14 Wonderful Things to do in Sarlat
(+ THE SURROUNDING DORDOGNE AREA)
Located in the east of Nouvelle Aquitaine, nestled between the Dordogne Valley and the Vézère Valley, you’ll find Sarlat-la-Canéda.
Known in short as Sarlat, the town has the highest density of listed historical buildings per square foot in the whole of the country. Add this with the Dordogne River, romantic chateaus, the French countryside and renowned cuisine, Sarlat and the surrounding areas are the perfect package and a must-visit whilst in France.
The areas are filled with villages that look like they’ve come straight off of a postcard. Each one is filled with cobblestone streets, the scent of flowering blooms and breathtaking views. Although it’s hard to find a Dordogne village which isn't breathtaking really.
. . .
So here is a list of 14 recommendations for things to do in Sarlat-la-Canéda + the surrounding areas.
“The Périgord Noir is a magical place. The French paradise. I love this place for its quietude, its conviviality, and its way of life.
Its capital Sarlat is an exceptional city, having the highest density of classified buildings per metre square of any town in Europe. I love this city because it embodies the art of living in France, with the calm, the beauty and the softness of the landscapes. Here gastronomy is Queen. We’re known for truffles, walnuts, strawberries, duck, geese and many other dishes. They will wet your taste buds. These recipes come from our grandmothers who we look up to. ”
1. Explore THE TOWN OF Sarlat
The town of Sarlat boasts charming medieval architecture and is a popular destination for tourists looking to immerse themselves in France's rich history and culture. The narrow yellow-brick streets, charming cafes and bustling markets are all part of the town's charm and allure.
Additionally, Sarlat is a foodie haven, with plenty of gourmet restaurants and local markets to try traditional French cuisine. The town is known as the gastronomic capital of the Périgord Noir, so visitors can enjoy regional specialties while relishing in the town's stunning landscapes.
Below are a few suggestions of ways to get the best out of your visit to Sarlat. To see the greatest views, try their famous food, and ways to extend your visit.
➜ Accommodation options in Sarlat
2. A WALKING TOUR of Sarlat
Take to the cobbles streets of Sarlat on a guided walking tour. As you’d know from our previous blogs, when visiting a new town or city, one of the first things we love to do is a walking tour. These tours are a great introduction to a new destination and can provide you with a beginner’s guide to the background and history of the area so you can make the most of your visit.
The tourism board of Sarlat offers tours with knowable guides who can provide you will the history of Sarlat, and extra information only a local could offer!
Learn about the remarkable monuments in the medieval setting, the yellow-brick architecture, the famous cuisine, narrow alleyways and more.
3. VISIT AT NIGHT
A unique and enchanting experience, the medieval city really comes alive after dark. The cobbled streets are illuminated with the warm glow of the traditional 17th Century gas lamps, creating an atmosphere that transports you back in time.
The narrow streets are filled with outdoor cafes and musicians, adding to the ambience. A perfect balance of history, culture and nightlife.
4. 360° viewpoint
Head up a hidden glass lift inside a gothic bell tower to see a unique perspective of Sarlat. With a rooftop platform and walls made entirely from glass, you can immerse yourself in the panoramic views of Sarlat, medieval architecture and the surrounding countryside.
At 35 metres high (115 feet) it's the perfect way to soak up the beauty of Sarlat from a whole new angle.
5. try their famous produce at the market
In the heart of Sarlat, you’ll find the famous indoor market. With its mix of local charm and culinary excellence, the market is a must-visit destination for any food lover.
Originally a church from 1385, then transformed into a post office in 1905, then changed once again into a health centre, before being abandoned, it was then restored and renovated into an indoor marketplace in 2000.
You can’t miss the giant 15-metre steel doors and the mix of old and new architecture which stands out from the traditional yellow-brick buildings. The market is a vibrant and bustling hub filled with locals buying Sarlat’s well-known produce, boasting a stunning array of fresh fruit and veg, artisanal cheeses, meats, and speciality goods.
