Sarlat, France is a fabulous historical place. What can you see in Sarlat and Dordogne area? Les Jardins de Marqueyssac, Vezac : Perigord’s most popular gardens opened to the public in 1997 and are in the grounds of the Chateau de Marqueyssac, high on a ridge above the Dordogne. Back in the 1860s the estate’s owner planted boxwood trees in their thousands, and they were trimmed into the kind of outlandish forms that you see now. The arrangements had been left to grow out for decades until they were restored by a new owner in the 90s. The hedges have rounded, organic and irregular shapes, subverting the formalism of French parterres. A maze-like circuit of paths through this magical garden lead to a belvedere 130 metres over the Dordogne, with one of the best views of the valley. If you don’t mind heights, the Via Ferrata is an adventure course on iron rungs, beams and stairs in the cliff-face.
Originally an abbey church dating from the 11th century, the Cathedrale St-Sacerdos is a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic styles. The organ in the church is said to be one of the best preserved from the 18th century. Pop inside to hear it being played as part of a special concert or simply soak up the peace and quiet away from Sarlat’s busy squares. Nearby you can spot the a rocket-like structure called ‘lanterne des morts’, a 12th-century stone monument that is said to honour Saint Bernard, who is believed to have cured the sick by blessing their bread.
Brantome : Picturesque enough to be hung in the Louvre, this romantic village 30 minutes west of Sorges is the “Venice of Perigord”. It’s impossible not be moved by the beauty of boating beneath the stone arches of its angled bridge traversing river and adjacent canal, or meandering cobblestones polished smooth by centuries of pilgrims following the way of Saint James through Brantome to Santiago in Spain. Its vast abbey, founded by Charlemagne in 769, shelters eighth-century cave dwellings, hollowed out by monks, in cliffs behind.
Looking for hotels in Sarlat-la-Caneda? The place de la Liberte is the epicenter of the town, which is also where the weekly farmer’s market is held and where the many regional specialties are offered for sale: black truffles, the world famous “foie gras” (duck liver pate), figs, nuts and more. Many movies and television series have been filmed in Sarlat as the town features one of the most pristine medieval architectural heritage in the world. Expatriates from around the world flock to this medieval jewel of a city, in the search of sunlight, culture, food and overall lifestyle. The proximity of the Dordogne River, along with its many outdoor activities (canoeing, rafting, fishing, biking, hiking, etc) is a huge draw for people of all ages and from all walks of life. You’ll therefore routinely hear English, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, German and of course French, spoken in the streets of Sarlat as well as in the surrounding towns and villages of Carsac, Cenac, La Roque Gageac, Beynac, etc. See extra details at https://sarlathotel.com/.