Holidays in Sarlat
Medieval marvel in the heart of the Dordogne
Sarlat (Sarlat-la-Canéda) is quite simply one of France's most enchanting medieval towns, offering families and couples a spectacular leap back in time. What makes this golden-stone beauty so special is how wonderfully preserved it all is - with more registered historic buildings per square metre than any other town in Europe! The medieval centre, with its maze of honey-coloured streets and buildings, feels more like an open-air museum, yet it's very much a living, breathing town.
What really sets Sarlat apart is how it maintains its authentic character while catering to visitors. The famous market, one of France's finest, brings the medieval squares alive with local produce, from fresh truffles to just-baked breads. In the evenings, gas lamps cast a romantic glow over the ancient stones, creating an atmosphere that's simply magical. It's the perfect base for exploring the Dordogne's countless attractions, from prehistoric caves to fairy-tale castles.
Is Sarlat for you?
- Magnificent medieval architecture, in a vibrant, walkable town
- World-class food, in the town's restaurants and in the markets
- Easy access to the Dordogne's most beautiful castles, caves and sights
Fun things to do in Sarlat
Market days
The Saturday market is legendary, spreading through the medieval streets with stalls selling regional specialities. The covered market in the converted church of Sainte-Marie offers daily treats, while the evening food market in summer creates a festival atmosphere with communal dining under the stars.
Historic exploration
Take the glass lift up the church tower for panoramic views, explore the lantern of the dead, and discover hidden mansions and courtyards around every corner. Guided tours bring the town's rich history to life, while the night-time walks by gaslight are particularly atmospheric.vening with restaurants and ice cream parlours.
Gastronomic delights
Join a cooking class to master local specialities, visit in winter for the truffle markets, or simply enjoy the many excellent restaurants serving traditional Périgord cuisine. The town is surrounded by walnut groves and producers who welcome visitors. We’d recommend you don’t support the production of the foie gras, though.
Our favourite
Start early at the Saturday market to watch the town come alive, sampling local specialities as you go. Then climb the panoramic lift in the church of Sainte-Marie for spectacular views over the medieval rooftops, before an evening stroll through the gas-lit streets to a traditional restaurant serving Périgord specialities.
Day trips from Sarlat
The Dordogne valley offers an embarrassment of riches for day trips. The prehistoric caves of Lascaux IV provide an unmissable glimpse into human history, while the hanging gardens of Marqueyssac offer spectacular views over the valley. The châteaux of Beynac and Castelnaud face each other across the river, telling tales of ancient rivalries. It wasn’t always this serene around these parts, you know!
Take a canoe trip down the Dordogne River, passing medieval villages and castles. The beautiful villages of La Roque-Gageac and Domme provide perfect stops for lunch and exploring. History enthusiasts shouldn't miss the National Prehistory Museum in Les Eyzies, while garden lovers will appreciate the stunning grounds of Eyrignac Manor.
If you like Sarlat, you might like
Souillac
This delightful gateway to the Dordogne Valley offers a more relaxed alternative to Sarlat, with its impressive Romanesque abbey church and excellent market. The town's position at the confluence of the Dordogne and Borrèze rivers makes it perfect for water activities. It's an ideal base for exploring both the Dordogne and Lot regions.
Bergerac
This handsome riverside town offers the perfect blend of medieval charm and wine country living. Like Sarlat, it boasts a beautifully preserved old town with timber-framed houses, but here you're surrounded by vineyards. The twice-weekly market rivals Sarlat's for local produce, while its position on the Dordogne River makes it ideal for boat trips and exploring the surrounding wine châteaux.
Lindau
This stunning medieval town on Lake Constance offers a different take on historic charm, with its island old town connected to the mainland by a causeway. Like Sarlat, it perfectly preserves its medieval character, but here you have the added bonus of Alpine views and lakeside living. The combination of German efficiency, Mediterranean atmosphere and medieval architecture makes it a joy.
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