Sarlat-la-Canéda Things to Do

Place de la Liberté is the heart of the medieval city: a large square lined by cafés, souvenir shops and other touristy stuff. Nonetheless, it has kept its beauty. The rather uncommon shape (a little bit like a lying "P") makes the square look different from every angle. The numerous old houses add to its charme as do the beautifully arranged goods in the grocery shops. On the northern end of the square is the covered market, located in a former chapel the transverse walls of which have been replaced by what must be the world's largest doors. While not exactly a main sight of Sarlat, the market is worth a visit - and a good place to shop for local delicacies.

Sarlat is best discovered on foot. All of the town's main sights lie within the boundaries of the cité médiévale (medieval city) which only measures some 300x300m. A good starting point is the tourist information centre located on Place du Peyrou just next to the cathedral of Saint Sacerdos. Afterwards, just get lost in the labyrinth of medieval streets or grab a map and start a more organized circuit. Every alley will be somewhat charming and there's lots to discover: from the obligatory foie gras shop to a cosy café or an ancient building.

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Walking these, old, medieval towns, I always look upwards, as well as every other direction! I guess it is just a matter of time before I crash into somebody!
What I like, is the old style signs, I find them interesting!
Then there are the rooves, they can be turreted, round, octagonal, crooked, made with all types of building materials, from leaves, straw, tiles, wood, iron, and anything they could find in the old times. Often there are nice flower boxes in the top windows, making the building's pretty. What about the bridges, these I found in Sarlat old town.
And watch out incase somebody is watering their plants, you may get wet, yes, I just missed!
Sarlat, is a town, with plenty of different architecture, and quite a few interesting signs,
so LOOK UP!

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If you are in the "Geese Square," [previous tip], then you are right next to Manor de Gisson.
The Manor was built in the 13th century, and is built in two different architectural styles. There are two buildings, that are joined together by a staircase in the hexagon tower!
Have a look inside and out of this building.
Outside, I loved the Tower, the windows, and the very old doorway with a key.
The inside has nice antique furniture, dating back to the Middle Ages and the 17th century. There are displays, torture implement's, huge fireplaces, wood panelling and more!

OPEN....All year round, usually between 10 -5pm and 10-6pm, but check the website, as the times vary with the time of year.

ADMISSION IN 2011....Adults...7euro

We had been to Le Maison Forte de Reignac so this entitled us to 10% discount here.

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Place Des Oies is the name of a square where a market is held specialising in goose products from December to March. Located in the centre, surrounded by turreted old building's, is a nice bronze sculpture of three Geese.

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Near where we parked our Car, were the Public Gardens. From the outside, they looked quite nice! I followed the Tree lined roadway, and found a Band Rotunda, a walled garden, children's playground, and a walkway up to what was a good viewpoint over Sarlat. Great views of the town from here, and a lovely well kept park. I was just a bit early to see the flower's in bloom.
Toilet's are located in the park.

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The beautiful Cathedral St. Sacerdos, was once part of the Benedictine Abbey, which dated to the 12th century. It has unusual architecture, as over the years, it has been rebuilt in Roman, Gothic and other styles! The cathedral was originally the church of Sarlat Abbey.
It has a lovely turreted tower from the 12th century, the oldest part of the church.
On one side of the Abbey, are a few arches from the ancient Romanesque cloister.
Inside, it really was lovely. Stained glass window's, beaut carvings, paintings and more, it was well worth going into.

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This is a conical, towered building that I could often see on my walk. I had to find it, and I did!

"Lantern des Morts" actually stands for "Lantern of the Dead, " or "St. Bernards Tower."
Built in the 12th century, its origins and actual function are unknown. It reminded me a little of the kitchen in the Medieval Fontevraud Abbey.
An idea about the Lantern is that it commemorated the passage of Saint-Bernard de Clairvaux to Sarlat in 1147. The Saint was said to have blessed bread, which miraculously cured the sick at the Calvary of Roc Laumier at La Caneda

The Lantern has two rooms, but the upper room cannot be accessed.
Over the year's, it has been used as a Funeral chapel, ossuary, and for gunpowder storage.
Next to the Lantern, is an ancient cemetery.