Sarlat-la-Canéda

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where is Sarlat la Canéda located in France?

  Sarlat la Canéda or simply Sarlat is located in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region of France in the Dordogne department, between Paris and Toulouse in the South of France. The town is also located East of Bordeaux. Sarlat is famous for its historical city centre and home to one of the most unique markets in France.

• How do you get from Paris to Sarlat la Canéda?

  There are different ways to get from Paris to Sarlat la Canéda. By train there are two options: one is to leave from Paris and take the TGV train to Bordeaux. Once arrived in Bordeaux, you will need to change trains (without changing stations) and take the train that links Bordeaux to Sarlat. Even though the fast train will take you from Paris to Bordeaux in approximately 2 hours, the train from Bordeaux to Sarlat is a regional train that usually stops in every single village and town on the way. Because of this, the train journey can take up to 3 1/2 hours. Another option is to take the train from Paris to Toulouse and stop in Souillac. This will take around 5 hours. Once arrived in Souillac you have an option for a bus transfer to Sarlat (on certain hours) or you can program a private transfer with our company. In this case, we will come and pick you up at Souillac train station and transfer you to your accommodation.

• What is there to see & do in Sarlat la Canéda?

  Sarlat is a charming small town of France. Located in the heart of the Dordogne region, modern history has largely passed it by. Sarlat has remained preserved and is one of the towns most representative of 14th century France. Located in the heart of the Perigord Noir, the town possesses an outstanding number of buildings and houses dating from the 13th to 18th century. Its name evokes to all French both gastronomic and cultural pleasures. Its worldwide reputation is linked with its rich history dating from Paleolithic Ages onward. Its evolution over the centuries has left it with an exceptional heritage. As the first city in France to be safeguarded by being restored under the Malraux law of 1964, its classification as a “City of Art & History” is a testament to its high architectural value. Sarlat has been awarded the exceptional Three Star classification by the Michelin Travel Guide, making it equal to Europe’s most beautiful cities. During one of our Sarlat small group sightseeing day tours, you will have the opportunity to visit the fabulous Dordogne region.

• What are your most popular day trips from Sarlat?

  Our most popular day trips from Sarlat are the half day most beautiful villages tour where our guests discover charming medieval villages that are located along the Dordogne valley and that includes a boat ride on the River Dordogne. Our other most popular day trip from Sarlat is our Paleolithic Art tour of the Dordogne that includes the visit of the National Prehistory Museum, the visit of the original cave of Rouffignac and the visit of Lascaux IV International Center of Parietal Art that also includes the visit of Lascaux IV cave.

• How long should I stay in Sarlat?

  Sarlat is one of our destinations where people stay the longest. The area is so diverse and our day trips so different one from another that the average number of days that guests stay in Sarlat is 4 days. You can admire beautiful castles and villages on one day, cave art & prehistory on another and add Padirac chasm & Rocamadour village on a third day and all three day trips are completely different and unique. If you are into food & wine or gardens, then a 4th day is a must. What also makes guests stay longer here than in other regions of France is the very good value for money when it comes to accommodation and dining options. Sarlat is without a doubt one of the most popular food destination in France and the high number of restaurants in town insure very affordable meals.

• As a Dordogne destination specialist, what are some tips you think are useful?

  As a local operator of tours, activities & day trips from Sarlat for more than 10 years now, we certainly have some very helpful tips that we would love to share with you. 1. Sarlat is not the easiest town in France to reach and this was made on purpose to limit the number of visitors. If this destination is on your bucket list then be prepared to earn it. Once arrived, you will not be disappointed. 2. If possible, keep away from the destination in July and August when the French are on vacation. This is a very popular destination for the French as many parents bring their children here to introduce them to Prehistory and Medieval architecture. August should definitely be avoided because of traffic (small, winding roads), crowds and herendous queues for all activities or attractions. 3. For Sarlat market (especially the Saturday market), unless your accommodation is in Sarlat, don't arrive at 11.00am or after. You will probably end up wasting time finding a parking space and just move on to something else. Starting from April until end of October, the Sarlat market is one of the most popular in the whole region and attracts both French and foreign visitors. Want to spend a really nice time at the Market, arrive early - market starts at 7.00am. 4. Dordogne is a magical destination and certainly one where you can take a leap back in time. This means that you will visit medieval villages & castles that have remained pretty much the same for centuries. Narrow cobblestone streets, uneven paths, steep walks, damp and cold caves are just a few examples of what to expect on many of your day trips while in the Dordogne. If you have walking issues or health problems, then Dordogne might just not be the right destination for you. Keep this in mind and choose your visits carefully. 5. Not a fan of eating meat? Then a trip to the Dordogne might become a bit of a stress for you. Of course you will always find some type of solution with salads, pizzas, cheese and so on. But be carefull, locals sometimes don't include ham or lardons (bacon bits) as meat and will do everything they can to have you taste gizzards if you choose a salad. Remember that you are in a rural area of France where DUCK is king. Duck breast, duck confit, duck foie gras, dried magret duck - as many guests comment at the end of their stay, they are ducked out! Fortunately, this is changing and there are now a few vegetarian restaurants in Sarlat.

• What are the 6 Best Day Trips from Sarlat France?

  There are several interesting day trips you can take from Sarlat: 1. Lascaux Cave: The Lascaux Cave is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about an hour's drive from Sarlat. It is home to a series of ancient cave paintings that are considered some of the finest examples of prehistoric art in the world. 2. The Dordogne River: The Dordogne River is known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. You can go canoeing or kayaking on the river, or just relax on the banks and enjoy the scenery. 3. Rocamadour: Rocamadour is a medieval village located about an hour and a half from Sarlat. It is built into the side of a cliff and is home to a number of historic sites, including the Notre-Dame chapel, the Saint-Sauveur Basilica, and the Château de Rocamadour. 4. Brantôme: Brantôme is a small town located about an hour's drive from Sarlat. It is known for its beautiful abbey, which was founded in the 8th century and is considered one of the oldest in France. 5. Périgueux: Périgueux is a city located about an hour's drive from Sarlat. It is known for its Roman ruins, including the Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum, which features artifacts from the city's Roman past. 6. Bordeaux: Bordeaux is a city located about a two-hour drive from Sarlat. It is known for its beautiful architecture, world-class wine, and rich history. It is also a great place to visit if you are interested in food and wine, as it is home to a number of Michelin-starred restaurants and world-renowned wineries.