Sarlat,
The undisputed star
Sarlat, a town steeped in history
With 66 listed or registered monuments within an 11-hectare area, the Ville d'Art et d'Histoire label, and international renown, Sarlat has one of the highest concentrations of heritage sites in Europe. Yet behind this recognition, the town cultivates above all a spirit of sharing and transmission.
On Rue Victor Hugo, the former Sainte-Marie church, restored by Jean Nouvel, embodies this dialogue between heritage and modernity. Today, it houses the covered market and a panoramic elevator rising to a height of 35 meters, offering a unique view of the city's rooftops.
Sarlat is also the birthplaceof Étienne de La Boétie, a 16th-century humanist and author of Discourse on Voluntary Servitude. His intellectual legacy is part of the city's history and reminds us of its deep cultural roots.
As you stroll through its narrow streets, keep your eyes open: more than 170 films have been shot here since 1928. Every facade and every square seems to extend the backdrop of a story in motion.
Sarlat, living heritage
Sarlat can also be discovered through its rhythms and events. Throughout the year, on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, its market brings the heart of the town to life. Local producers, colorful stalls, and Périgord specialties fill the squares and narrow streets, creating an atmosphere that is true to the spirit of the Southwest.
At nightfall, gas lighting transforms the town into a cozy setting. The facades are softly illuminated, footsteps slow down, and the terraces come alive.
In restaurants, shops, and around every corner, everyone shares a piece of history or expertise. In Sarlat, heritage is not static: it is recounted, cooked, and passed on every day.
