What to do in Sarlat-la-Canéda and the Périgord Noir
From the honey-stone streets of Sarlat to the cliffside villages of the Dordogne valley, discover the best sights, restaurants and activities to make the most of your stay in the Périgord Noir.
The region at a glance
Between valleys, castles and villages of stone
The Périgord Noir takes its name from the dense oak forests that once covered the region, giving the landscape its deep green, almost black hue. Here the Dordogne river carves a valley studded with clifftop castles, cliffside villages and prehistoric caves, with Sarlat-la-Canéda as its historic heart.
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The old town
Cobbled lanes, honey-coloured stone façades, Renaissance mansions: the historic centre is best explored on foot, wandering through its hidden passageways.
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Sarlat market
Every Saturday morning the town becomes a market: foie gras, goat's cheese, walnuts, wild mushrooms and truffles in season.
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The Cathedral & the Lantern of the Dead
Tucked down a side street, Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral and its striking cylindrical tower tell eight centuries of history.
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An evening stroll by candlelight
At night, the candlelit lighting reveals another side of the town: more intimate, more mysterious.
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Place des Oies (Goose Square)
A charming cobbled square marked by a statue of geese, a nod to the region's foie gras tradition and the setting for the Saturday farmers' market.
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Manoir de Gisson
This 15th-century manor house, furnished in period style, is open to visitors and offers one of the finest views over Sarlat's rooftops from its tower.
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Jardin des Enfeus
Behind the cathedral, this former burial ground carved into the rock houses medieval tombs in a peaceful, surprising setting.
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Rue des Consuls
Sarlat's finest street, lined with Renaissance mansions such as the Hôtel Plamon, a testament to the town's merchant wealth.
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Hôtel de Maleville
On Place de la Liberté, this Renaissance mansion combines three former houses behind a single turreted façade.
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Beynac and Castelnaud castles
Medieval fortresses that once faced off against each other during the Hundred Years' War, perched high above the valley.
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Château de Fénelon
A vast fortress with the look of a Loire château, birthplace of the writer Fénelon, overlooking the Dordogne valley.
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Château de Puymartin
A furnished, still-inhabited 15th- and 17th-century residence just outside Sarlat, home to the legend of the White Lady.
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Château des Milandes
The former home of Josephine Baker, with its free-flying birds of prey shows in the Renaissance gardens.
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Château de Losse
A Renaissance manor set on a rocky spur above the Vézère river, surrounded by gardens listed as remarkable.
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Château de Commarque
A medieval fortress under restoration, built above a troglodyte site inhabited since prehistoric times.
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Château de Campagne
A medieval and Renaissance castle surrounded by a vast listed wooded park, on the edge of Les Eyzies.
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Château de Montfort
Perched on a rocky spur at one of the Dordogne's most beautiful river bends, with a spectacular view over the valley.
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Château de Biron
A monumental fortress blending eight centuries of architectural styles, from medieval to Renaissance.
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La Couleuvrine
Set inside a 13th-century medieval tower, serving traditional Périgord cuisine: duck breast with wild mushrooms, confit with Sarladaise potatoes.
View on Google MapsLe Régent
Facing the cathedral, a Sarlat institution for decades: mushroom omelette, Périgord salad, duck confit.
View on Google MapsChez le Gaulois
A local institution for over thirty years, known for its Périgord-style fondue and oak-fired grills.
View on Google MapsLe Présidial
Set in a 17th-century mansion with a formal French garden, serving precise, inventive Périgord cuisine.
View on Google MapsLe Grand Bleu
Sarlat's only Michelin-starred table: chef Maxime Lebrun elevates foie gras, truffle and Périgord game in an elegant, contemporary setting.
View on Google MapsLe Bistro de l'Octroi
At the entrance to the old town, a spacious shaded terrace for enjoying foie gras and Périgord specialities in a relaxed setting.
View on Google MapsLa Table du Moustier
Perched in the heart of the old town, its terrace offers a stunning view over Sarlat's stone rooftops, perfect for a sunset dinner.
View on Google MapsCrêperie Lou Dotze
Buckwheat galettes filled with local Périgord produce — walnuts, wild mushrooms, goat's cheese — plus sweet crêpes, for a simple, hearty break.
View on Google MapsCrêperie Les Tulipes
Over 130 savoury and sweet crêpes to choose from, just steps from the historic centre on Rue du 26 Juin 1944.
View on Google MapsPlanning your stay
Getting there
By car via the A89 or A20 motorways, or by train to Sarlat via Bordeaux or Brive, with a connection.
When to come
Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds; summer is ideal for canoeing on the Dordogne.
Getting around
The old town is best explored on foot; a car remains useful for venturing out to the surrounding castles and villages.
Frequently asked questions
How much time should I plan to discover the region?
Three to five days allow you to visit Sarlat, two or three castles, and enjoy the Dordogne, without rushing.
Is the centre of Sarlat accessible by car?
The old town is pedestrian-only; car parks are located just on the outskirts, a few minutes' walk from the lanes.
Should I book castle visits in advance?
Recommended in high season (July-August), especially for Lascaux IV and the Gardens of Marqueyssac.
What's the must-try local speciality?
Foie gras and Périgord black truffle, best discovered at the Saturday market or at local farms.
Ready to settle in?
Book your stay in Sarlat-la-Canéda and start exploring the Périgord Noir today.