| Sarlat is located in the southwest of France and belongs to Périgord noir (black). It is likely that many other towns in France had as many curious and picturesque cobbled streets and as many beautiful buildings, but modernization has gradually destroyed these treasures of the past. The old facades are now as they were under their magnificent stone roof. The architectural treasures are there for your admiration just as the centuries have handed them down to us. Having largely ignored modern history, Sarlat remains as it once was and is considered one of the best French examples of a 14th century town. Classified as “City of Art and History”, the charming medieval streets and picturesque squares of Sarlat attract thousands of people every year in search of a piece of the sweet life of the Dordogne valley. |
What to do/What to see in Sarlat:
OLD TOWN OF SARLAT
| The city is known to have the highest density of classified historical monuments! As you stroll through the cobbled streets of the medieval city, do not forget to look up to observe the architectural richness of the monuments. With its history dating back to the Middle Ages, Sarlat has an exceptional heritage to photograph. It is understandable why famous filmmakers have decided to use Sarlat’s medieval scenery as a location for many movies since 1928. |
SARLAT PANORAMIQUE LIFT AND ST MARIE CHURCH
| The architect Jean Nouvel, who won the Pritzker Architecture prize in 2008, has transformed the ancient Sainte-Marie church in Sarlat into a covered market. He has thus rejuvenated this former place of worship, built in 1365. The effect of the contrast between the restoration of the historic building and the contemporary additions is to successfully unite the past with the modern world.
The Panoramic Glass Liftoffers views, housed within Sainte-Marie’s bell tower offers a unique experience. Once at the top, the lift – which walls are made entirely of glass – allows you a 360° view of Sarlat: a unique access to the paved streets, the honey stoned walls, the lauze covered roofs… In summer, the lift is open until 10 pm. At night, the gas lighting gives a sense of mystery to the town and reinforces the majestic character of its historic monuments. |
CHATEAU DE BEYNAC
| Since 1115, the fortress of Beynac has stood fast on a rocky outcropping overlooking the Dordogne. To tour this castle is like spanning five centuries of French history on the traces of Richard the Lionheart, Simon de Montfort and the Hundred Years’ War. From the defensive austerity of the 12th-century dungeon to the 17th-century Renaissance staircase, and from the 15th-century State Room (200 m2) to the 13th-century kitchen or the barbacane, the castle’s exceptional state of preservation offers you an unforgettable voyage to the heart of medieval times. From the top of the 14th-century dungeon, 152 metres over a sheer drop into the Dordogne River, you will enjoy a breathtaking view over the valley of five castles. |
GABARES NORBERT
| Come and discover 5 of the most charming châteaux in Dordogne Valley. This area has witnessed a succession of mythical people, scholars, merchants, Lords, religious people and especially the Poor, without whom the others could not have existed. On the bateaux Norbert, as the water carries us along, we will introduce you to a surprising concentration of some of the most evocative monuments Périgord has to offer. Audio guides will inform you of the rocks that fell on the village of La Roque Gageac in 1957, the inland water shipping and the life of the boatmen and women, the stationary and migratory fish species, river swells and the wars, with the English domination over Castelnaud Château. |
DISCOVERY TOUR IN SARLAT
| The Sarlat Rally Tour will give you a chance to discover this medieval city. At the beginning, join the guide who will give you valuable advice to help you pass your tests. If she finds you at a certain point along the way to tell you a few stories, the experience is mostly lived independently! Your logbook will be your main guide for this unusual visit of Sarlat. By answering about twenty questions, you should expect to discover the city of Sarlat from a new angle… Remember to look at your watch because time is limited: mutual help and listening will be your greatest assets! This rally tour takes around 3 hours. |
RESERVE ZOOLOGIQUE DE CALVIAC
| Enter the territory of lemurs, wallabies and marmosets. You will approach them without any barrier. The park is specialized in rare and endangered species: Elegant maned wolf, tapir, fearsome fossa, local mink, greedy-looking debonair wolverine, blue giant New Guinean pigeon, a total of 29 species and 150 animals. You will discover outstanding wooded environment, shaded paths thus waterfalls. The Reserve is a non-profit institution. |
LE PETIT TRAIN DOMMOIS
| Sightseeing commented tour of the royal bastide in a white train of Domme which is a 20mn circuit. You will be able to see Ramparts, Fortified doors as well as a panoramic view of the Dordogne valley with its Old Town, flowery streets and houses with sun scorched stones. |
LA BOUCLE DE MONTFORT
| This walk extracted from the topo guides of the region allows people to discover the village of Vitrac, perched on its plateau, dominated by the church and its castle and the medieval village of Montfort and its castle. |
SOME UNIQUE PLACES TO SHOP SARLAT
| Sarlat Market is a must-see for food lovers. All year long, depending on the season you can find local specialties such as foie gras, the famous cepe mushrooms, magret (duck breasts) & confit (conserves of duck or goose), truffles, walnuts, strawberries and countless other delicious local products to tempt the visitor’s taste buds.
There is a lively and cheerful atmosphere. The stalls are colourful and nicely smell abound, all set against the background of a beautiful town with exceptional historical architecture. Not to be missed! |
If you’d like to discover the south-west region of France and enjoy the beauty of Sarlat, visit the Trip My France website to talk to a member of our team.
