Sarlat-la-Canéda Old Town
Sarlat-la-Canéda, France
A honey-coloured medieval centre in the Dordogne with a dense network of lanes, small squares and stone mansions. Visit on a market morning for local walnuts and duck specialities.
Sarlat-la-Canéda lies in the Périgord Noir and has one of the highest densities of listed buildings in France. Its sights include the Cathedral of Saint-Sacerdos with a 12th-century bell tower, the 17th-century Manoir de Gisson and the Lanterne des Morts, a mysterious cylindrical tower of the 12th century behind the cathedral. A glass lift in the tower of the church of Sainte-Marie gives a panoramic view over the slate roofs.
The big market on Saturday and the smaller one on Wednesday morning offer foie gras, truffles and walnuts. The centre is pedestrianised, so park on the edge of town. Spring and autumn are quieter than summer. One day is enough for the old town; if you want to explore the surrounding area, you will need several. A 25 km cycle path on an old railway line leads to Cazoulès.
- Nearest town
- Sarlat-la-Canéda, France
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 44.8894, 1.2160
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Aire de camping-car de Sarlat-la-Caneda, grande aireMotorhome stopover1 km from Sarlat-la-Canéda Old Town · 22 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Huttopia Sarlat-a-CanedaCampsite1 km from Sarlat-la-Canéda Old Town · 184 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Les AcaciasCampsite4 km from Sarlat-la-Canéda Old TownTentsCaravansMotorhomesShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Camping La RoussieCampsite4 km from Sarlat-la-Canéda Old TownTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Aire Camping-Car Park de VézacMotorhome stopover8 km from Sarlat-la-Canéda Old Town · 18 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- La Rivière de DommeCampsite8 km from Sarlat-la-Canéda Old TownTentsCaravansMotorhomesShowersToiletsWi-Fi
All campsites in France · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Sarlat-la-Canéda Old Town?
Sarlat-la-Canéda Old Town is in Sarlat-la-Canéda, France, at GPS 44.8894, 1.2160. It is about 8 km from La Roque-Gageac.
Can you camp near Sarlat-la-Canéda Old Town?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Aire de camping-car de Sarlat-la-Caneda, grande aire, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 179 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Sarlat-la-Canéda Old Town?
Places worth a stop nearby: Château de Beynac (8 km), Gardens of Marqueyssac (8 km), Domme (10 km) and Château de Castelnaud (10 km).
When is the best time to visit Sarlat-la-Canéda Old Town?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)