Sarlat is one of the essential places to visit in the Dordogne! The medieval town is renowned for its numerous historic buildings and the curious will find many opportunities to discover all its treasures. How to organize your visit to Sarlat? What are the places to absolutely see in this city of art and history, in the heart of Périgord? Follow the leader !
Where to walk in Sarlat, city of art and history?
Visiting Sarlat means first planning a nice walk: the center of the town is pedestrianized. From Place de la Liberté to the Jardin du Plantier via the Manoir de Gisson, make sure you don't miss a thing!
The neighborhoods and buildings of Sarlat to visit
The heart of the medieval town is divided into two districts, separated by La Traverse (rue de la République).
- To the east, discover the most commercial district of Sarlat-la-Canéda: you will find there the famous covered market of Sarlat, on the Place de la Liberté. You can also discover the history of the city's most emblematic buildings, such as the Saint-Sacerdos cathedral and the Gisson manor.
- Then head to the western district of Sarlat: the quieter streets invite you to take a peaceful walk. In summer, a visit in the shade or at the end of the day, not far from the gardens of Sainte-Claire Abbey, is particularly enjoyable.
Guided tours to discover Sarlat-la-Canéda
Would you prefer to listen to a guide's story? The medieval city is also revealed during guided tours. These visits are ideal for learning all about the secrets and anecdotes of this city of art and history, in the heart of Périgord, but also for discovering Sarlat-la-Canéda in a different way:
- Throughout the year with dramatized walks led by actor guides;
- In summer with a guided night tour of the city, to discover Sarlat by night;
- Time for a fun journey through the medieval city, with the Sarlat Rally.
Visit Sarlat with family and children
Like other must-see places in the Dordogne, Sarlat has the advantage of being as accessible for adults as for children. Place at family tourism ! Fun visits are organized by the city's Tourist Office. The complete program can be discovered on the website: sarlat-tourisme.com
A gourmet visit
Would you like to discover the specialties of the region? Périgord is a land of gourmet products which will delight the palates of adults and children alike. For tasting: head to the Sarlat markets!
- The traditional open-air market of Sarlat, meeting Dordogne producers: all year round on Wednesday morning or all day on Saturday;
- The covered market, in the old Sainte-Marie church;
- En winter, the truffle markets and the fat market on Saturday mornings.
A walking tour through the streets of the medieval city
Several routes are possible to visit Sarlat on foot. In the streets of the city, you can have fun identifying the different places that have served as movie sets. The visit is also an opportunity to admire the facades in stone et slate roofs, typical of Périgord Noir. Or go in search of the famous bronze geese. A clue ? Maybe they also wanted to take a trip to the market…
A visit to discover the city’s emblematic places
As elsewhere in Dordogne, the medieval city invites you to take a journey through the history of the region. Several buildings are worth exploring:
- The Manor of Gisson (XVIIe century), a real castle in town, accessible for a self-guided visit;
- Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral, the visit of which is free (adult or child);
- The Maison de la Boétie, not far from the cathedral: its facade is a marriage of medieval and Renaissance styles;
- Or the Lantern of the Dead (XIIe century), an unusual sepulchral chapel to visit in the Saint-Benoît cemetery.
How to access Sarlat city center easily?
Jewel of the Black Périgord, Sarlat-la-Canéda preserves its heritage. This is why the center of the medieval town can only be visited on foot. But rest assured, access is easy. This is also what makes it a destination of choice during your trip to the Dordogne, between visits to caves and castles.
- Several parking areas are accessible in Sarlat, in the center of the city;
- Personalized summer bus lines provide a connection between the heart of the city and the surrounding villages. This is the opportunity to organize your stay by choosing a hotel near Sarlat.
Visit Sarlat, but not only!
Did you like Sarlat-la-Canéda, its medieval streets and its atmosphere worthy of a movie set? You will also like to visit the other places & unmissables of Périgord, in the Dordogne valley or the Vézère valley. Good news, they are easily accessible from Sarlat:
- The numerous prehistoric sites: the Lascaux cave, the Cro Magnon shelter, etc.;
- The castles: Beynac castle, Castelnaud castle…;
- The medieval villages of La Roque-Gageac and Beynac;
- The gardens of Marqueyssac…
