Complete Sarlat Guide: 9 Best Things to Do in Sarlat-la-Canéda 

It’s official: I’m in love with the Dordogne. And inevitably if you’re coming to the Dordogne, you’ll be visiting Sarlat-la-Canéda (or Sarlat for short). So here are the best things to do in Sarlat-la-Canéda for your epic time in the Dordogne!

I fell head over heels for this charming town in the Southwest of France! So now I’m going to share with you all you need to know including top things to do, how long to visit, where to stay, and helpful tips to make the most of your trip!

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My Experience in Sarlat

I spent 3 days in Sarlat in April during my epic Southwest France road trip. I actually used Sarlat as my base to explore the Dordogne, because it is close to some of the best things to do in the Dordogne, and it has great options for accommodation. 

Also, this town has a fabulous market, and I adored the sounds of the birds here–it was so musical everywhere!

I couldn’t get over the Medieval cobblestone streets, the lovely viewpoints, and even the little geese statue as goose products are big here! 

If you are searching for a gorgeous place in France outside of the most visited areas like Paris, Provence, the French Riviera, and Normandy, I cannot recommend Sarlat and the Dordogne Valley enough! 

Best Things to Do in Sarlat

Let’s talk all about the best things to do in Sarlat-la-Canéda for an epic trip!

1. Visit the Markets.

If you know me, I LOVE a good market. Christmas markets, weekly farmers markets, big market halls–I cannot get enough. The same applies for the market in Sarlat.

We were lucky enough to be in Sarlat on a Saturday during their market in the Medieval part of town! 

This is a market spanning from Place de la Liberté to the other streets surrounding it. Here you can enjoy local, seasonal produce (we were there during strawberry season!), purchase local wine, and so much more. They also have textiles and other goodies to buy!

The old city market takes place on Wednesday mornings and all day on Saturday. 

There is also the Marché Couvert de Sarlat. It is inside the former Saint Marie church, and it too offers many local products! This is open more frequently than the traditional market, with hours that vary based on your visit. Check hours here! 

And don’t forget– Sarlat has a Christmas market in December! 

2. Taste All the Local Flavors.

The Périgord Noir (where Sarlat is located), is full of incredible food! So popular things you’ll want to try when you’re here include:

• Foie gras (you’ll find this in many dishes seared or you can have it as a paté)
• Duck (especially duck confit!)
• Black truffles
• Walnuts (this includes walnut paste, walnut desserts, and even walnut wine!)
• Pomme Sarladaises (potatoes cooked with garlic and duck or goose fat)
• Rocamadour cheese (this comes from Rocamadour, but you’re so close that you’ll spot this cheese here too)

I had dinner at La Couleuvrine one evening and had an excellent fois gras crème brûlée! But there are shops selling many of these products EVERYWHERE in Sarlat and throughout the region. 

3. Pick Up Breakfast at Maison Lissajoux.

Our Airbnb host in Sarlat recommended this place for its baguette, and I get the hype!

They make their bread using stone-ground flour sourdough. And it is delicious! Pair it with a good French salted butter, and it is a superb start to the day! 

I also had their chocolatine (yes, pain au chocolat is chocolatine in these parts!), and it was also perfection!

Maison Lissajoux Hours: Sunday from 7:30 am-1:30 pm. Tuesday-Friday from 7 am-2 pm, and Saturday from 7 am-2:30 pm and 4:30-6:30 pm. Closed on Monday. 

4. Wander the Medieval Town.

This is truly one of the most charming towns in France! It is no wonder that many people pass through here while exploring the Dordogne and southwest!

The golden-hued stone buildings will wow you at every turn. We arrived just before sunset and had the opportunity to walk through the streets as the sky softened, and it made the town glow.

One of the most picturesque spots is at Place de la Liberté in the heart of it all. From here, you can see the steeple of Cathedrale Saint-Sacerdos. 

