Sarlat, a magnificently restored Gothic and Renaissance town in the Dordogne, is situated deep in the heart of France‘s Périgord Noir in a basin surrounded by wooded hills. Officially known as Sarlat-la-Canéda, has been the location for two Hollywood films, The Duellists and Timeline, but it is much more than a film set. It is a busy small town with an extensive Saturday market to die for which is arguably the best in France.

A Sarlat Morning

Head for the Place de la Liberté in the centre of the old town with its pavement cafés, grab a table at the Jimmy’s Bar aux Îles overlooking the square for a coffee. The 17th century Town Hall is on the east side of the place while on the north side is the de-consecrated Église Ste-Marie, now an indoor market. Just behind the church is the quaint little Place du Marché aux Oies. If you are fortunate enough to be visiting on a Saturday or Wednesday morning, enjoy the fabulous Sarlat market taking place all around you.