🇫🇷France · Places to discover
What to see in Sarlat?
16 places selected by the community - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
Sarlat-la-Canéda is a medieval town in the Périgord Noir whose historic centre has survived nearly intact since the 15th century, making it a rare case in France. The alleyways around the cathedral of Saint-Sacerdos and the lantern of the dead still function as a living town, not a frozen set piece. The ochre-golden stone shifts colour with the hour, and locals shop Saturday mornings much as they have for generations.
The best period runs from mid-September to late October: summer tourists have departed, truffle and walnut markets begin, and temperatures remain agreeable. Two days suffice to explore the centre on foot, though plan for a car to venture to châteaux in the Dordogne valley. Avoid the Wednesday market in July-August if you dislike dense crowds: it's become heavily frequented and prices reflect the season.
Landmarks & heritage
6 places
1Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0Landmark
Hôtel Plamon
Architectural complex of Gothic and Renaissance periods from the 14th to 16th centuries, former residence of a draper family. Its ogival windows and superimposed loggias attest to the rising fortune of Sarlat's merchant class.
2Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Landmark
Lanterne des Morts de Sarlat
A twelfth-century Romanesque cylindrical tower, one of France's most mysterious – its funerary purpose remains debated. Nestled in the Enfeus garden, it offers a striking medieval setting.
3Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.5Landmark
Maison de La Boétie
16th-century Renaissance dwelling and birthplace of Étienne de La Boétie, friend of Montaigne and author of Discourse on Voluntary Servitude. Its mullioned window façade is an architectural gem.
- 4
Landmark
Landmark
Rue de la République (La Traverse)
Thoroughfare cut through the medieval fabric in the 19th century, nicknamed 'La Traverse' by locals who shun it. It separates the upper town from the lower town and remains an essential landmark for orientation.
- 5
Landmark
Landmark
Présidial of Sarlat
Former royal law court from the 17th century with a distinctive baroque domed roof unique in Périgord. Now a performance hall, it hosts notably productions from the Festival of Theatre Games.
- 6
Landmark
Landmark
Hôtel de Maleville
Splendid Renaissance mansion from the late 16th century, built by Jacques de Maleville, minister to Henri IV. Its sculptured façade is among the most elegant in the town.
Religious sites
2 places
7Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Religious site
Chapel of the White Penitents of Sarlat
Small Romanesque chapel from the 12th century, restored and now a cultural space and exhibition hall. Hidden behind the cathedral, it reveals the richness of Sarlat's medieval religious heritage.
8Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Religious site
Sarlat Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral
Gothic and Renaissance cathedral at the heart of the old town, with construction spanning the 12th to 17th centuries. Its Romanesque bell tower and imposing nave dominate the listed historic centre.
Nature
3 places
9Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Nature
State forest of Sarlat-la-Canéda
Forest massif of pedunculate and downy oaks surrounding the town, dotted with marked trails for hikers and mountain bikers. In autumn, the colours and mushrooms make it an ideal playground for locals.
- 10
Nature
Nature
Beune Valley
Enclosed and unspoilt valley south of Sarlat, crossed by a path running alongside the river beneath the limestone cliffs. Ideal for observing grey herons, otters and the wetland vegetation of Périgord Noir.
- 11
Nature
Nature
Lac de la Plane
Small reservoir lake a few minutes from the centre, favoured by Sarlat families for swimming and fishing in summer. Far from tourist circuits, it is the go-to local spot for a cooling dip.
Viewpoints
2 places
- 12
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Barre Viewpoint
Natural terrace above Sarlat offering a panorama of the slate roofs of the old town and the wooded hills beyond. Accessible from the town rampart path in 20 minutes' walk from the centre.
- 13
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Marquay cliffs and Pech Merle viewpoint
Limestone promontory overlooking the Beune valley south of Sarlat, accessible on foot from Marquay. Clear views over the truffle oak groves and walnut fields typical of Périgord Noir.
Activities
3 places
14Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Activity
Sarlat Theatre Games Festival
Among France's oldest theatre festivals (since 1952), transforming the courtyards and alleyways of the old town into open-air stages each summer. An event deeply rooted in Sarlat's cultural identity.
- 15
Activity
Activity
Dordogne Valley Cycle Route - Green Way
Purpose-built cycle path along a former railway line, running alongside the Dordogne between Sarlat and Souillac. Perfect for a half-day family bike ride, with stops in white-stone villages.
- 16
Activity
Activity
Sarlat Saturday Morning Market
One of the finest markets in south-west France, taking over the entire old town each Saturday. Black truffles in season, preserves, walnuts, sheep's cheese and cèpes – a sensory spectacle as much as a shopping experience.
Also 🇫🇷 in France
