Sarlat, capital of the Perigord Noir and quintessential french village.
Winding pebbled alleys, little squares framed by beautifully preserved medieval buildings and a long series of hidden corners...
You are in Sarlat, centre of the Perigord Noir and quintessential french village.
Walking through the streets, you'll be astonished by the details: the ancient doors, the Reinassance windows, the typical honeyed stones, the peculiar 'lauze' roofs... The old artisans ateliers may have been replaced by souvenirs shops and restaurants, but the atmosphere is still that of the historical films; it feels like descending into Middle Ages.
To the south east of the city, the Cathedral Saint Sacerdos shows a mix of architectural styles including Roman and Gothic, signs of the several renovations over the centuries. Just above the cathedral, is the ancient abbey cemetery, called `Jardin des Enfeus` spotted with several sarcophagus and, above it, there is an unusual bullet shaped building called the Lanterne des Morts, whose origins and uses are uncertain, although its location on the side of the cemetery may suggest it as a sepulchral chapel.
Opposite the cathedral is a wonderful Renaissance style house with a beautifully decorated facade, that can be somehow considered the most popular landmark of the city: it is the ‘Hôtel de La Boétie’ birthplace of the philosopher and humanist Etienne de La Boétie.
Directing north, you'll find yourself in the Place de la Liberté with the Hotel de Ville (town hall) and the former Eglise de Sainte Marie. The building, now hosting a covered market dates back to 1500. It was sold as a national asset in 1815 and divided into eight properties. And it is for this reason that the apse is missing: the owner destroyed it to sell the stones. To close the aisle there is now a huge black portal.
Turn the corner and you will find the Place du Marché aux Oies, ancient square once used for the goose market and the Manoir de Gisson, a bourgeois residence dating back to the 13th century and recently opened to the public.
Following the winding Rue des Consuls, there are a series of impressive mansions: the 16th century Hotel de Mirandol with its imposing doorway, the 14th century Hotel Plamon with its three arched windows, the 15th century Hotel de Vassalbuilt with its double turret and the Hotel Tapinois de Betou with its monumental staircase.
Finally on the edge of the old town, you will spot an attractive 16th century building, former seat of the royal justice and used as a court until 1789. The building with itsoriginal lantern structure on its roof, is now occupied by Le Presidial, a gourmet restaurant.
All this turn around often with your nose up may make you feel like you are getting lost in the medieval lanes. Do not worry, actually this is the best way to explore the town and discover the little gems; I have been living here for almost 5 years now and can still find surprising details!
The city symbol is the salamander; on the coat-of-arms, it is surmounted by "fleur de lys" with the motto "Ignibus et undis" (fears neither fire nor water). It symbolizes rebirth and immortality, and is the same symbol also chosen by Francis I.
Finally, let's talk about food because Sarlat is rightly famous for its regional and culinary products: being located in Perigord Noir, the kingdom of truffles, walnuts, mushrooms, strawberries and foie gras it has become over the years a popular gastronomic destination. Its weekly market taking place every Wednesday and Saturday, is a feast for foodies and attracts plenty of tourists and locals.
You are in Sarlat, centre of the Perigord Noir and quintessential french village.
 |
| Sarlat-la-Caneda |
Walking through the streets, you'll be astonished by the details: the ancient doors, the Reinassance windows, the typical honeyed stones, the peculiar 'lauze' roofs... The old artisans ateliers may have been replaced by souvenirs shops and restaurants, but the atmosphere is still that of the historical films; it feels like descending into Middle Ages.
 |
| Sarlat-la-Caneda |
To the south east of the city, the Cathedral Saint Sacerdos shows a mix of architectural styles including Roman and Gothic, signs of the several renovations over the centuries. Just above the cathedral, is the ancient abbey cemetery, called `Jardin des Enfeus` spotted with several sarcophagus and, above it, there is an unusual bullet shaped building called the Lanterne des Morts, whose origins and uses are uncertain, although its location on the side of the cemetery may suggest it as a sepulchral chapel.
 |
| Lanterne des morts, Sarlat |
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| Saint Sacerdos Cathedral, Sarlat |
Opposite the cathedral is a wonderful Renaissance style house with a beautifully decorated facade, that can be somehow considered the most popular landmark of the city: it is the ‘Hôtel de La Boétie’ birthplace of the philosopher and humanist Etienne de La Boétie.
 |
| Hôtel de La Boétie, Sarlat |
Directing north, you'll find yourself in the Place de la Liberté with the Hotel de Ville (town hall) and the former Eglise de Sainte Marie. The building, now hosting a covered market dates back to 1500. It was sold as a national asset in 1815 and divided into eight properties. And it is for this reason that the apse is missing: the owner destroyed it to sell the stones. To close the aisle there is now a huge black portal.
 |
| Eglise Sainte Marie, Sarlat |
Turn the corner and you will find the Place du Marché aux Oies, ancient square once used for the goose market and the Manoir de Gisson, a bourgeois residence dating back to the 13th century and recently opened to the public.
 |
| Place du Marché aux Oies, Sarlat |
Following the winding Rue des Consuls, there are a series of impressive mansions: the 16th century Hotel de Mirandol with its imposing doorway, the 14th century Hotel Plamon with its three arched windows, the 15th century Hotel de Vassalbuilt with its double turret and the Hotel Tapinois de Betou with its monumental staircase.
Finally on the edge of the old town, you will spot an attractive 16th century building, former seat of the royal justice and used as a court until 1789. The building with itsoriginal lantern structure on its roof, is now occupied by Le Presidial, a gourmet restaurant.
All this turn around often with your nose up may make you feel like you are getting lost in the medieval lanes. Do not worry, actually this is the best way to explore the town and discover the little gems; I have been living here for almost 5 years now and can still find surprising details!
 |
| Virgin Marie statue, Sarlat |
The city symbol is the salamander; on the coat-of-arms, it is surmounted by "fleur de lys" with the motto "Ignibus et undis" (fears neither fire nor water). It symbolizes rebirth and immortality, and is the same symbol also chosen by Francis I.
Finally, let's talk about food because Sarlat is rightly famous for its regional and culinary products: being located in Perigord Noir, the kingdom of truffles, walnuts, mushrooms, strawberries and foie gras it has become over the years a popular gastronomic destination. Its weekly market taking place every Wednesday and Saturday, is a feast for foodies and attracts plenty of tourists and locals.
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| Sarlat market |
For more info about the Dordogne region, check out our posts.
If you are planning a visit in the Dordogne Valley here are our suggestions for a 3 or 5 days itinerary
For more info about the Dordogne region, check out our posts.
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