Fernweh: Home
    ExploreTravel GuidesPlan a tripMy tripLast visited
    de|en
    All Places & RegionsAll highlightsAbout FernwehFAQPrivacy PolicyImprint
    ExploreTravel GuidesPlan a tripMy tripLast visited
    • Neighborhoods & highlights
    • Walking tours
    • Eat & drink
    • Food culture
    • Culture
    • Getting around
    • Accommodation
    • Plan trip
    • Nearby
    Sarlat-la-Canéda

    France

    Sarlat-la-Canéda

    CityCulture

    Sarlat-la-Canéda, the capital of the Périgord Noir, captivates with its exceptionally well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. France
    7. Dordogne (Périgord)
    9. Sarlat-la-Canéda
    Sarlat-la-Canéda, the capital of the Périgord Noir, captivates with its exceptionally well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture. Here you'll find an abundance of golden stone buildings, winding alleys, and charming squares that reflect the region's history. Highlights include the Place de la Liberté with its bustling market activity, especially on Saturdays, and the impressive Cathédrale Saint-Sacerdos. Explore the narrow passages leading to hidden courtyards, and discover historic buildings such as the birthplace of Étienne de La Boétie. The city is also a hub for regional gastronomy, renowned for truffles, foie gras, and walnuts, which you can find in the local markets. To experience the authentic atmosphere without large crowds, a visit during the off-season is recommended, ideally in spring or autumn. For a comprehensive impression of the old town, you should take your time to appreciate the architectural details and sample the local specialties.

    Sights in Sarlat-la-Canéda

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    1Ella and Pitr / "Notre linge", installation.

    “Notre linge” is an artwork by the French artist duo Ella & Pitr in the old town of Sarlat-la-Canéda. They are known for large-scale works in public spaces, often featuring giant, sleeping figures painted on roofs, facades, or surfaces. In contrast to the town's medieval facades, their work appears surprising. Our tip: Inquire beforehand at the tourist office if the artwork is currently on display, as public art is sometimes only temporarily shown.
    Open in Google Maps

    City walks in Sarlat-la-Canéda

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Green Sarlat: Panoramas, Gardens and New Perspectives

    This walk takes you off the beaten track of Sarlat's historic centre. Discover breathtaking panoramic views over the town and the surrounding countryside, stroll through green oases and quiet residential districts and gain insights into Sarlat's development beyond its medieval walls. A perfect complement for experiencing the "Golden Town" from a new perspective and getting to know its more relaxed, nature-oriented side.

    ~1 Std. 45 Min.
    Open in Google Maps
    Stops (7)

    Dining & Drinks

    Aravi

    Restaurant in 13 Rue de la République.
    Show on Google Maps

    The Creamery

    Restaurant in 4 Av. du Général Leclerc.
    Show on Google Maps

    La Calabre

    Restaurant in 1 Rue Jean Jaurès.
    Show on Google Maps

    Chez le Gaulois

    Restaurant in 3 Pl. André Malraux.
    Show on Google Maps

    Le Rex

    Bar in 18 Av. Thiers.
    Show on Google Maps
    1

    L'Adresse

    Genieße die lokale Périgord-Küche mit Entenspezialitäten und Trüffeln in diesem charmanten Restaurant der Altstadt von Sarlat-la-Canéda.
    Show on Google Maps

    Food & Beverages

    Sarlat is considered the culinary heart of the Périgord. Duck, walnut, truffle, and mushrooms define the menus, with the truffle market added in winter.

    Confit and Magret de canard

    Duck confit and pan-fried duck breast are the region's standard dishes. They come with potatoes fried in duck fat.

    Truffles from Périgord

    The black winter truffle is harvested from December to February. Sarlat holds its own truffle market at this time.

    Walnuts and Walnut oil

    The Périgord walnuts carry a Protected Designation of Origin. They are used for oil, cakes, and liqueur.

    Market on Saturday morning

    The market fills the entire Old Town and is one of the region's largest. Wednesdays see a smaller edition.

    Wines from Bergerac and Cahors

    From the west come the wines of Bergerac and the sweet wine Monbazillac, from the southeast the dark Malbec from Cahors.

    Sarlat: A Heritage of Stone and History

    Sarlat-la-Canéda is deeply rooted in Dordogne's history. The town grew around a Benedictine abbey from the Carolingian era, flourishing through the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Its remarkably preserved townscape largely owes its state to being spared major destruction and industrialization. In the 1960s, the old town was restored under the Malraux Law, becoming one of France's first protected urban ensembles.The town is characterized by its buildings of golden-yellow limestone with steep roofs, many covered with limestone slabs (lauzes), alongside narrow alleys and hidden courtyards. Gothic elements and Renaissance facades define the townscape, notably at the Hôtel de Gisson and the birthplace of Étienne de La Boétie.Culturally, Sarlat is shaped by its roots as a trading center. The market, particularly on Saturdays, serves as a central meeting place. The town is closely entwined with Périgord's gastronomy, with truffles and foie gras playing a major role. Sarlat holds the label Ville d'Art et d'Histoire.

