Sarlat la Canéda, more commonly known as Sarlat, is the Capital of the Black Perigord. This beautiful city has one of the most important medieval urban ensembles in the world, and is a unique tourist attraction not to be missed under any circumstances. Composed of small streets criss-crossed by a multitude of small shaded squares and sumptuous private mansions with slate roofs, you will love to stroll around, enjoy the small atypical shops and the many cafés and restaurants where you can relax on the terraces.
Among the many riches to be discovered in this unique city, here are some of the main attractions you must absolutely discover:
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 in Sarlat on 1 November 1530, Étienne de La Boétie was a famous French humanist writer and poet. It was notably through his Discourse on Voluntary Servitude that he gained popularity. He was also Montaigne's best friend. A must during your visit, his house, located opposite the Cathedral of Saint Sacerdos, is easily distinguishable from the surrounding buildings thanks to its Italian Renaissance style. Its façade is decorated with large mullioned windows framed by pilasters with medallions and rhombuses. The slate roof is pierced by a lushly decorated modern dormer window. At its foot 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 is not open to the public....
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. For this purpose, the Tourist Office organises guided tours of Sarlat throughout the year. As a couple, with children or with friends, beautiful discoveries await you.
In the summer, the streets of the city come alive and its historic heart welcomes you in a friendly and festive atmosphere ! No reservations to make or entrance tickets to buy, to enjoy this atmosphere, just stroll through the streets of the city 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.
The Sarlat market has become a veritable institution and every week brings together local producers who introduce you to the products of their cultivation and their labour. It is the occasion to taste foie gras, ceps, confits, duck breast, truffles, walnuts, honey, wine and many other typical products of the Périgord... coming directly from the producer! And each season has its own market so it doesn't matter when you visit the town, there will always be something to taste!
Sarlat is a very touristic and dynamic city, there is always something happening and you can vibrate all year round to the rhythm of great events, there will be something for all tastes :The truffle and goose festivalThe theatre games festivalThe Sarlat film festivalThe Ringueta film festival. The days of the terroir etc.
Discover the programme of animations in Sarlat which has been concocted for you this year on the website of the Tourist Office of Sarlat in Black Périgord.
Sarlat Theatre Games Festival
Photo credits : Office du Tourisme Sarlat Périgord Noir