About Sarlat la Caneda

Beautiful Sarlat la Caneda is a medieval town that developed around a large Benedictine abbey of Carolingian origin. The medieval Sarlat  Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Sacerdos. Because modern history has largely passed it by, Sarlat has remained preserved and is one of the towns most representative of 14th century France.

Sarlat owes its current status on France’s Tentative List for future nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage site to the enthusiasm of writer, resistance fighter and politician André Malraux, who, as Minister of Culture (1960–1969), restored the town and many other sites of historic significance throughout France. 

The centre of the old town consists of impeccably restored stone buildings and is largely car-free. Not only are there many things to see and do in Sarlat there are also many things to see and do in the Dordogne.

ST SACERDOS CATHEDRAL | SARLAT LA CANEDA

Originally part of the church of a Benedictine Abbey built in the 12thC Although modified in the 14th, 16th & 17th c. it retains some of its original Romanesque style. The large entrance was added in the 17th c the statues here are of unknown origin and date. The Tourist Office has various ways to see all the things to see and do in Sarlat.

CHAPEL OF ST BENOIT | SARLAT LA CANEDA

Or the Chapel of the Blue Penitent this is a small 12th C Romanesque chapel and served as a chapel lay brothers of the Benedictine abbey. It was heavily damage in the 16th C and restored in the 17th C and ten again in 1968 .The Tourist Office has various guides to the things to see and do in Sarlat.

JARDlN DES ENFEUS | SARLAT LA CANEDA

Behind the Cathedral tombstones from the monastic cemetery are the arched insets containing sarcophagi from the 14th & 16th c of the distinguished gentry of Sarlat. The Tourist Office has audio guides to the things to see and do in Sarlat.

LA LANTERNE DES MORTS | SARLAT LA CANEDA

An unusual monument that once over looked the cemetery and whose original use is very controversial. Named in the 17c “The Fanal” or beacon light. The Tourist Office can give directions to all the things to see and do in Sarlat.

PRESIDIAL | SARLAT LA CANEDA

The seat of the Royal Justice under Henri 2nd in the 16th C has an unusual facade and is set in a beautiful garden. It has a large central arch supporting a loggia, topped by a “campanile lanternon”, a structure of wooden props supporting the lanternon to light the vast interior staircase. The Tourist Office has books on things to see and do in Sarlat.

LA BOETIE RESIDENCE | SARLAT LA CANEDA

The birthplace of Etienne de la Boetie. Built in 1525 Maison de la Boetie is one of the finest homes in Sarlat it is characterized by an Italian Renaissance style facade featuring large mullion windows framed by pilasters carved with medallions and lozenges. The Tourist Office has various ways to see all the things to see and do in Sarlat.

PLACE DE LA LIBERTE | SARLAT LA CANEDA

Bordered by traditional houses 16th – 17thc showing a series of restored passageways. There are a number of bars and restaurants in Place de la Libertie making it a great place to have a drink soak up the beautiful town. The farmers market is held in Place de la Libertie Wednesdays and Saturdays. The Tourist Office has maps of the things to see and do in Sarlat.

HOTEL DE GISSON | SARLAT LA CANEDA

Situated on the edge of Place de la Liberte it was built in the 17th c. The manor house is two different constructions linked by a 13th century hexagonal tower which contains a stone staircase  The Hotel de Gisson is entered from Place du Marché aux Oies, which was once a busy Geese trading market. The Tourist Office has various guides to the things to see and do in Sarlat.

ST MARY’S CHURCH | SARLAT LA CANEDA

Formerly the Sarlat parish church 14th & 15th c of meridian Gothic style. It remained intact until the Revolution. It was badly damaged by successive pillages and sold in 1815. All that remains today are the two bays under a ribbed vault and the bell-tower with its steeple missing but features several interesting gargoyles. Renovated by the well known architect Jean Nouvel it works today as an active open market. There is an elevator that will take you to the top of the building which affords a stunning view across Sarlat. The Tourist Office has audio guides to the things to see and do in Sarlat.

PLAMON HOUSE (or Consuls’ House) | SARLAT LA CANEDA

Rue des consuls. [XIV, XV, XVI, XVllc). One of Sarlat’s most remarkable houses and once owned by one of th most respected families in the area. Opposite is Vassal House 15th C Saint Mary’s Fountain, Mirandol House and nearby is Tapinois de Betou House 15th C with a magnificent 17th C wooden staircase. The Tourist Office can give directions to all the things to see and do in Sarlat.

Find more information about Sarlat la Caneda visit Things to See and Do in Sarlat the Dordogne

Map of Sarlat Download