Sarlat la Canéda
Capital of the Périgord Noir
Sarlat la Canéda
Sarlat is THE typical medieval town of the region. Don’t miss out on a visit! As a town of art and history, you can explore the maze of narrow streets on your own or on one of the many guided tours offered by the Tourist Office.
The tour always begins with a visit to Saint Sacerdos Cathedral, the former abbey of the Benedictine monks around which Sarlat was built and grew into a prosperous town in medieval times. During the Renaissance, the Gothic mansions were joined by a number of private mansions, the most famous of which is the ‘Maison de la Boëtie’, which belonged to Etienne de la Boëtie, a humanist, a well-known parliamentarian in Bordeaux and a great friend of Michel de Montaigne.
« Sarlat from the sky »
From April to December, discover ‘Sarlat from the sky’ thanks to the panoramic lift housed in the former Church of Sainte-Marie, transformed in 2008 into a covered market by architect Jean Nouvel. Nestling in the heart of the church tower, the lift has entirely glazed walls offering a 360° view of the town, its cobbled streets, its blonde stone walls and its roofs covered with lauzes.
« The Manor de Gisson »
On Place des oies, in the protected area of the old town, take the time to visit the ‘Manoir de Gisson’ and discover the art of living of the Sarlat bourgeoisie in the 17th century. This remarkable building in the medieval town reveals behind its walls the world of one of Sarlat’s most powerful families: the de Gisson family. Each of the 15 rooms has been restored with the utmost care and is richly decorated to delight the eye, with magnificent drawing rooms, period furniture, fireplaces, wood panelling and precious wooden floors…
The Sarlat Market, a veritable institution !
Sarlat is all about heritage, but it’s also about gastronomy! Twice a week, on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, the town holds its market! You’ll find all the local produce on offer, and be able to take advantage of the expert advice offered by the town’s merchants, who are always delighted to talk to you about their local produce and expertise!
Events all year round !
The town of Sarlat hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, starting with the Truffle Festival, Fest’Oie, La Ringueta, a celebration of the popular games of yesteryear, and the nationally acclaimed film festival. In summer, it’s the Jeux du Théâtre festival, a veritable institution in the Sarlat region, which takes place in late July and early August, and features plays from the classical repertoire as well as contemporary works, a variety of creations and poetic performances. At the height of the summer season, it’s also time for street entertainment! Spontaneous performances on every street corner in the city, they take place before sunset, to the delight of young and old alike!