The Fountaine Saint-Marie is also interesting to see and is tucked away. It’s in a little cave and from the middle ages.

Square du 8 Mai 45 is also worth visiting, with its WWII memorial. And if you pop over to Place du Marche aux Oies, you’ll spot the adorable 3-geese statue in the heart of town! 

5. Manoir de Gisson.

To step back in time, you’ll want to visit this home that dates back to the 13th century. Enjoy the spiral staircase, the stunning architecture, and learn what life was like for the nobility during the Medieval period and Renaissance.  

Walk through the rooms, explore their cabinet of curiosities, and more! 

Manoir de Gisson Hours: April-June & September from 10 am-6:30 pm, July-August from 10 am-7 pm, October-mid November from 10 am-6 pm, and weekends from mid-November until the Christmas holidays & everyday during the Christmas holidays from 10 am-5 pm. Closed after the Christmas holidays until April. Closed on Christmas day. 

Manoir de Gisson Admission: €9.90 for adults, €8.90 for students, €4.80 for children ages 10-17, and free for children under 10. 

6. Cathedral Saint Sacerdos.

Located in the heart of the old city, this Romanesque abbey became a cathedral in the 1300s, and then the rebuilding started in the 1500s. It is mostly gothic in style now. Its steeple is the one you see in iconic photos of Sarlat, and it is nice to pop inside to take a look at a beautiful Medieval church. 

It is also surprisingly large if you walk around outside, particularly if you walk behind the church! There is also a beautiful Lanterne des Morts behind the church which is quite mysterious as to its use! 

Cathedral Saint Sacerdos Hours: Monday from 2-6 pm and Tuesday-Friday from 9 am-12 pm and 2-6 pm. 

7. Ascenseur Panoramique.

Take in the views of Sarlat from above on the Panoramic Elevator! 

It’s inside the Saint-Marie church, and you can take it up to witness Sarlat from above!

Ascenseur Panoramique Admission: €5 for adults, €1 for children ages 6-12, and free for children under 6. 

8. Château de Puymartin.

Just outside of town is this famous château built in the 13th century. It’s known as a haunted castle, and coming here will feel like stepping back in time.

There is quite a bit of history at this castle as well, including being invaded by the English during the Hundred Years War!

This is an astoundingly beautiful castle and one of the most famous ones to see in the Dordogne!

Château de Puymartin Hours: Hours vary based on the time of year. Closed from early January until April. Check hours here. 

Château de Puymartin Admission (Self-Guided & Guided Tours): €11 for adults, €8 for students, children ages 13-18, and persons with reduced mobility (with PMR card), €6 for children ages 6-12, and free for children under 6. 

9. Kayak on the Dordogne River.

Sarlat is very close to the Dordogne River. So while it doesn’t run through the town, it is worth going kayaking on the river! That is because the river winds past rocky cliffs and some of the most beautiful castles perched above it! 

I did a 2.5-hour kayak route where I passed Château de Montfort and ended in La Roque-Gageac. Sadly, the area near Château de Beynac was closed due to the river conditions, but I still had the best time!

It’s a fun and pretty easy kayak, and if you’re here in the spring as I was, it wasn’t busy at all! I went on a morning in April and it was perfect!

I went with Périgord Aventure et Loisirs for my rental, and they were fantastic! The people working there speak English as well. It cost about €30 for my single kayak rental. A popular route is Vitrac-Beynac, which is about 2.5 hours not including stops.

Best Thing to Do in Sarlat at Night

I wanted to specifically recommend exploring Sarlat at night! The medieval town is peaceful for the most part (with an odd bar or two blasting music), but it’s perfect for walking around as the buildings have a soft glow from the street lights.

In the twilight, I remember walking through the park and in the back of the Cathedrale Saint Sacerdos. It was gorgeous, and the birds were singing so vibrantly! I’ll never forget just how prominent the birds were in Sarlat.  

