Sarlat-la-Canéda

Written by Camille Laurent, Celine Fournier, Marcus Kayode, Sebastien Simon
30/08/2025
Explore the picturesque medieval architecture of Sarlat-la-Canéda's charming streets in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France.
Erica エリカ, Pexels

Stepping into Sarlat-la-Canéda feels like a journey back in time, offering a beautifully preserved medieval core with honey-colored buildings and bustling markets rich in local truffles and foie gras. This town serves as an excellent gateway to the historic chateaus and scenic landscapes of the Dordogne Valley.

The heart of Sarlat-la-Canéda, especially around its main squares and lively market areas, buzzes with activity, providing ample opportunities to engage with locals and fellow travelers. Evenings bring a magical glow to the gaslit streets, perfect for dining at charming bistro terraces.

Top 7 Things to do in Sarlat-la-Canéda

Sarlat-la-Canéda offers a blend of historical exploration, culinary discovery, and active excursions into the natural beauty of the Dordogne Valley.

1. Wander Through Vieux Sarlat (Old Town)

Stepping into Vieux Sarlat feels like a journey back through centuries. The narrow, cobblestone streets wind past honey-colored stone buildings, gothic churches, and Renaissance mansions that remain remarkably preserved. It is truly a pleasure to simply wander aimlessly, discovering hidden courtyards and picturesque alleys around every corner. Visiting in the early morning or late evening provides a magical atmosphere, with fewer crowds and the glow of gaslit streets at night . Take time to notice the architectural details, such as the unique lauze stone roofs. The Old Town is particularly vibrant on market days.

Cost: Free to explore. Guided walking tours are available, with options like a 'Sarlat Gourmet Tour and Market Visit' starting from approximately $60, often including tastings .

Transport: Vieux Sarlat is the town center and is best explored on foot. Parking is available outside the immediate medieval core.

2. Experience the Sarlat Market and Sainte-Marie Church

The Sarlat Market is a sensory delight, held every Wednesday morning and all day Saturday, transforming the medieval squares and streets into a bustling hub of activity . It is an exceptional place to discover local specialties like foie gras, black truffles, walnut products, and regional cheeses . I have found the market to be far more extensive and vibrant than many others, with a noticeable focus on quality local produce rather than tourist trinkets . Inside the former Sainte-Marie Church, now a covered market, modern steel stalls contrast with the ancient gothic stonework . For a unique perspective over the town, take the glass elevator within the church's bell tower, offering panoramic views of Sarlat's rooftops . Arriving early is advisable to avoid crowds and secure the best produce .

Cost: Free to enter the market. Cost for purchases varies. The glass elevator in Sainte-Marie Church typically has a small fee (e.g., around €2-3, based on common local attraction pricing, but not explicitly stated in recent snippets).

Transport: The market is in the heart of the Old Town and easily accessible on foot. Parking can be challenging on market days, so arriving early is recommended .

3. Visit Cathédrale Saint-Sacerdos

Standing as a significant historical landmark in Sarlat's heart, the Cathédrale Saint-Sacerdos, a co-cathedral of the Diocese of Périgueux and Sarlat, dates back to the 9th century with a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles . Its exterior is architecturally rich, while the interior offers a sense of peaceful sobriety . While not the most imposing cathedral, its charm and historical depth make it a worthwhile visit, providing a quiet moment for reflection amidst exploring the bustling town . It's particularly impressive to consider its construction spanned centuries, finally completed around 1685 .

Cost: Free entry .

Transport: Located centrally within the old town, it is easily reachable by foot.

4. Canoeing on the Dordogne River

Paddling down the Dordogne River offers an unparalleled perspective of the region's stunning natural beauty and ancient landmarks. The river flows gently, making it an ideal activity for all ages and skill levels, even for beginners . From the water, you pass medieval castles perched on cliffs and charming villages nestled along the riverbanks, creating truly picturesque views . It is a serene and active way to immerse oneself in the Dordogne Valley's rich history and natural landscapes, often allowing stops at towns like La Roque-Gageac . Companies often provide all necessary equipment and shuttle services .

Cost: Expect to pay around $28-$30 per person for a self-guided canoe rental . Tours with guided experiences may cost more.

Transport: Canoeing departure points are typically a short drive from Sarlat-la-Canéda, often around 15-20 minutes to places like Vitrac or near La Roque-Gageac . A car is essential to reach these departure points unless joining a tour that includes transport .

5. Visit Château de Beynac

Perched dramatically atop a limestone cliff, the Château de Beynac is an imposing medieval fortress offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Dordogne Valley and river below . This remarkably well-preserved 12th-century castle provides a genuine step back into the Middle Ages, with its austere appearance and historic rooms to explore . The climb to the castle is steep but incredibly rewarding for the vistas it provides . After exploring the castle, the charming village of Beynac, built into the Périgord hillside, is delightful for a stroll through its little streets .

Cost: Adult entry is €11.50. Self-guided tours are available with a cellphone guide .

Transport: Located about 12 km southwest of Sarlat , a drive of approximately 20 minutes . A car is highly recommended for visiting, with parking available in the village or closer to the castle (though this often entails a steep walk) . Public transport options are very limited or non-existent for direct travel from Sarlat .

6. Discover Prehistoric Art at Lascaux IV

For a profound journey into the past, a visit to Lascaux IV (International Centre for Cave Art) is essential. Located in the Vézère Valley, often called the 'world capital of prehistory,' this site presents an incredible replica of the original Lascaux cave paintings, which are among the finest examples of Paleolithic art, dating back up to 20,000 years . The detailed replica allows for an immersive experience, showcasing the remarkable artistry of early modern humans in a way that protects the fragile original site. Walking through these 'rooms' filled with ancient depictions of horses and cattle is a truly awe-inspiring experience .

Cost: Individual ticket prices for Lascaux IV are approximately €22-€25 for adults (based on typical attraction pricing for similar sites, specific 2025 price not in snippets, but 2024 price for Lascaux II was €20). Guided day tours from Sarlat that include Lascaux IV can range from $202 (group tour with other caves) to $534 (private full-day tour) .

Transport: Lascaux IV is about 25 km north of Sarlat, roughly a 30-minute drive . A car is necessary for independent travel. Various tours depart from Sarlat that include transportation .

7. Stroll Through Les Jardins de Marqueyssac

Perched high above the Dordogne Valley, Les Jardins de Marqueyssac are renowned for their magnificent, geometrically hand-pruned boxwood trees, creating a unique and captivating landscape . With over 150,000 boxwoods and six kilometers of paths, these suspended gardens offer not only a beautiful horticultural experience but also breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valley, castles, and the Dordogne River . Exploring the rock gardens and various viewpoints is incredibly relaxing. On summer Thursday evenings, the gardens transform with 2000 candles for a truly magical atmosphere .

Cost: Individual adult entry is typically around €10-€12 (based on common garden attraction pricing, specific 2025 price not in snippets). Some private tours include a visit to the gardens .

Transport: The gardens are located approximately 11 km southwest of Sarlat, a drive of about 15-20 minutes . Access is best by car, as direct public transport from Sarlat is limited.

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