Sarlat’s delicacies include walnuts, truffles, and duck and these are celebrated in the town's many restaurants. The region's vineyards also produce excellent wines such as Bergerac, which pairs perfectly with Sarlat's cuisine. These wines can also be found in the market.
Unlike where we live in the UK, (where local produce is significally more expensive than imported produce), France is the opposite.
Something we love about our travels around this country, is that wherever you go, a restaurant, a cafe, a hotel, they all seem to support local businesses. Maybe you take a tour in a vineyard and later that day you see the wine on a restaurant’s menu. Or you taste local produce in the market that’s then being used in your Hotel’s breakfast. This is something we’ve lost touch with where we live in the UK so it’s so nice to see this regularly in this region.
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA
While exploring the charming streets of Sarlat, don't forget to indulge in extra activities such as visiting the nearby caves, taking a leisurely canoe trip down the Dordogne River, or immersing yourself in botanical beauty’s.
These next suggestions are all within a 25-minute drive from Sarlat and definitely worth adding to your trip while in the area!
6. Canoe down the river of Dordogne
Canoeing on the Dordogne River is an unforgettable adventure that combines exciting paddling with mesmerizing views through some of the most scenic parts of France. This was one our favourite activities we have ever done on our travels!
As you paddle along the river, you witness picturesque landmarks such as medieval castles and the dramatic limestone cliffs rising high above the riverbanks. The gentle sound of the river and the chirping of birds make for a serene atmosphere, allowing you to relax, unwind and take it all in.
During our canoe adventure, we saw so many birds including black kites, herons and buzzards! It was so special to float along the river with the birds gliding above us.
The most recommended, scenic route is from Vitrac to Port de Beynac. This is a 10-mile route which takes around 3 hours to complete. This route includes castles and picturesque villages like La Roque-Gageac and Beynac-et-Cazenac (mentioned in more detail below.)
Canoe providers are easy to find and you’ll come across many along the river. We went with Canoës Loisirs. They provide a shuttle bus at the end of the route to bring you back to the base/car park so you only have to canoe one way. You can find all the routes they recommend here.
The starting point of Vitrac is a 12 minute drive from the centre of Sarlat.
➜ Here are hotel options around the Dordogne region
7. BOAT TRIP ON THE DORDOGNE RIVER
If water sports aren’t your type of activity but you still want to experience the Dordogne then why not do a boat tour?
As you glide along the water, take in the history and culture of the region from your knowledgeable tour guide. This relaxing and scenic adventure is perfect for experiencing the Dordogne.
There are multiple boat tours to choose from which vary in length and start/finish in different areas on the river.
8. visit La Roque-Gageac
La Roque-Gageac is a stunning village nestled against a towering cliff above the Dordogne River. With its charming architecture and picturesque setting, it is no wonder that La Roque-Gageac is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Visitors are enchanted by the narrow alleyways and winding streets that lead upward towards the cliff, lined with colourful houses filled with fragrant blooms.
While in the village visit Le Jardin Tropical de La Roque Gageac. This free tropical garden has its own microclimate, created by its position between the high cliffs and the river. This means the area is perfect for exotic, tropical species of plants. You’ll find palm trees, cacti and even banana trees!
La Roque-Gageac is a highlight while on the river when canoeing or on a boat trip. You can also see a panoramic view of the village from above at the viewpoint in the Marqueyssac Gardens (more info about these gardens in point 10.)
La Roque-Gageac is a 17 minute drive from the centre of Sarlat.
9. visit Beynac
Beynac is a picture-postcard village that stretches uphill from the banks of the river to the clifftops.
The village is renowned for its medieval 12th-century chateau that dominates the surrounding landscape. The Chateau de Beynac has a rich history and has been the site of many battles and political intrigues over the centuries. Today, visitors can tour the chateau and learn about its fascinating history.
The village itself is a charming labyrinth of narrow streets and yellow-stone buildings covered in hollyhocks, bougainvillea, and roses. No wonder it’s been used as the location for many famous films!
Beynac is a 17 minute drive from the centre of Sarlat.
