Narrows Streets and Saturday Market
Central and South West France, France
Sarlat is a beautiful, well-restored town in the Dordogne region. One of the most-loved towns in France its old centre dates from medieval and Renaissance times and comprises a maze of narrow streets with the roofs of the buildings made of ‘lauze’ – carefully cut stone.
The towns Saturday market is not to be missed as travellers will have the opportunity to sample some of the gastronomic delicacies of this region including black truffles, mushrooms, walnuts and pork delicacies.
Set in a beautiful landscape the area beyond the town is well worth exploring with the Vezere Valley, fantastic chateaux, the caves of Lascaux and many other attractions all begging to be explored.
Background
The town was founded around the Benedictine abbey between 820 and 840 AD by Duke Pepin of Aquitaine. During the 100 Years War between the French and the English, Sarlat played a prominent part due it being well defended by the surrounding castles, despite this, the city became English in 1360.
More recently the city was saved from falling into decay by an extensive restoration plan launched in 1962 and today the picturesque lanes and medieval facades have made the town a popular draw amongst travellers to the south.