But the streets clear out of day trippers, and you’re left with a stunning town seemingly almost to yourself in spots! 

How Long Do You Need in Sarlat?

To just see Sarlat and nothing outside of that, you could spend a day here and experience a lot of it. 

However, to experience Sarlat, go kayaking, and see some of the castles and a cave in the Dordogne, I recommend at least 3 days in Sarlat!

And, of course, more time in always better! If you want to really dive into the Dordogne, 4-7 days is a good amount of time!

When is the Best Time to Visit Sarlat-la-Canéda?

In my opinion, the best time to visit Sarlat is April. But the best time for visiting Sarlat is between April-October. 

I don’t necessarily recommend visiting in the winter, unless you’re specifically here for the Christmas market in December. 

However, the Dordogne kind of shuts down in the winter. A lot of attractions close down until April. 

So, if you want to see and do a lot, opting for April-October is a better idea. 

I will also say that the summertime in Sarlat does bring in crowds. July and August can be quite busy, and you’re also dealing with the heat during the summer. 

I went in April, and it was perfect. The mornings and evenings were a little cool, but the days were warm and wonderful. It wasn’t crowded at all, and we had a great time! Even the river while kayaking in the morning was blissfully peaceful with few other kayakers!

Where to Stay in Sarlat

Here are some great places to stay in Sarlat:

This Airbnb: This is where my friend and I stayed while in Sarlat, and I highly recommend it! It has a washing machine and AC, which is great for hot days! But our host was so kind, and he even picked us up from the private parking in a garage that was included in our stay and helped us with our bags. He also helped us when we left too! The place was fully equipped with a kitchen, a bed, and a pull out couch that was surprisingly comfortable. It’s also right in the heart of town!

We chose this place to be able to do laundry and because it had guaranteed parking–which can be hard to find in Sarlat!

Book it here!

Plaza Madeleine & Spa: With an easy walking distance to the heart of town, this hotel has quaint rooms and even a pool, hammam, and spa. It also has air conditioning. They have reserved parking for a fee, and you need to reserve beforehand.

Book it here!

La Villa des Consuls: Another great place with AC in both their rooms and apartments. They serve breakfast with as many local products as they can, and everything here just looks super charming. They have parking for a fee, and you need to reserve. This is located in the city center.

Book it here!

Day Trips From Sarlat-la-Canéda

I have a full guide on the best things to do in the Dordogne, so I’ll refer you to that post for more details, but here are some day trip ideas near Sarlat:

• Lascaux IV: Explore this 100% replica cave of the famous Lascaux cave. 
• Château de Hautefort: For Ever After fans, this is the main castle used in the movie! Check out my guide to Ever After filming locations here!
• Wine tasting in Bergerac: Have a transportation plan! 
• Explore villages nearby like Beynac-et-Cazenac, Domme, and La Roque-Gageac.
• Visit Brantôme in the Perigord Vert–known as the “Venice of Perigord.”
• Visit Rocamadour: Not far from Sarlat in the Lot department is the stunning cliffside town of Rocamadour with its famed sanctuary. 

How to Get to Sarlat

There are a couple of ways to get to Sarlat: train or car.

Sarlat has a train station, and you can take a train here! Check train times and get tickets on SNCF-Connect!

However, having a car is the best way to explore the Dordogne!

Yes, you can rent a car in Sarlat, but your options are more limited. Instead, we ended up taking the train from Paris to Toulouse and rented a car from there. We did this mostly because we were doing a whole road trip and would be ending in Toulouse.

However, you can also take the train to Bordeaux and rent a car too!

From Toulouse or Bordeaux, it is about a 2 hour, 20 minute drive! 

Check rental cars here!

How to Get Around Sarlat

Once you’re in the town, it is a very walkable place! So you’ll likely just walk around the town. 

However, if you want to venture further out and explore more of the Dordogne, you’ll want a car. 

Check rental cars here!

Parking in Sarlat

I mentioned just how hard it can be to come by parking in Sarlat earlier. 

That is because the medieval old town is pedestrian only. It’s great for walking around! But… if you’re here on a road trip (likely the easiest way to navigate the Southwest of France), parking can be a challenge. 

I recommend that if you’re staying here that you pick a place with parking! And if you have to reserve said parking in advance, do that. That will save you a headache.

There are parking lots around the town. If you’re visiting and not staying, you’ll want to arrive early, especially on market days. Get here before 9 am to find parking. This is helpful in the summer and on market days. 

Sarlat Travel Tips

Here are a few extra tips for visiting Sarlat:

• There are a lot of cobblestone streets. So please be careful!
• Arrive early in peak season. Visiting during market day or coming in peak season? Aim to get here before 9 am to find parking! Better yet–stay here at a place with parking!
• Have a car. I’ve mentioned this, but yes, having a car is best for exploring the Dordogne. Now if you solely plan to hang out in Sarlat, you won’t really need a car, but if you want to see the charming villages nearby, head to a château, go kayaking, etc., you’ll likely need a car. Compare rental cars here!
• Reservations. I made a dinner reservation and kayak reservations for my stay, but I’ll be honest, I don’t think I needed to in April. The restaurant I went to wasn’t busy, and the kayak place wasn’t either. However, if there is a place or thing you want to do, why not make reservations in advance to ensure you get to experience it? And during peak season, I would make reservations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about visiting Sarlat-la-Canéda!

1. Is Sarlat worth visiting?

Absolutely! I fell head over heels in love with Sarlat during my visit. The Dordogne, and southwest France in general, is incredibly stunning. It isn’t under-the-radar perse, but it is definitely less visited than Provence or Normandy. 

If you love medieval towns, a dramatically beautiful river, châteaux galore, and even caves, the Dordogne is for you! And Sarlat is the perfect base for it all!

2. Is Sarlat a good base for exploring the Dordogne?

100% yes! You’re in close proximity to so much in the Dordogne. Plus, Sarlat is no stranger to tourism, meaning you’ll have hotel and restaurant options to come back to after exploring!

3. What is Sarlat best known for?

Sarlat is well-known for its gorgeous medieval old town, its markets, it’s fabulous location in the heart of the Perigord Noir in the Dordogne, and, of course, its food.

4. Can you visit Sarlat without a car?

Sarlat, yes! The Dordogne/Perigord? No. 

You can check for private drivers/tours with Ophorus (if they offer it). However, that can add up. Instead, rent a car and enjoy! It’s not bad driving in this area, although there can be some windy roads. 

5. Is Sarlat walkable? 

Yes, the town of Sarlat is walkable! That is also the best way to explore the town! There are many little nooks and crannies to enjoy while wandering around here!

6. How far is Sarlat from Paris?

Sadly, this isn’t a day trip destination from Paris. It’s quite far. It is around 527 km (328 miles) from Paris. 

It is just over a 5.5 hour drive to get to Sarlat-la-Canéda from Paris. So if you like driving and road trips, it’s pretty doable and not that bad! But I’d definitely spend a few days at least in Sarlat and the Dordogne to make that drive worth it.

You can also take the train from Paris to Sarlat. This is about a 5-hour journey, typically with a change (likely in Bordeaux). 

You could also take the train to Bordeaux (just over 2 hours from Paris) or Toulouse (just under 5 hours) and rent a car and drive to Sarlat (about a 2 hour, 20 minute drive from either city).  This is great if you’re visiting Sarlat as part of a larger road trip.

Honestly, if you’re coming round-trip from Paris, I’d just rent the car there and drive so you can save time. Either way, you’ll want a car if you plan to explore outside of Sarlat.

Alright, there you have it! This is the ultimate guide to Sarlat-la-Canéda including the best things to do, where to stay, and all the tips you need to make the most of your visit!