➜ Here are hotel options in Beynac
10. get lost in the MARQUEYSSAC GARDENS
The Marqueyssac Gardens is a true paradise for garden lovers like myself. It’s no wonder that it’s the most visited garden in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region. Listed as a National Historical Monument, it sits on a high rocky spur with incredible panoramic views of the Dordogne Valley below.
The most impressive feature of the Marqueyssac Gardens is the 150,000 box hedges, each hand-crafted with swirling contours and eccentric shapes surrounding a 19th-century château.
There are 3 main circuits which all follow a network of boxwoods. We’d suggest the clifftop path (La Promenade des Falaises) which includes the Belvédère. This viewpoint is perched 130 meters high on a limestone cliff, where you’ll see La Roque-Gageac lining the Dordogne River.
The gardens are a 15 minute drive from the centre of Sarlat.
11. The Water Gardens of Carsac
The Water Gardens of Carsac is a scenic aquatic park on the banks of the Dordogne River.
Spread over 3.5 acres, the aquatic labyrinth has more than 500 metres of walkways. You can roam through the maze of winding paths, bridges and waterfalls, stopping to admire the rare blooms from all over the world. Discover the aquatic fauna and flora, with around 30 varieties of lotus and 55 varieties of water lilies.
The gardens are a 17 minute drive from the centre of Sarlat.
12. Stay in the French Countryside
In the small village of Saint-Amand-de-Coly, you’ll find the new Domaine Saint-Amand.
In the heart of the Perigord Valley, you can experience the French countryside at its finest. Stay in your very own wooden house surrounded by wildflowers and roaming deer. Sit on your terrace, drink local wine and listen to the birds.
This little haven is only a 25 minute drive from Sarlat. And is a great position for all places mentioned in this article.
➜ Here are other accommodation options nearby
13. VISIT Grotte du Grand Roc
The Grotte du Grand Roc is a natural work of art and UNESCO World Heritage Site, allowing you to walk back in time.
Hidden for many years until discovered in 1924, the cave sits halfway up the cliff face which dominates the Vézère valley. The real-life mineral “forest” is filled with an impressive display of uniquely shaped stalagmites, stalactites and calcium columns.
Discover the softly-lit cave and weave through the narrow passageways to discover the natural decorations which fully surround you from every direction.
Visiting the cave must be done so with a guide, and the tours last just under 1 hour. Our guide’s knowledge and passion was so infectious, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit.
Grotte du Grand Roc is a 25 minute drive from the centre of Sarlat.
When visiting the Grotte du Grand Roc we stayed at the luxury hotel Les Glycines, just a 2 minute drive to the caves and in the heart of the Dordogne.
14. DISCOVER LASCAUX IV
Lascaux IV is a complete replica of an extraordinary cave once found in Lascaux.
Discovered by 3 boys in 1940, while following their dog Robot, they came across a narrow entrance to something remarkable. A network of caves decorated with over 600 paintings and around 1,000 engravings. The colourful paintings in red, yellow, and black, fill the ceiling and walls and mainly depict animals.
The “Hall of Bulls” is a section of the caves that depicts large animals running past in shades of black and red. Almost like a cave version of a paper flip book you’d have as a child, these bulls depict the idea of movement and running beside you.
Lascaux IV is a 25 minute drive from the centre of Sarlat.
The original cave was sealed off from the public in 1963 for the painting’s protection. But unless you knew that you’d never know you weren’t walking around the original.
Along with the replica caves, there is an interesting visitors centre at the base of the hill where the boys made their discovery. The museum offers a range of exhibits and educational resources to learn more about the history and significance of the artwork, making it an enriching experience for all visitors. You can also watch interviews from the 1940s with the boys who made the discovery!
Tours of Lascaux IV last 1 hour, during which you get to learn about the history, the discovery and the artwork surrounding you. It really is a mesmerising experience.
We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Sarlat! If you have any other suggestions or have any questions please let us know in the comments below.
Our trip was in partnership with the Nouvelle-Aquitaine & Explore France. Head to @dordogneperigordtourisme, @lascauxofficiel & @sarlattourisme for more inspiration on these areas.
