Things to do in Sarlat, France

In the heart of the Périgord Noir, Sarlat-la-Canéda is one of the most beautifully preserved medieval towns in France. Its honey-colored limestone buildings, carefully preserved Renaissance mansions, and a twice-weekly market that spills through the medieval lanes make it a highlight of any trip to the Dordogne.

When you book one of our Dordogne tours, we’ll arrange for you to stay in a beautiful B&B with warm and welcoming hosts just a short drive from Sarlat. We think this is an ideal base for exploring the rest of this stunning region. 

So, whether you’re planning to spend a day in town or using Sarlat as your base for exploring the region, here are some of the things to see and do while you’re there.

Wander the Historic Centre

• Stroll along Rue Fénelon, one of Sarlat’s most photogenic streets, with its golden stone buildings, wrought-iron balconies, and views toward the cathedral.
• Rue des Consuls and Rue de la Salamandre are lined with Renaissance façades, intricate carvings, and quiet courtyards tucked just out of sight.
• Look out for the Manoir de Gisson, a noble residence with twin towers and a small museum that offers insight into the life of Sarlat’s wealthy families.
• Admire the town’s distinctive lauze rooftops, made from overlapping slabs of limestone. These are especially striking from above (see the panoramic glass elevator below) or under golden afternoon light.
• The Maison de La Boétie was the elegant Renaissance home of writer and philosopher Étienne de La Boétie, best known for his essay on political liberty and his close friendship with Michel de Montaigne, one of France’s most important thinkers and essayists of the 16th century.

Visit the Sarlat Market

• Held Wednesday and Saturday mornings, the market winds through the old town and is a feast for the senses.
• Browse stalls offering local cheeses, truffles, walnut products, foie gras, seasonal fruit, and artisanal goods.
• It’s also a great place to people-watch and get a feel for everyday life in the Dordogne.

Step Inside Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral

• Built on the site of a 9th-century abbey, the current Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral is a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles.
• The cathedral was restored in the 17th-century following damage from the Wars of Religion, adding Baroque flourishes that give it a unique character.
• The surrounding square is often filled with street musicians and pop-up art displays in summer.

See the Mysterious Lanterne des Morts

• Just behind the cathedral stands the Lanterne des Morts, a tall, windowless 12th-century tower.
• Its original purpose remains uncertain. Some believe it marked a cemetery, while others think it once held a symbolic light to guide the souls of the dead.
• There are only a few dozen “lanterns of the dead” still standing in France today, The Sarlat lantern is one of the best preserved and most easily accessible to visitors.

Take in the Views from the Panoramic Glass Elevator

• Inside the Église Sainte-Marie (a former church), now a covered market hall, this open-roof elevator (Ascenseur Panoramique) was designed by Sarlat-born architect Jean Nouvel.
• Ride to the top for views over the tiled rooftops and surrounding hills, which are especially beautiful at sunset.
• The elevator operates seasonally and closes in wet weather, so check opening times in advance. A maximum of 10 people can go up at a time.
• You will only be able to see the views from inside the elevator (you can’t walk around at the top), and if you’re claustrophobic you may prefer to give this experience a miss.

Enjoy the Summer Theatre Festival

• If you’re visiting France in July or August, you may catch performances from the Festival des Jeux du Théâtre de Sarlat, one of France’s oldest open-air theatre festivals.
• Place de la Liberté hosts street performances, classical plays, and live music.

Sample the Local Cuisine

• Don’t leave Sarlat without trying regional specialties like duck confit, truffle omelette, cabécou cheese, and anything involving walnuts.
• There are excellent bistros tucked down side streets. If you visit Dordogne with us, we will recommend a few personal favorites!
• For a quick bite to eat, try a local pâté or cheese sandwich from the market and find a bench in one of the quiet squares.

Optional: Take a Walking Tour

• If you’d like to dig a bit deeper, local guides offer walking tours that cover the history, architecture, and quirky legends of Sarlat.
• Many also include visits to lesser-known spots you might otherwise miss.
• For our travelers, we have selected expert guides who we know personally; we have been on their tours and know you’ll have a great experience with them. If you would like a private walking tour of Sarlat, let us know and we will include this in your Dordogne itinerary.

Planning Tips

Best time to visit

Spring and early autumn are ideal for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Market days (Wed & Sat) are lively but busy.

Getting around

Sarlat’s old town is pedestrian-only, so wear comfortable shoes and plan to park in one of the nearby lots.

Good to know

Sarlat makes an excellent base for day trips to Beynac, Domme, Lascaux, and the Vézère Valley.

Visit the Dordogne with France Just For You

If you would like to explore Sarlat and the Dordogne at your own pace without the stress of planning it all yourself, we invite you to browse our sample Dordogne driving itineraries or complete the trip-planning form below. 

We’ll design a personalized itinerary just for you, including charming B&Bs, car hire, some activities, and insider tips you won’t find in guidebooks.

Browse our Dordogne Tours or complete the trip-planning form below to start planning your perfect French road trip.