The Region

Sarlat is located in France's Dordogne department. This region is also known by it's ancient name of Perigord. The Perigord is further divided into 4 distinct regions.

Sarlat is in the Black Perigord (Perigord Noir) where there is an abundance of dense, mainly oak, forests. To the north is the White Perigord (Perigord Blanc), an area riddled with limestone cliffs and caves. Further north again is the Green Perigord (Perigord Vert, filled with rolling farm land and, to the west, is the Purple Perigord (Perigord Pourpre) where there are extensive wine growing areas.

Perigord Noir

Beynac-et-Cazenac

The town of Beynac-et-Cazenac is dominated by Chateau de Beynac which sits on a cliff face overlooking the town. The chateau was briefly held by Richard the Lionheart (Richard I of England) in the late 12th Century. During the 100 year war between England and France in the 14th and 15th centuries, the Dordogne was the border between the two countries. The Chateaux and Bastide towns that were built here were at the forefront of the battles

From the chateau you have a beautiful vista down the Dordogne River. You can see the chateaux of Castelnaud, Fayac and Marqueyssac

The best way to get to the Chateau (If you like to have a small walk) is to turn into the town and, just beyond the paid parking areas (500m from the turn off), there is a free parking area. Leave the car here and follow the road on foot up to the Chateau. The route meanders for about 3km through the country side. Once reaching the Chateau you proceed down the cliff face through the town via a number of switchbacks. Half way down is a brilliant little outdoor cafe where you can enjoy a crepe and coffee.

Castelnaud-la Chapelle

For many centuries, the chateaux at Castelnaud and Beynac have waged war with each other. They stand on opposite sides of the Dordogne River, around 12km from Sarlat. Today, Castelnaud has a museum devoted to medieval weapons and warfare. A restoration program in 1969 was undertaken to rebuild most of the buildings. As with most chateaux along the Dordogne, the best views are from the water while paddling your kayak or canoe

There are plenty of places to stop, have lunch and admire the views

The Chateau is open just about all year round. This website has full details - Chateau de Castelnaud Website

Domme

Domme was founded in 1283. Much of the original walls and gates remain. It overlooks the Dordogne and kept a watch on the English expansion in the region. The views stretch from Beynac and La Roque Gageac in the west, all the way through to the Chateau de Montfort in the east

In 1307, Templar knights were kept imprisoned in the round bastions of Porte de Tours. Graffiti from these prisoners can be found scrawled on the internal walls

Typical of all Bastide towns, the internal roads were constructed in a grid like fashion and a wall surrounded the town. Although most of these towns are square in shape, Domme, due to the landscape, is more of a trapezoid. More information about the town is available at the Domme Official Website (in French)

Eyrignac Gardens

Originally laid out in the 18th century, Eyrignac has been remodelled many times. Today it is a mixture of French style and Tuscan topiary. More information can be found at the Official Website

La Roque Gageac

A regular winner of France's Prettiest Town Award, La Roque Gageac is 10km south of Sarlat and perfect place to set off on a boat to explore the Dordogne.

You can take a 1 hour Gabarre ride

or choose a kayak or canoe to check out the Chateaux downstream

Les Eyzies-de-Tayac

Les Eyzies and the Vezere Valley are home to the greatest concentration of pre-historic sites in Europe. The valley is listed as a World Heritage site while the National Museum of Pre-History sits perched on the cliff face in the town proper

The Les Eyzies Official Website (in French and English) has more information.

Chateau de Marqueyssac and Gardens

Perched on the limestone cliff between Beynac and La Roque Gageac sits Chateau de Marqueyssac and it's famous gardens. These gardens were first laid out in the 17th century and are a combination of thousands of manicured box trees and woodland walks. Spectacular views of the Dordogne valley are afforded on these walkways

The gardens and tea rooms are open most of the year. More information can be viewed at the Chateau de Marqueyssac Official Website

Chateau de Milandes

Built in the 14th century by the English to watch over the French at Beynac, it's most famous owner in recent times was Josephine Baker. She was born in the USA, but in the 1920s she became the most celebrated cabaret star in France. She purchased the Chateau in 1947 and in the 1950's she adopted 12 babies from around the world and they all lived with her in the Chateau. She died in 1975 but the Chateau is open to the public. More information can be found at the Official Chateau de Milandes Website

Chateau de Montfort

Chateau de Montfort has been razed to the ground 4 times in as many centuries. The current building dates from the 15th and 16th centuries. It sits on a cliff face above the "Cingle de Montfort" where you can view the Dordogne below as it makes a spectacular meander.

Montignac and Lascaux

The famous Lascaux caves are located just outside of Montignac. The original cave was re-discovered by a group of children in 1940. What they found was the location of the finest example of pre-historic paintings on record. It is estimated these paintings date back 17,000 years. It was opened to the public but was closed in the 1960s due to a build up of algae and calcite on the paintings, caused by people traffic and the open air. In 1983, a replica cave - Lascaux II was created and opened to the public. The paintings were painstakingly recreated from the original cave paintings using the same techniques and paint.

The entrance to Lascaux II.

Ballooning near Sarlat

There are several companies that offer Balloon trips over the region near Sarlat.

The trips offer spectacular views over the chateaux and villages that line the Dordogne River.

Perigord Blanc

Hautefort

Perigueux

The department captial has many examples of it's Roman heritage and an old town centre of .

Perigord Pourpre

Bergerac

Monbazillac

Monpazier

Outside Dordogne

Rocamadour

Gouffre de Paidrac

A spectacular cave system not far from Rocamadour. A 100 metre deep sink hole leads to an underground river system and an astounding array of limestone formations. Entry to the bottom of the sink hole is via steps or lift

Contact me at sarlat@biggerbytes.com.au for further information.

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