Visit Sarlat la Canéda

Sarlat, town of art and history

Sarlat, the capital of the Perigord Noir, is situated in the heart of a forested area – to the east of the great region of the Aquitaine and close to the Dordogne valley. The name Sarlat itself, evokes both gastronomic and cultural pleasures. Its worldwide reputation is linked with its rich history from the Middle Ages onwards. Its evolution over the centuries has left it with an exceptional heritage.

Sarlat was the first place in France to be safeguarded by being restored under the Malraux law of 1964. Its classification as Ville d’Art et d’Histoire (Artistic and Historic Town), is testament to its high architectural quality. Its medieval lanes and its large, sunny squares, particularly lively on market days, create an agreeable atmosphere.

Since 1928, cinema producers have found the authentic surroundings a perfect backdrop for historic films. The guided visits to the town, given by the Tourist Office, offer an introduction into the history of Sarlat and the opportunity to discover the charm of this medieval city with its Occitan overtones.

Sarlat has been awarded the exceptional three star classification by the Michelin Guide, making it equal to Europe’s most beautiful cities.

Visit

Sarlat guided tours

Whether you are local resident or just visiting, follow our english guided tours. You will discover the hidden sides of an exceptional medieval town
From May to October (except August)
Every wednesday at 11 am
Duration : 1 hour
Ticket sale and departure from Tourist Office.

Audioguided tour

It has a touch sensitive screen and is very easy to use. There are illustrations with each commentary. There is even a little game.
Available in French, English, Spanish, German and Italian.

Gastronomic products

A visit to Sarlat awakens the senses and above all, the sense of taste. The nose and the palate are in constant demand. Here at a farmers market, there on a visit to a truffle producer, and once more at a foie gras or other regional food tasting. And that’s without taking into account the number of food events proposed regularly in the town!

To sum up, you will see that it’s all about enjoying good food. Nature has indeed looked generously on the Perigord: foie gras, truffles, cepes, chestnuts, walnuts, strawberries, the cabecou goat’s cheeses, wines, duck and geese conserves (confits) and pork conserves (enchauds). And the generosity of the Perigourdian gastronomy is in plentiful supply.

The style of cuisine is both simple and authentic. Its prime quality is its respect, amounting almost to a religion, for its local produce. The traditional method of cooking is still carried out today by numerous families as they prepare their conserves, continue their bottling and create their confits ….. A tradition which is carried on as family secrets are passed on from generation to generation. This, nevertheless, doesn’t prevent the chefs of the region from being creative in their kitchens.

Local Products and Specialties : Foie gras, Truffle, Confit & Magret, Pomme de terre sarladaise (potatoes cooked in Goose fat with a parsley and garlic, Strawberries, Walnuts, Milla (a pumpkin cake), Mique (a bread cooked in a soup), Chestnuts, Boletus, Tourain (a local soup), Scrambled eggs with truffles.

Major events

Truffle Festival with its culinary symposium of foie gras and truffle: 3rd week-end in January, every year.
Sarlat Fest’oie: Sarlat celebrates its web-footed emblem with a goose fair: 3rd Sunday in February, every year.
Ringueta: Festival celebrating the traditional games of the past. Every 2 years, on Whit Sunday.
Journées du terroir: A two day market with local produce. On May 13th & 14th.
Theatre Games Festival: One of the eldest theater festivals in France (since 1952). End of July to early August.
Movie Festival, Mid-November.
Christmas Market and outdoor skating rink: Mid-December and Christmas school holidays (up to 40 wooden chalets selling arts and crafts; numerous entertainments, and a free play area for children).

Access to Sarlat

By train : Sarlat train station / Souillac train station(30 km)
By plane : Brive Vallée de la Dordogne airport (50 km) / Bergerac Roumanière airport (70 km)
By bus : lines Sarlat/Souillac and Sarlat/Périgueux