Things to See in Sarlat and the Dordogne
Welcome to Things to See in Sarlat and the Dordogne – your essential overview of the top attractions in one of France’s most beloved and picturesque regions.
Sarlat and the Dordogne together form the perfect introduction to the enchanting Périgord Noir area, where medieval history meets prehistoric art, gastronomic excellence, and breathtaking natural landscapes. This page spotlights the absolute must-see highlights in Sarlat and the Dordogne, giving you a clear and inspiring starting point for planning your unforgettable journey through this timeless corner of southwestern France.
Whether you are most excited by the golden limestone streets and medieval atmosphere of Sarlat and the Dordogne’s historic core, the dramatic châteaux perched high above the winding river valleys, the vibrant weekly markets overflowing with local specialties like foie gras and black truffles, the world-renowned prehistoric caves of the Vézère Valley with their ancient paintings, or the charming classified villages that dot the countryside like jewels, Sarlat and the Dordogne offer extraordinary experiences for every type of traveler.
Sarlat itself, frequently hailed as the capital of Périgord Noir, serves as the ideal base for exploring everything Sarlat and the Dordogne have to offer, with its remarkably well-preserved old town providing an authentic immersion into medieval France. From Sarlat and the Dordogne you can easily reach iconic castles such as the cliff-top Beynac, the fortified rival Castelnaud, or the elegant Renaissance Hautefort; discover the legendary Lascaux caves and other prehistoric sites; wander through bustling markets that showcase the best of regional produce; and visit postcard-perfect villages including La Roque-Gageac, Domme, Beynac-et-Cazenac, Limeuil, Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, and many more hidden treasures.
Use this guide to Things to See in Sarlat and the Dordogne to build your perfect itinerary and make the most of your time in this magical, history-rich part of France.
Must-See Highlights
Sarlat-la-Canéda
The beating heart of the Dordogne and one of the most beautifully preserved medieval towns in all of France. Sarlat-la-Canéda captivates visitors with its narrow cobblestone streets lined with honey-gold limestone buildings, elegant Renaissance mansions, the striking Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral, atmospheric lantern-lit evenings, and a remarkable sense of stepping back in time. It remains one of the most photographed and visited historic towns in southwestern France.
- Place des Oies with its iconic bronze geese statues
- Covered market hall in the former Sainte-Marie Church
- Twice-weekly world-famous Sarlat market days
- Hidden medieval courtyards and secret passages
- Panoramic views from the old town rooftops and Manoir de Tarde
Châteaux
The Dordogne Valley is renowned worldwide for its impressive collection of medieval and Renaissance castles, many dramatically perched on cliffs or hilltops overlooking the winding river. These historic fortresses tell fascinating stories of feudal rivalries, royal power, sieges, and architectural evolution across centuries — and many have been featured in major films.
- Château de Beynac – the most photographed cliff-top fortress
- Château de Castelnaud – outstanding medieval military museum
- Château de Hautefort – magnificent Renaissance masterpiece
- Château des Milandes – former home of Josephine Baker
- Château de Fenelon, Puymartin, Marqueyssac gardens nearby
Markets
The markets of Sarlat and the surrounding Dordogne villages are legendary experiences, offering an authentic immersion into Périgord food culture. They burst with colour, aroma and the lively chatter of locals and visitors discovering the very best regional products — a true celebration of the area's gastronomic reputation.
- Wednesday & Saturday Sarlat markets – the most famous
- Fresh foie gras, seasonal black truffles, duck confit
- Walnuts, cèpes mushrooms, walnut oil, local cheeses
- Bergerac & Monbazillac wines, artisanal breads & pâtés
- Smaller charming markets in villages like Domme, Saint-Cyprien, Sarlat Christmas market
Caves
The Vézère Valley, often called the “Cradle of Prehistory,” is a UNESCO World Heritage site containing some of the most important Paleolithic art caves in the world. These extraordinary underground galleries showcase humanity’s earliest known artistic expressions dating back over 17,000 years — a must for history and art lovers.
- Lascaux IV – breathtaking full-scale replica cave
- Font-de-Gaume – rare original polychrome paintings
- Rouffignac Cave – extensive mammoth engravings
- Combarelles & Cap Blanc – intricate engravings & reliefs
- National Prehistory Museum in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Villages
The Dordogne region is home to an exceptional concentration of officially classified “Plus Beaux Villages de France,” each offering unique charm, stunning stone architecture, riverside or hilltop settings, and peaceful rural beauty that perfectly complements the area’s rich history and landscapes.
- La Roque-Gageac – dramatic riverside village with tropical microclimate
- Domme – fortified hilltop bastide with panoramic views
- Beynac-et-Cazenac – castle-dominated riverside gem
- Limeuil – picturesque confluence of Dordogne & Vézère rivers
- Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, Saint-Amand-de-Coly, Belvès, Monpazier & more