Few regions in France capture the imagination quite like the Dordogne. It’s a landscape of storybook villages, stone castles, and lush river valleys—where the past feels close enough to touch. There are a thousand places to see here, but there’s no better place to start than Sarlat-le-Canéda, the vibrant capital of the Périgord Noir. From there, you can easily reach some of the country’s most beautiful and historic sites, including the mighty fortress of Beynac, the elegant Château de Hautefort, and the perfectly preserved bastide town of Monpazier. I’ve written elsewhere about all the reasons why it’s a great idea to visit Sarlat-le-Canéda, the perfectly preserved medieval town in the heart of the Périgord Noir. It’s one of France’s most […]
Tag: Sarlat
5 Reasons to Make Sarlat-la-Canéda Your Vacation Headquarters
We’ve been to Sarlat-la-Canéda (most people just say “Sarlat”) several times, and each visit reveals more to love about this fine medieval town in the Dordogne region of France. Yes, it can be crowded and touristy on peak days in peak season – that’s why one of our favorite trips was in late February, when the market days are quieter and the chill wind makes passing an evening with a good bottle of local wine and a plate of fresh foie gras all the more inviting. Even if you can only go at the height of the summer, though, it’s one of those sites that genuinely merits your attention. Here are 5 great reasons to plan your next holiday using […]
Market Day in Sarlat-le-Canèda
Someday I’ll write about why it’s a great idea to visit Sarlat-le-Caneda, the perfectly-preserved medieval town in the heart of the Périgord Noir in the Dordogne. It’s one of France’s most popular tourist destinations (last time I was there I heard more British accents than French!), and within 30 minutes of some of France’s most interesting historical sites – great castles, prehistoric cave painting, troglodytic homes. It’s also a perfect base for cycling, canoeing, hiking, or any other outdoor activity that appeals to you along the ancient Dordogne River. In every way that matters to a traveler, Sarlat earns the rare 3-star rating that it holds in the Michelin Green Guide. Today, though, I want to talk about the town’s […]
