Get lost in Périgord noir’s capital: Sarlat-la-Canéda

Meandering about the medieval streets of Sarlat is the best way to get a sense of the town’s history and cultural significance. The town’s architecture gives visitors a look into the town’s story and evolution from a purely medieval space into the modern world. The town was actually the first to benefit from restoration as a result of the Malraux Law from 1962, allowing it to not only continue to flourish, but to do so with support to display its incredible history. This also means that Sarlat has become an important hub for filmmakers to come and shoot their movies. French films such as La Fille de D’Artagnan (1993) starring Sophie Marceau or even Les Misérables (1982) have all been shot in Sarlat, along with the iconic Cinderella retelling, Ever After from 1998.

Head to the abbey to get a glimpse into medieval life in Sarlat and learn all about the town and its people. The adjacent cathedral is another must-see that truly shows off the very best of the region’s architecture. Be sure to keep an eye out for all the details added at the time of the Hundred Years Wars, it’s fascinating to understand the impact of that event on the town’s architecture and overall look. The early 19th century ushered Sarlat into a new age, refocusing on commerce and trade, while many buildings began to get left to disarray and a general lack of care permeated the town’s culture. Despite this, the local municipality undertook some urbanisation works, such as the construction of a tramway in 1912 relaying Sarlat to Bastide.

Sarlat is very well known for its local culinary specialities, so be sure to carve out some time to explore those. Goose or duck Foie Gras is the iconic delicacy of the region, particularly celebrated in the town of Sarlat. Black truffle is another legendary food found in the region and certain restaurants offer menus based on this delicacy. Le Domaine de Monrecour, le Bistro de L'Octroi and Hotel Meysset all have a delightful restaurant where you can enjoy the very best dishes constructed around local black truffles. Other fantastic local produce you must try include mushrooms, and of course, wine. If you want to try more seasonal delicacies, look out for Sarlat strawberries in late Spring and early Summertime, while local chestnuts are delicious come Autumn and Winter.

How to get to Sarlat

There are two motorways that take visitors coming to Sarlat by car. There’s the A20 from Paris, exit 51 (Périgueux, Brive Sud, Terrasson, Montignac-Lascaux); the A20: from Toulouse, exit 56 (Aurillac, Sarlat, Figeac); or the A89: from Bordeaux, exit 16 (Sarlat, Périgueux Est).

By train, the nearest stations are Brive (Corrèze) or Souillac (Lot), both accessible via the trains from Paris to Toulouse. From Brive, you can catch a bus service to Sarlat (1 return journey from Monday to Saturday during the school year, 1 return journey on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays during the school holidays).

Where to stay

Hôtel Le Meysset is a truly stunning hotel which overlooks the town centre of Sarlat from atop a hill. On top of its breathtaking views, Le Meysset also features excellent amenities such as a pool, and of course, an incredible restaurant.