penitents in 1607 and 1608. In 1613, he supported the establishment of the Récollets order. Construction of the church began in 1618 and was completed in 1626.
- The Château de la Boétie dates back to the 16th century. At that time, the building served as a French fortified house, located near the road to Vitrac.
- Campagnac Castle, for its part, is a structure built between the 14th and 16th centuries. It is located 4.7 km northwest of the town of Sarlat-la-Canéda.
- The Sainte-Marie Church has now been converted into a covered market, one of the most iconic in the region. It is, in any case, one of the finest examples of Perigord Gothic architecture.
Local Events
Calendar of Events in Sarlat
-The Truffle Festival: every year in mid-January
-Sarlat Fest’Oie: early March
-Local Food Days: Ascension Thursday and Friday
-La Ringueta: Pentecost weekend (only in even-numbered years)
-The Festival des Jeux du Théâtre: the last two weeks of July and the first week of August
-The Journées du Goût et de la Gastronomie: late September.
-The Film Festival: mid-November
-The Christmas Market: in December.
