Gites in Sarlat-la-Canéda

Three iconic places to discover in Sarlat-la-Canéda

Exploring Sarlat-la-Canéda is like turning the pages of a history book. The monuments that shape its identity tell the story of centuries past, from Romanesque architecture to the Renaissance façades that adorn the cobbled streets. A stay in a holiday cottage in this medieval town offers the perfect opportunity to experience these testaments to the Périgord’s heritage.

1. Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral in Sarlat

In the heart of Old Sarlat stands Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral, whose Gothic and Renaissance silhouette towers above the stone rooftops. Built in stages from the 12th century onwards, it reveals, layer by layer, the evolution of architectural styles. The interior vaults and the details of the façade bear witness to the craftsmanship of medieval and Renaissance builders. Nearby, in the Jardin des Enfeus, the Lanterne des morts, a unique Romanesque tower, stands out with its distinctive shape. This unusual structure, erected in the 12th century, remains enigmatic both in terms of its exact purpose and its mysterious appearance.

2. Maison de La Boétie

The Maison de La Boétie is recognisable by its finely crafted façade, dotted with medallions and mullioned windows characteristic of the Renaissance. Built in the 16th century, this house was the birthplace of Étienne de La Boétie, the philosopher and friend of Montaigne, whose correspondence enriched French literature. The mullioned windows, ornamental carvings and elegant proportions make it one of the town’s architectural gems. To stand before this building is to catch a glimpse of a fragment of the intellectual history of the Périgord.

3. Château de Beynac

Some fifteen kilometres from Sarlat, Beynac Castle stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Dordogne. This medieval fortress, listed as a historic monument, remains one of the most impressive structures in the Périgord Noir. Its ramparts, thick towers and impregnable architecture bear witness to centuries of conflict and trade along the river. The view from the curtain walls takes in the valley and neighbouring castles, offering a remarkable perspective on this region rich in castles.

These three places embody the character and soul of the Périgord. A stay in a holiday cottage in Sarlat brings you closer to these living monuments, places of remembrance where history breathes in time with your daily walks.

The ideal season to rent a holiday cottage in Sarlat-la-Canéda

Each season transforms Sarlat and its surroundings in the Périgord. The time of year you choose will influence the atmosphere of your stay, the activities available and the comfort of your accommodation.

Spring brings the gardens and vineyards of the Périgord to life. Temperatures remain mild, rarely becoming too hot. The winding roads linking the villages are a pleasure to explore by bike or by car. The terraces in the town centre welcome the first tourists. Holiday cottages enjoy moderate occupancy, offering a quieter atmosphere than in peak season. Nature regains its colours: lily of the valley, wildflowers lining the paths, and soft green meadows.

Summer is the busiest time of year. The days grow longer, and the sun shines regularly. The holiday cottages’ swimming pools become oases, particularly welcome on hot days. Sarlat’s open-air markets are brimming with local fruit and vegetables. The nearby rivers are ideal for swimming and canoeing. Children will find plenty to keep them occupied amidst the countryside and villages. Booking well in advance remains essential.

Autumn brings a late spell of mild weather. The leaves of the chestnut and oak trees turn ochre and russet. The crowds thin out after the start of the new school term. Holiday cottages offer the perfect balance: the weather is still mild, the landscapes are ablaze with colour, and the atmosphere is more intimate. The grape harvests bring the surrounding countryside to life. Forest walks take on a special charm beneath the canopy of colourful foliage.

Winter envelops Sarlat in a different kind of tranquillity. Frosts remain light in the Périgord. The holiday cottages empty out, offering a solitude appreciated by travellers in search of silence. The white stone façades of the town centre, sometimes frosted over, reveal a raw beauty. Christmas markets bring December to life. Evenings by the fireside in a cosy cottage are reason enough for a winter getaway.

Holiday cottage rentals excel precisely because of this flexibility: a stay can be tailored to each season without compromising on comfort or access to local attractions. Whether in spring, winter, summer or autumn, the Périgord and Sarlat reveal different facets that only a longer stay allows you to fully appreciate.

3 activities you simply must try during your holiday in Sarlat-la-Canéda

A stay in a gîte in Sarlat-la-Canéda opens the door to a region brimming with things to discover. From picturesque markets to river adventures and prehistoric heritage, every day holds experiences that reflect the unique character of the Périgord Noir. Here are three unmissable activities that define a holiday in the Dordogne.

