History of Sarlat

Sarlat originated in the 8th century around a Benedictine abbey dedicated to Saint-Sacerdos. The town grew rapidly in the Middle Ages as a market and trading center, benefiting from its location on pilgrimage routes and fertile agricultural lands. By the 13th century, it had become an important administrative and commercial hub in Périgord.

During the Hundred Years' War, Sarlat changed hands several times but was never completely destroyed. It prospered again in the Renaissance with fine private mansions built by wealthy merchants and officials. The French Revolution brought some damage, but the town retained much of its medieval character.

In the post-World War II era, many French historic town centers faced severe decline due to neglect, modern redevelopment pressures, and demolition trends of the 1950s–1960s. André Malraux, the renowned writer, Resistance fighter, and Minister of Cultural Affairs under President Charles de Gaulle (1959–1969), recognized this threat during visits to places like Sarlat. Deeply moved by the town's exceptional medieval architecture yet visible deterioration, he championed a groundbreaking law to protect and restore France's architectural heritage while improving living conditions in historic districts.

The Loi Malraux (Law No. 62-903 of August 4, 1962) was thus born, creating "secteurs sauvegardés" (protected areas) with strict urban planning rules and financial incentives for restoration. Sarlat became the very first town to benefit from this pioneering legislation, serving as a model for nationwide heritage preservation and launching a 25-year restoration program that saved its medieval core.

Today, Sarlat is a UNESCO-recognized heritage site in spirit and one of the most visited towns in the Dordogne, famous for its markets, architecture, and as the gateway to the region's castles and caves. It remains a lively, authentic town with a population of about 8,800, blending medieval charm with modern gastronomy and culture.

Highlights of Sarlat

Sarlat is renowned for its exceptional concentration of listed historic buildings – over 250 protected monuments in the old town alone. The golden limestone (la pierre de Sarlat) gives the streets a warm, honey-colored glow, especially at sunset or under evening lights.

The heart of the town is Place de la Liberté (also called Place du Marché), with its covered market hall and surrounding Renaissance mansions. Lantern-lit lanes reveal hidden courtyards, towers, and staircases. Twice-weekly markets (Wed & Sat) are legendary, overflowing with foie gras, truffles, walnuts, cheeses, and seasonal produce.

Key landmarks include the Cathedral of Saint-Sacerdos (with its Romanesque bell tower), the Manoir de Gisson (private museum in a Renaissance house), and the Presbytery Tower offering rooftop views. Summer evenings bring illuminations and cultural events.

Key highlights:

• Medieval & Renaissance old town with golden stone architecture
• Twice-weekly markets (Wed & Sat) – one of France's best
• Cathedral of Saint-Sacerdos & Presbytery Tower
• Lantern-lit streets & hidden courtyards
• Manoir de Gisson museum
• Gastronomic shops & restaurants (foie gras, truffles, walnuts)

The Famous Markets of Sarlat

Sarlat's markets are world-famous and form the beating heart of the town's gastronomic and social life. Held in the central Place de la Liberté and surrounding streets, they showcase the best of Périgord produce and draw visitors from across France and beyond.

The Wednesday market (smaller but still vibrant) and the Saturday market (the largest) feature dozens of stalls selling fresh seasonal goods, regional specialties, and artisanal products. Expect to see producers proudly displaying their wares, with lively bargaining and tastings of foie gras, cabécou cheese, walnuts, cèpes mushrooms, and seasonal truffles (especially in winter).

Market days transform the medieval streets into a colorful, fragrant spectacle. Arrive early (around 8–9 AM) for the best selection and atmosphere. The covered halle on Place de la Liberté hosts year-round smaller daily markets, but the full experience is on Wed/Sat.

Market tips: Bring cash (many stalls prefer it), try samples, and buy picnic items for a riverside lunch. Combine with a morning visit to the old town for photos before crowds arrive.

• Wednesday & Saturday morning markets (year-round)
• Foie gras, black truffles, walnuts & duck products
• Fresh produce, cheeses, charcuterie & seasonal specialties
• Lively atmosphere in medieval setting

Festivals & Events in Sarlat Throughout the Year

Sarlat hosts a vibrant calendar of festivals celebrating its heritage, gastronomy, music, and theater. These events draw crowds and add extra magic to the medieval streets.

Main annual festivals (based on recurring 2025–2026 schedules):

• Festival du Film de Sarlat – Late October / early November: International film festival with screenings, guests, and awards in historic venues.
• Fêtes des Jeux – Mid-July: Medieval games festival with jousting, archery, street entertainment, and family activities.
• Nuit des Châteaux – Late July / early August: Night of illuminated castles and concerts (Sarlat often participates with special events).
• Festival des Jeux et Loisirs Anciens – August: Traditional games and crafts in the old town.
• Marché au Gras (Foie Gras Market) – Every Saturday from November to March: Special winter market focused on foie gras, truffles, and seasonal delicacies.
• Christmas Market & Illuminations – December: Festive market, lights, and carols transforming the town into a magical winter scene.
• Festival de la Voix – June/July: Choral and vocal music festival with concerts in churches and squares.

Check the official Sarlat tourism website (sarlat-tourisme.com) closer to your visit for exact 2026 dates, as some festivals shift slightly year to year. Many events are free or low-cost and enhance the town's lantern-lit charm.

Walking Tour – What to See in Sarlat

A visit to Sarlat typically takes 2–4 hours (longer on market days) and is entirely walkable. The old town is pedestrian-only in the center. Park at one of the large lots around the periphery (e.g., Place de la Bouquerie or near the train station) and enter via Rue de la République or Place Pasteur.

1. Place Pasteur & Rue de la République – Start at the main pedestrian street lined with shops and cafés. Admire the Renaissance facades and climb to the Presbytery Tower for views (if open).

2. Cathedral of Saint-Sacerdos – Enter this 12th–17th-century cathedral with its Romanesque bell tower and Gothic interior. Climb the tower (seasonal) for panoramas over the rooftops.

3. Lantern-lit Lanes – Wander Rue des Consuls, Rue de la Salamandre, and Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Look for hidden courtyards (impasse), towers, and staircases (e.g., Maison de La Boétie – birthplace of the philosopher).

4. Place de la Liberté – Reach the lively central square with its market hall (halle). Enjoy a coffee or meal at a terrace café overlooking the square.

5. Manoir de Gisson – Visit this elegant Renaissance mansion turned museum (furnished rooms, secret garden, and tower views).

6. Evening Illuminations – Return at dusk for the magical lantern lighting of the streets and buildings (especially beautiful in summer).

Tips: Visit on Wednesday or Saturday for the famous markets. Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestones. Book Manoir de Gisson tickets online in peak season. Combine with a short drive to nearby castles or villages.

Fun Facts about Sarlat

Sarlat has a rich and fascinating history. Here are some interesting facts:

• Sarlat was the first French town to benefit from the 1962 Malraux Law on historic preservation, saving its medieval core from modern development.
• The town has over 250 protected historic buildings – one of the highest concentrations in France.
• Sarlat's markets are among France's most famous; the Wednesday and Saturday markets draw thousands for foie gras, black truffles, cabécou cheese, and walnuts.
• The film "Ever After: A Cinderella Story" (1998) with Drew Barrymore used Sarlat streets as a stand-in for 16th-century France.
• Sarlat is the birthplace of Étienne de La Boétie, friend of Montaigne and author of "Discourse on Voluntary Servitude" (influential political text).