Sarlat-la-Canéda is a small medieval town in the Dordogne region of France, known for its beautiful old streets, historic buildings dating back centuries, and really great local food. In this video, we’ll show you why Sarlat is a must-visit in this part of France, including some history, the best things to see and do, and of course the local foods you shouldn’t miss.
Sarlat-la-Canéda Dorogne France
A Little Bit About the History…
Dordogne, or Périgord, is divided into four parts, each with its own color based on the identity of each area. We go into more detail in our Dordogne road trip post, so definitely give it a read it after this one.
Sarlat is one of the most well-preserved medieval towns in Europe, which makes it especially unique to visit. There are more than 60 historic buildings, most built between the 13th and 16th centuries, that you can still see today.
Almost nothing was destroyed or heavily modernized, and in fact, they survived destruction during the Hundred Years’ War. As a result, the streets, stone houses, and courtyards still look very close to how they did centuries ago.
The town originally grew around a Benedictine abbey, now the Sacerdos Cathedral, and gradually became an important religious and trading center in this part of France, especially for products like walnuts, truffles, and goose products.
Later, during the Renaissance, wealthy merchants built many of the stone houses you still see today, like the Maison de la Boétie.
By the early 1900s, many of these buildings were in poor condition. However, in the 1960s, the French government stepped in, and Sarlat became one of the first towns to be carefully restored and protected. Overall, if you want to experience a proper medieval town, Sarlat is one of the best places to visit.
Best Things to See & Do in Sarlat
Take the Glass Elevator for the Best View « Ascenseur Panoramique de Sarlat »
One of the best things to do in Sarlat is take the glass elevator hidden inside the old bell tower of Saint-Marie Church. It brings you up to a panoramic terrace where you get an amazing 360-degree view over the medieval rooftops and surrounding Dordogne countryside.
Tickets cost 4€ (kids under 13 are 1€) and include a 12-minute visit to the top while a guide points out important buildings in Sarlat. It only takes about a minute to reach the top, and the view is stunning.
Visit the Cathedral of Saint-Sacerdos
Right in the heart of town, this cathedral dates back to the 14th century and is one of the most important historic buildings in Sarlat. It’s a simple cathedral, but inside you’ll find tall vaulted ceilings, pretty stained glass, and a beautiful organ. Outside, the cathedral square is one of the liveliest spots in the historic center.
Climb the Lantern of the Dead « Lanterne des Morts de Sarlat »
Just behind the cathedral, you’ll find this unusual 12th-century stone tower. Although no one knows its exact purpose, it’s believed to have been connected to a medieval cemetery. You can climb to the top for free, and it offers a great view of the cathedral.
Find the Famous Statues Around Town
As you explore Sarlat, you’ll come across several statues created by local sculptor Gérard Auliac. One of the most popular is Les Trois Oies, the three bronze geese in Marché aux Oies square that people love to photograph. Another is Le Badaud, meaning onlooker, a sculpture of a man sitting casually on a low wall overlooking Place de la Liberté.
Visit the Sarlat Market
If you’re visiting on Wednesday or Saturday, the town hosts one of the most famous markets in southwest France. Stalls fill the medieval streets, selling regional products like black truffles, foie gras, walnuts, and local cheeses like Rocamadour. Rocamadour is a small, round, creamy goat’s cheese, while Trappe au vin de noix is a cow’s milk cheese washed in walnut liqueur. It’s one of the best places to experience the food culture of the Dordogne region.
Best Foods to Try in Sarlat and Where to Find Them
Speaking of food, Dordogne is world-renowned for its duck dishes, which appear on almost every restaurant menu. You’ll see dishes like magret de canard, with canard meaning duck, referring to tender breast meat from fattened ducks. You’ll also find pommes sarladaises, potatoes sliced and cooked in duck or goose fat, and our favorite, confit de canard. Confit de canard is duck legs slowly cooked in their own fat, and you have to try it.
Try Brasserie La Lanterne by the Cathedral
Here in Sarlat, we had lunch at a cute little restaurant called Brasserie La Lanterne, next to the cathedral, and chose their set lunch menu. It costs 23,90€ for a starter, main, and dessert, which is great value for this area. We started with the Salade de gésiers de canard, a duck gizzards salad. For the main, we chose duck confit with roasted potatoes. For dessert, we had ice cream, and you should definitely try the walnut flavor since walnuts are so popular here. However, you could also choose chocolate mousse or panna cotta.
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More French Getaways, Road Trip Inspo & Budget Hacks You’ll Love
If you’re looking for more ideas on where to go in France, make sure to check out our blog post “8Top French HolidayDestinations” for some seriously beautiful spots. Or, if you’re more of a road trip type of traveler, check out our post TOP 7 EPIC FRENCHROAD TRIPS you can do in under 10 days. And if the south of France is on your list, don’t miss our full French RivieraRoadTrip, packed with dreamy stops and practical tips. Traveling on a budget? We’ve got you covered. Head over to our Top Budget TravelHacks to learn how to plan the trip of your dreams without spending a fortune.
Best Places to Stay in Sarlat (For Every Budget!)
Budget-friendly stays…
- Hôtel Saint Albert – Right in the center, steps from the main streets. Comfortable rooms and a cozy, easy base to explore on foot.
- Un jardin en ville – Quiet and boutique-style, with a lovely garden. Feels personal and peaceful, but still close to the sights.
Medium budget stays…
- Ibis Sarlat Centre – Modern and simple, walking distance to the old town. Free parking and buffet breakfast make it practical for a short stay.
- Hôtel Montaigne – Stylish, renovated rooms just minutes from the medieval streets. Some rooms have kitchenettes, good if you like flexibility.
Luxury stays…
- LE PETIT MANOIR – Charming mix of old-world style and modern comfort. This stunning manor has a garden, beautiful pool area and boutique.
- Plaza Madeleine & Spa – Central 4-star with a spa, pool, sauna, and Turkish bath. More of a resort feel if you want a little luxury.
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