1. Stroll through Sarlat’s traditional market

Sarlat’s market exudes authenticity. Every Wednesday and Saturday morning, the Place de la Liberté comes alive with colours and scents: seasonal fruit and vegetables, farmhouse cheeses, fattened duck, walnuts and local honey. Local producers sell their produce directly here, and conversations flow freely. As you wander amongst the stalls, you’ll discover the true flavours of the Périgord: smoked duck breasts, foie gras and goose rillettes. It’s as much a social occasion as it is a culinary one, where the soul of the village comes to life.

Address: Place de la Liberté, 24200 Sarlat-la-Canéda.

2. Canoeing down the Dordogne

The River Dordogne winds its way through landscapes where cliffs and lush greenery alternate. Canoeing offers a unique perspective: gliding over crystal-clear water, admiring the castles overlooking the banks, and passing villages clinging to the rock faces. The Vitrac jetty offers trips suitable for all levels, with or without prior experience. The leisurely pace of paddling gives you time to admire the troglodyte caves and the site’s natural beauty.

Address: Vitrac Jetty, 24200 Vitrac.

3. Discover the Lascaux Cave at Lascaux IV

Lascaux IV is a spectacular reconstruction of the Lascaux Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The walls, covered in cave paintings dating back 18,000 years, tell the story of humanity’s first artists. The immersive tour, enhanced by modern technology, brings this prehistoric treasure to life. Children and adults alike are captivated by the size of the painted horses, the power of the bison and the precision of the ochre and black silhouettes. Nearby, you can also explore the archaeological finds and historical casts.

Address: Route de Montignac, 24290 Montignac-Lascaux.

Our guests’ favourite amenities when booking a holiday cottage in Sarlat-la-Canéda

A comfortable holiday cottage in Sarlat-la-Canéda is, first and foremost, a haven where you can relax after a day spent exploring the medieval streets and châteaux of the Périgord. Location matters, of course, but the facilities make all the difference between a mere overnight stay and a proper holiday. Our guests know this well: they look for accommodation where every detail makes their daily life there easier.

• Fully equipped kitchen: essential for sampling produce from the local market, preparing a family meal or simply making a cup of coffee when you wake up.
• Air conditioning: particularly appreciated in summer when the heat weighs heavily on the stone villages and nights remain warm in the Dordogne.
• Wi-Fi: stay connected without feeling obliged to hang around in a café, especially if you’re working from home for a few hours whilst on holiday.
• Washing machine: a luxury for stays of a week or more, which means you don’t have to overpack your suitcases.
• Efficient heating: in autumn and winter, old Périgord houses can be damp; good heating makes all the difference.
• Private parking: in Sarlat, where the town centre is closed to traffic, having a secure parking space near the holiday let saves a lot of hassle.
• Terrace or garden: an outdoor spot to have breakfast, read or chat in the late afternoon.
• Television: handy for rainy evenings or when you want to wind down after a busy day of sightseeing.
• High-quality bedding: sleeping on a good mattress after a day’s walking is essential for a proper night’s rest.

Choosing a holiday let that suits your holiday lifestyle makes all the difference. Whether you’re travelling alone, as a couple or with your family, on a tight budget or willing to invest in greater comfort, the key is that your accommodation meets your expectations and suits the length of your stay.

What is the average price of a holiday cottage in Sarlat-la-Canéda?

Prices for holiday cottages in Sarlat-la-Canéda vary depending on the layout and facilities of the accommodation. For a small cottage sleeping two to four people, you can generally expect to pay between 50 and 90 euros per night. A family holiday cottage sleeping four to six people tends to cost between 80 and 140 euros per night. Larger properties or those offering high-end amenities can cost between 150 and 200 euros per night.

Several factors influence these price ranges. Location plays a key role: a gîte right in the historic centre is generally more expensive than accommodation on the outskirts. The length of stay also affects rates. A weekly booking often benefits from sliding-scale rates offering savings of 10 to 20 per cent compared to a daily rate. Similarly, a weekend in high season will be more expensive than a week in low season.

Sarlat-la-Canéda attracts visitors all year round, but prices are highest during the summer months and school holidays. The quieter periods in autumn and winter offer greater flexibility on prices. To find the best value for money, compare several listings, read reviews from other travellers and don’t hesitate to book well in advance: the best places get snapped up quickly during peak season.