Whether you love art, culture and history, or the great outdoors there is something for everyone in Sarlat, Perigord and Dordogne
History and beauty
The town of Sarlat-la-Canéda is known as featuring the highest density of listed historical buildings per square foot in France! As you stroll through the paved streets of the medieval town, remember to raise your eyes to observe the architectural treasures around you.
With a history dating back to the Middle Ages, Sarlat offers you an exceptional setting for your holiday snapshots. No wonder famous film-makers have been making use of the medieval backdrop of Sarlat since 1928, and why a number of cult films were shot on location here.
Within Sarlat you will enjoy taking a trip in the panoramic glass elevator to the top of the old church clocktower, where you can look down onto the rooftops of this medieval city. The Maison de Gisson allows you into one of the historic houses with one of the first ‘curiosity’ museums and a look inside those amazing stone rooves.
A few minutes’ drive and you will find yourself in beautiful Beynac castle, and nearby is also the amazing gardens of Eyrignac and not to be missed is Marquessac which sits on top of a mountain overlooking the entire Dordogne Valley and looking out across rivers, countryside and chateaux.
If you like castles just a short drive are Chateau de Milandes, home to the Josephine Baker, known for her ‘banana skirt dance’ in the 20’s and then as a spy for the French Resistance – a museum for which is in the chateau.
Beautiful villages
- Sarlat-la-Canéda – has a tentative UNESCO world heritage listing
- Rocamadour * – a UNESCO world heritage site, famous pilgrimage church and village on the route St James’ Way pilgrimage route
- Belves
- Beynac-et-Cazenac * – featured in the movie Chocolat starring Johnnie Depp
- Castlelnaud-La-Chapelle *
- La Roque-Gageac *
- Saint-Amand-de-Coly *
- Saint-Leon-sur-Vezere *
- Limeui *
- Loubressac *
- Carennac *
- Autoire *
- Collonges-La-Rouge *
- Turenne *
* Designated as one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in France’
Gardens & chateaux
- Les Jardins de Marqueyssac
- Les Jardins d’Eau
- Les Jardins du Manior d’Eyrignac
- Les Jardins Panoramiques de Limeauil
Ancient landscapes
- Lascaux Caves
- La Roque Saint-Christophe
- Les Grottes du Roc de Gazelle
- Gouffre de Padirac
- Gouffre de Proumeyssac (Cathedral of Crystal)
Historic landmarks & castles
- Salart self guided tour
- Belevedere Tower
- Manor de Gisson
- Le Chateau de Castelnaud
- Maison Forte de Reignac
- Le Chateau de Beynac
- Chateau des Milandes
Restaurants and gourmet
French breakfasts are low key and calm. In the morning you can buy pastries from one of the family-run boulangeries near the apartment – there are at least five within a minute or two’s walk. On Saturday and Wednesdays the market will already be setting up and you will weave between the providors of cheeses, foie gras, salamis, olives and fruit and vegetables.
A rustic picnic makes a perfect lunch with fresh breads, meats and salads, all of which are available in La Traverse, or try a little quiche from the daily produce market Le Marché Couvert in the old cathedral building near the glass elevator.
The weekly markets are renowned as the best in the area where you will find an amazing display of local produce and wares, all within the city walls. Spring is a particularly glorious time of year in Sarlat, and there is a lovely park above the wall with shady trees and blossom where we often enjoy a picnic lunch.
For dinners in summer any of the little cafes in the square, or the famous Ton Ton Burger is always a hit, or why not explore some of traditional colonial cuisine like Moroccan food stall near the cinema.
Winters are always super special at the little rustic kitchen around the corner. Chez Le Gaulois have a range of aged ham hanging in the restaurant and slice to order, accompanied by potatoes, and melted cheese dishes, all within the cosy walls of a medieval building.
For a special occasion I love L’Esprit de Sarlat for exquisite upmarket food and seamless service in a comfortable spacious restaurant, or Le Presidial is another lovely option.
The great outdoors
For those who like adventure there are some great rambling walks and hikes in and around Sarlat and the Perigord area.
In Sarlat itself there is a wonderful bike (and electric bike!) hire service. From there you can cycle through the village and down the repurposed railway line which runs along the banks of the Dordogne River.
You can also hire canoes to enjoy the picturesque Dordogne or relax on a river cruises with Les Gabarres Norbert or Gabarres de Beynac.
Seven days of magical sightseeing from your beautiful base in Sarlat
Day 1
Le Chateau de Beynac
Chateau des Milandes
River Cruise
Belves*
Day 2
Les Jardins du Manior d’Eyrignac
Turenne*
Collonges-La-Rouge*
Loubressac*
Carennac*
Day 3
Rocamadour (UNESCO world heritage site, famous pilgrimage church and village on the route St James’ Way pilgrimage route)
Gouffre de Padirac
Autoire*
Day 4
Saint-Amand-de-Coly*
Canoeing
Lascaux Caves (UNESCO world heritage listing)
Saint-Leon-sur-Vezere*
Maison Forte de Reignac
Day 5
Les Jardins
Gouffre de Proumeyssac (Cathedral of Crystal)
Limeui*
Day 6
Sarlat self guided tour
Belevedere Tower
Manoir de Gisson (self-guided tour) in Sarlat
La Roque-Gageac*
Les Jardins de Marqueyssac
Day 7
Cycling to Dordogne river
Musee de la noix
Le Chateau de Castelnaud
Les Jardins de Marqueyssac
* Designated as one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in France’
