How to Enjoy Sarlat-la-Caneda, France
Located in Perigord region, Sarlat-La-Caneda is one of the most popular tourist destinations in southwest France. It offers visitors the highest concentration of medieval, Renaissance and 17th century facades in France, and hosts one of the countries best open air markets. In addition to the architectural sights, Sarlat is also home to the Cathedrale St-Sacerdos and a seemingly never ending maze of narrow lanes and medieval streets. This article will help travelers plan a visit to Sarlat-La-Caneda.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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Visit Cathedrale St-Sacerdos. Although this Roman Catholic cathedral was constructed mainly during the 16th and 17th centuries, parts of the structure can be dated to the early 9th century. Its design is a menagerie of styles including a 17th century nave, a Romanesque entrance dating to the 12th century and a magnificent organ installed in 1752. Even with such an eclectic design, the cathedral is a beautiful and inspiring place to visit.
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Enjoy the Sarlat Market. Recognized as one of the best markets in France, the Sarlat Market is a great place to spend a morning. Vendors from around the region offer delicacies such as foie gras, walnuts, black truffles, wild mushrooms and an endless variety of cheeses.
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Visit the Lantern of the Dead. The Lanterne des Morts, or Lantern of the Dead, is a short, conical tower which was constructed during the 12th century. It was constructed as a dedication to St. Bernard, who visited the town in 1147. As the story goes, St. Bernard visited Sarlat during a period of death as a result of the Black Plague. At the time of his visit, nearly 1/3 of the popular had died from the disease. St. Bernard blessed several loaves of bread and announced that anyone who ate a piece of bread would be protected. Soon after this event, the plague disappeared from Sarlat.
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Enjoy a meal with the locals. Sarlat has numerous cafes, bistros and restaurants from which visitors can choose. With easy access to local farmers and the Sarlat Markets, chefs have great ingredients with which to work. Some of the best choices are Chef Gerard Lasserre’s Le Bistro de l Octroi, Rossignol on Rue Fenelon and Le Grand Bleu on Ave de la Gare.
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Tips & Warnings
On Saturdays, the Sarlat Market offers a full scale fair and food market.
Take a walk down the Rue des Consuls to see the 16th and 17th century mansions.
The Jardin des Enfeus, located on Rue Montaigne, was Sarlat's first cemetery.
Check out the former Bishop’s Palace which is now a theater.
Sarlat can often be crowded with tourists, especially on market day.