    Exploring Locally

    The historic Old Town of Sarlat-la-Canéda is best explored on foot, as many alleys are car-free. For arrival and to discover the picturesque surroundings of the Périgord Noir, a rental car is the most flexible option. There are also regional bus connections and a train station for trains from larger cities like Bordeaux.

    Accommodations in Sarlat-la-Canéda

    Find perfect stay in Sarlat-la-Canéda

    Booking.com* (Affiliate link)
    Search Hotels
    Agoda* (Affiliate link)
    Search Hotels
    Airbnb
    Vacation Rentals

    * Affiliate link: if you book through it, we earn a small commission. The price stays the same for you.

    Campgrounds in Sarlat-la-Canéda

    Find perfect campground in Sarlat-la-Canéda

    Search via Google Maps
    Campgrounds nearby (15km)
    Camping.info
    Find Campgrounds
    Park4Night
    RV Parks & Camping

    Plan your trip to Sarlat-la-Canéda

    Save places, build a route and plan your city trip, all in one place.

    1. 1
      Sunrise over alpine peaks and a sea of clouds
      1234

      Round trip

      12 days · 4 stops

      Saved

      Pick a route

      Pick a ready-made one or save places and plan your own.

      Open bookmarks
    2. 2

      Trip to Sarlat-la-Canéda

      Live
      • 1Ella and Pitr / "Notre linge", installation.3 days
      Budget

      Plan your trip

      The planner sorts stops, days and budget. Plan together in real time.

      Start trip planning
    3. 3
      9:41 No signal
      Sarlat-la-Canéda
      Available offline

      Use it on the road

      Download the guide to your phone and use it on site, even offline.

    Nearby

    Dordogne (Périgord)

    Dordogne (Périgord)

    The Dordogne, historically known as Périgord, is located in southwest France. The region is renowned for prehistoric cave art, medieval castles overlooking the river valley, villages of pale limestone, and a cuisine featuring duck, truffles, and walnuts.
    Castelnaud-la-Chapelle

    Castelnaud-la-Chapelle

    Castelnaud-la-Chapelle in the Périgord Noir is known for its castle perched high above the Dordogne. The Château de Castelnaud was repeatedly held by the English during the Hundred Years' War, facing the French-held Château de Beynac. The complex, temporarily in ruins, was restored from the 1960s and now hosts the Musée de la Guerre au Moyen Âge with weapons, armour, and recreated siege engines. The village, with its stone houses and narrow alleys, nestles against the castle rock. It's best to combine your visit with Beynac on the opposite river bank. During the off-season, it is significantly quieter than in summer.
    Domme

    Domme

    Domme, a 13th-century bastide, perches on a rocky plateau with expansive views over the Dordogne Valley. Its golden stone houses define the town's character, which you can explore through its narrow streets and the central Place de la Halle, where the Porte des Tours features historical Templar graffiti. A highlight is the Grottes de Domme, a cave system beneath the town, accessible by elevator. The Belvédère de la Barre offers panoramic views of the river's meanders and surrounding villages. Visit Domme in the early morning or late afternoon to savour its special atmosphere in peace.
    Montignac-Lascaux

    Montignac-Lascaux

    Montignac-Lascaux in the Périgord Noir is the gateway to the Lascaux cave art. Above the town, the Centre International de l'Art Pariétal, known as Lascaux IV, showcases a faithful replica of the cave discovered in 1940. The town itself lies on the Vézère and boasts narrow streets with stone and half-timbered houses, as well as a riverside promenade. It's best to book tickets for Lascaux IV online in advance; the early morning and late afternoon are quieter.
    Périgueux

    Périgueux

    Périgueux, the capital of Périgord, unites Roman history with medieval charm. Discover the impressive Cathédrale Saint-Front, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose Byzantine-inspired domes evoke Venice. The winding streets of the medieval old town reveal half-timbered houses and Renaissance palaces. Experience the city's Roman origins as Vesunna at the Musée Gallo-Romain de Vesunna, built around the remains of a Roman villa. The lively weekly markets (Wednesdays and Saturdays are best) are ideal for sampling regional specialties like truffles and foie gras. For a relaxed visit, spring or autumn is recommended to avoid the crowds.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Unsplash. Each photo carries its credit.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI