The Dordogne, to my mind, is one of France’s most beautiful regions. And its crown jewel is Sarlat-la-Caneda. Not to be overly gushy, but it’s simply sensational.
If you’ve got just one day to explore this oh-so-dreamy medieval town, you’re in for a treat.
You’ll feel propelled back in time as you wander through cobblestone streets lined with honey-colored limestone buildings.
In the winding alleys, you’ll discover hidden courtyards, grand Renaissance facades, and perhaps even a street performer or two.
In fact, you may feel like you’re on a Shakespearean film set.
The city is also stuffed with divine eateries, loads of foie gras shops, and hosts a twice weekly market.
I promise you’ll fall head over heels in love!
Quick Tips
- Plan your visit around a market day (Wed & Sat).
- Park outside the medieval center and prepare for a short walk into town.
- Wear comfy shoes for the cobblestone streets.
- Make reservations for lunch and dinner, especially in high season.
Overview Of One Day in Sarlat-la-Caneda
Here’s a snapshot of what you can do in a day:
- Sarlat Market
- Sarlat historic center
- Sarlat Cathedral
- Gisson Museum
- Climb the bell tower
- Chateau de Beynac
9:00 AM – Explore the Sarlat Market
Try to time a visit to coincide with the bustling Sarlat Market in the city’s medieval heart in the Place de la Liberté. You should definitely expect crowds and plan parking in advance though!
The main market days are Wednesday and Saturday. On Wednesday mornings, a smaller food market takes place from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM.
The Saturday market is much larger and more bustling, running from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, with the food market section open until 1:00 pm.
Wander through the stalls, sample local products like foie gras, truffles, cheeses, and fresh produce.
>>> Click here to book a gourmet and market tour with tastings
10:00 AM – Medieval Old Town
Then, take a leisurely walk through Sarlat’s traffic free medieval streets.
Honestly, you could spend hours doing this. Every corner is so pretty, and often flower-filled.
Place de la Liberte
The main square, Place de la Liberté, is perfect for people-watching. It has been the town’s main market square since the Middle Ages.
Steep pitched dark stone roofs, called lauzes in French, top the buildings along the square.
The stunning Maison de La Boétie is the birthplace of the philosopher Étienne de La Boétie.
It’s a typical 16th century Renaissance home, but looked so gorgeous to my eye. Renaissance was the it style art the time.
There’s a wide rounded door topped by an entablature, with two columns on each side.
The facade has beautiful transom windows, framed by pilasters decorated with medallions. The gable is decorated with cabbage motifs.
Unfortunately, you can’t go inside. Today, the Boetie mansion houses the city’s Chamber of Commerce.
The Maleville residence is also a beauty. It’s quite similar to La Boetie and is home to the city’s tourist office.
Sarlat Cathedral & Lantern
You’ll want to stop into Sarlat Cathedral to admire the beautiful Gothic architecture.
The church still has some of original 12th century carvings. But it’s a mishmash of styles since it took hundreds of years to build, although it seems predominantly Romanesque.
Step inside. For a Gothic church, the decorations are fairly minimal. There’s one vast nave without a transcript.
Four bays are flanked by side chapels, which have fine furnishings and ornate altarpieces.
You’ll find a full complement of Virgin Marys. The faithful believed that Mary delivered Sarlat from the 14th century plague.
From the sacristy, a side door leads to the former monastery cloister.
A short walk from the cathedral is a mysterious cone-shaped stone tower, the Lantern of the Dead. It’s in the cathedral cemetery.
The strange looking lantern is an iconic symbol of Sarlat and the oldest monument in town. It was built in gratitude for St. Bernard of Clairvaux, who instituted hygiene standards and help the natives survive the plague.
It’s a tiny structure whose original purpose isn’t really known. It might have served as a beacon of light guiding souls to the afterlife. It’s also served as a chapel and burial place.
Nearby is the Rue de la Salamander. The salamander, unfazed by fire or water, is Sarlat’s mascot.
A few steps down the street, you’ll find a beautiful Gothic doorway of a staircase tower.
12:30 PM – Lunch
For lunch, enjoy a delicious lunch at one of Sarlat’s many delicious restaurants.
Try local specialties such as duck confit, truffle dishes, and walnut cake.
For a casual but refined lunch, I recommend Le Comptoir du Goût 24. It’s a fantastic spot for wine lovers, this wine bar and restaurant offers a selection of charcuterie, cheese, and local wines.
Pro Tip: As an alternative, you could book a cooking class or have a picnic lunch with your market or artisanal finds.
1:30 PM – Tour Manoir de Gisson
If you want to know what life was like behind the city’s honey colored facades, a visit to the Manoir de Gisson is in order.
On the way there, you’ll walk by the Boy of Sarlat, also known as the Gawker. It’s a bronze sculpture of a boy gazing at his surroundings.
Then, head into the beautifully preserved Italian Renaissance style mansion, turned into a museum.
It was the home of the noble Gisson family and offers a sneak peak into the life of Sarlat’s aristocracy.
In fact, this is the only medieval building you can go inside in the city. So don’t pass this up!
Inside, you can ogle period rooms and costumed mannequins, wind up a spiral stone staircase, and examine a cabinet of curiosities.
The exhibits and furnishings are fascinating and well worth the visit. Plus, there are great views from the terrace and windows.
Behind the museum is the Place aux Oies, lined with trophy homes. This is where you’ll find the iconic sculpture of bronze geese, which symbolizes Sarlat’s expertise with fois gras.
You may also want to stroll down the nearby Rue de Consuls. The street is lined with gorgeous medieval townhouses.
On the corner is an audacious arched “squinch.” It’s a unique decorative element from the Middle Ages.
2:30 PM – Climb the Bell Tower of Sainte-Marie Church
The Old Church of St. Mary, located in the main square, once symbolized the town’s middle class success.
Damaged during the French Revolution and abandoned in 1794, it’s now partially restored and adorned with stone gargoyles.
Renovated by Sarlat architect Jean Nouvel, the church has been transformed into a covered market area and cultural activity rooms.
On the opposite side of the market is the Sarlat Panoramic Elevator. It’s an open air glass lift that whisks you 88 feet up the church bell tower for stunning city views.
Pro Tip: The elevator doesn’t run in the rain because it’s open air. You can buy timed entry ticket at machines with a chip credit card.
If you need to do more strolling (or shopping!), head down the Rue de la Republique. It’s a more “modern” thoroughfare called “La Traverse.”
3:30 PM – Chateau de Beynac
There are no real blockbuster sites in Sarlat. So, if you’ve done enough strolling and time allows, I advise taking the short drive over to Beynac et Cazenac.
It’s a fairytale village listed as one of France’s most beautiful villages. And it’s only 15-20 minutes down the road.
Taking pride of place is the imposing Chateau de Beynac perched on a hilltop at the top of the village.
It’s a well preserved medieval castle where Richard the Lionheart once lived. It’s the most amazing castle in the Dordogne and well worth a visit — just for the amazing views.
Pro Tip: To get there, you can park at the base of the village and take the steep hike up. It’s not for the faint of heart in hot weather. Alternatively, drive to the top.
6:00 PM – Relax at a Cafe
Return to Sarlat and unwind at a cafe with a glass of local wine or a refreshing beverage.
7:30 PM – Dinner at a Local Restaurant
End your day with a sumptuous dinner at another of Sarlat’s excellent restaurants.
I loved L’Adresse. It’s a sweet little bistro offering up regional specialities with a creative twist — ideal for foodies.
Be sure to reserve ahead and have your google translate ready to decipher the all French menu.
Le Presidial is the place to have a refined meal in a historic building. You’ll be gaga over the beautiful gardens and stone walls.
9:30 PM – Evening Stroll
Sarlat is the ideal place for a leisurely post-dinner stroll through the illuminated streets.
Gaslit lanes offer up a very romantic experience.
Tips For One Day in Sarlat
How To Get To Sarlat
Sarlat has its own train station. The town is about a 20 minute walk downhill.
If you are driving, park along Avenue du General de Gaulle and avoid driving into the center. There is also free parking at the Place des Cordeliers.
Where To Stay In Sarlat
Located in the heart of Sarlat, Plaza Madeleine & Spa offers elegant rooms, a beautiful outdoor pool, a spa, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views.
Hotel de la Couleuvrine is a charming hotel is set in a tower of a historic building. It offers stylish rooms and an excellent restaurant serving local cuisine.
If you have wheels and want to stay in the nearby country side, check out Château de Maraval, a beautifully restored chateau offering luxurious rooms in a peaceful countryside setting with gardens.
Domaine de Rochebois is a luxe estate features a golf course, spa, and gourmet restaurant, all set within beautiful grounds.
When To Visit Sarlat
Sarlat is very popular with travelers. I would avoid the summer months (hate and crowded) and try to visit in late May or September.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my one day in Sarlat itinerary. You may fine these other southern France travel guides useful:
- 10 day itinerary for southern France
- 1 week Dordogne itinerary
- Hidden gems in Provence
- Hilltop villages of the Luberon Valley
- Historic landmarks in southern France
- Beautiful villages in the Dordogne
- Beautiful villages in Occitanie
- One day in Avignon itinerary
- Guide to Arles
- Guide to Toulouse
- Guide to Carcassonne
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