The cobbled streets of Sarlat-la-Canéda

Featuring the highest concentration of medieval, Renaissance and 17th century facades of any town in France, Sarlat-la-Canéda with its prosperity was a reflection of the privileged status it was granted in return for loyalty to the French Crown during the 100 years war.

Behind the nondescript rue de la République are narrow lanes and archways, and ancient ocher-coloured stone town houses rich in ornamental detail. Protected by law since 1962, Sarlat-la-Canéda's buildings now form an outdoor museum.

The town is also famous for one of the best markets in France. Every Saturday the great Sarlat-la-Canéda market is held in place de la Liberté, along with a full-scale fair that attracts locals from all around the surrounding countryside.

The exceptional number of buildings registered or classified as historical makes of Sarlat-la-Canéda the first European city in term of inheritance. For this reason Sarlat-la-Canéda has been used in many movies.

On the first Sunday in July the Félibrée, a typical Périgord village fair where everybody is disguised, animates Sarlat-la-Canéda.