If you’ve ever needed a reason to visit the enticing little town of Sarlat in Dordogne – read on!
Visiting this picturesque town is like stepping back in time – all cobbled streets and ancient buildings,
you’re guaranteed to leave a little of your heart here…
Sarlat – a time warp town
At the heart of Périgord Noir, the medieval town of Sarlat nestles in a hollow surrounded by a mosaic of wooded hills. Modern history largely passed it by, creating a wonderfully preserved time warp gem filled with ancient buildings and narrow pedestrianised streets. The town was a perfect setting for Richard Donner’s film Timeline based on the late Michael Crichton’s book about a team of present-day archaeologists sent back to the 14th century to rescue their professor who had been teleported there and not returned.
Wander
The best way to discover Sarlat today is on foot. Pick up a map from the tourist office and then just wander and take in the sights as you dip into a maze of narrow streets lined with half-timbered houses and dotted with pretty squares. There are some hills and steep stairs to navigate if you want to get a stunning view over the town – they’re worth the effort. If the weather is good take the glass lift to the top of what was the tower of the church of Ste-Marie. You’ll be rewarded with outstanding views over the rooftops of Sarlat. The deconsecrated building, which was started in 1367, was turned into an arms store after the French Revolution. Since then has been a series of shops and was even used by the post office. Now redesigned by famous French architect Jean Nouvel, it makes for a fantastic covered market.
Go to market
On Saturday mornings, the centre of the town bursts into life as the market is held on its cobbled streets. Stall after stall covered with brightly striped awnings, laden with huge cheeses, locally produced saucisson, gleaming vegetables, huge sacks of walnuts, pastries and nougat. It is without a doubt one of the best markets in France. The food here is of the best quality, the sellers are truly involved with the sourcing and production and can tell you all about they’re selling and where it is from. Take a break from shopping and watch the world go by over a pastis or a coffee or lunch at a cosy café. The restaurants serve food made from regional produce with flair.
Must-see
The Place du Marché des Oies is a must see. A goose market used to be held here and it’s now home to three life size bronze geese – the perfect selfie spot. The square is surrounded by superb old houses and shops. Just around the corner in in rue des Consuls is a gorgeous 14th century house, Hotel Plamon, which once belonged to cloth merchants.
Eat
The squares and tiny streets are lined with gourmet food shops selling all manner of deliciousness. Restaurants galore tempt on every corner. Menus feature the fabulous traditional food of Dordogne such as cepes, duck and goose and desserts such as crème brulee featuring local walnuts. Believe me when I say, you won’t be on a diet here!
Festive and friendly
It seems no matter when you visit, this town has something to celebrate. With an all year-round calendar of events, there’s plenty going on in Sarlat. Art, film and theatre, sports and heritage and of course food with truffle, foie gras, culinary academie and the Fete de la Gastronomie. The people here are friendly, proud of their beautiful town, the glorious countryside and fabulous food.
Tourist office: www.sarlat-tourisme.com/en
Janine Marsh is the editor of https://www.thegoodlifefrance.com and author of My Good Life in
France and My Four Seasons in France.