In the Dordogne, the pretty town of Sarlat-la-Canéda welcomes nearly 2 million visitors every year. All of them want to discover what makes the city one of the most beautiful medieval sites in Europe.
In the Dordogne, the pretty town of Sarlat-la-Canéda welcomes nearly 2 million visitors every year. All of them want to discover what makes the city one of the most beautiful medieval sites in Europe.
From the 9th century, Sarlat develops around its Benedictine abbey. From its origins, the abbey enabled Sarlat to become a prosperous town that was important in the political and social life of the Middle Ages. Several significant buildings from this period have survived over the centuries and have come down to us. Among them, the Saint-Benoît chapel, the bell-tower-gate and the lantern of the dead.
From the 16th century onwards, more and more Renaissance-style mansions appeared and gave a new face to this beautiful city of character. The birth house of the writer Etienne de la Boétie is, without a doubt, the most famous example.
Today, Sarlat is a town with a strong history and a heritage that stands out in the eyes of visitors at the bend of every alley.
Numerous tours are offered at the Tourist Office of the city. Of course, the panoramic elevator of the bell tower of the Church of Sainte-Marie is a must! To take it is to be able to contemplate Sarlat at 360° and discover all its beauty: a perfect coherence and an authentic charm.
However, Sarlat is not only a town rooted in the past. Throughout the year, it offers many events which highlight its wealth and specialities: truffle festival in January, "Journées du Terroir" in May, "Journées du Taste et de la Gastronomie" in September.
Very well known in the region, its open-air market is not to be missed. Organised every Saturday, it honours the small producers of the emblematic products of the Dordogne: ceps, strawberries, walnuts, confits and duck breasts will delight your taste buds.
Sarlat is a town of character and unspoilt charm and is a must for anyone wishing to discover the Dordogne. On its own, the town has a unique architecture and an intangible heritage that you won't find anywhere else. It is a concrete testimony to everything that makes up the beauty and richness of France.
To find out more about the city's history.
To prepare your visit: the unmissable events of Sarlat.
Bérengère for Comme des Français
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Also to be discovered in the region:
- The Reignac fortified house
- The citadel of Rocamadour
Or to discover other regional gastronomic heritages:
- The estaminets