After breakfast, experience the best of historic Sarlat with a 2 hour walking tour.
With your guide, tour the city's most notable landmarks like the Lantern of the Dead, a small stone tower located behind the Cathedral. Lanterns were once used to mark the location of a cemetery. The little apertures at the top of the structure where the light was shown at night gave them the name Lanterns. According to folklore, the Lantern of Sarlat was constructed to commemorate Bernard de Clairvaux's trip through the city in 1147. Another theory is that the Lantern is a representation of the dome of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem as it has been depicted from the 4th century: a circular tower with an entrance on the first level and a second level covered by a canopy with 12 columns.
Continue with a visit to Saint Sacerdos Cathedral. The Cathedral is mainly Gothique or northern influence. The bell tower dates back to the 12th century and is the oldest part of the building with the bulbed belfry at the top being more recent as it was added in the 19th century.
Then, discover the Old Sainte-Marie Church, the construction of the Church dates back to the middle of the 14th century and was consecrated in 1507. By 1794 the church was abandoned and transformed into a bakery, a post office and finally sold in 1805. In 1834 the town of Sarlat bought back the land and the church was renovated. In 2001 the Church was again transformed, into the covered market you see today.
Visit the House of La Boétie, built in the Italian Renaissance style in 1525 and it is the birthplace of Étienne de La Boétie, a magistrate, writer, jurist, and philosopher. The façade of this Private Mansion's principal architectural characteristics are wide mullion windows flanked by pilasters carved with big medallions. In 1899, the house was designated as a historical landmark.
In the afternoon, jaunt through the breathtaking landscape and traditional medieval villages of Dordogne Valley.
Begin with the Bastide Village of Domme. The village is classified as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France or “The Most Beautiful Villages of France”. Drive to La Roque-Gageac and enjoy a peaceful cruise on the Dordogne River on board an authentic Gabarre to admire the mighty castles that line the river. The boat ride lasts about one hour (tickets not included) and comes highly recommended. The Gabarres are traditional flat-bottomed boats that have been used for transporting goods along the Dordogne since the Middle Ages.
Finally, arrive at Beynac to take in the sights of the hamlet and castle. This Middle Age structure, with its austere aspect, sits on a limestone cliff, commanding the town and the Dordogne River's north bank. The Lords of Beynac (one of Périgord's four baronies) erected the fortress to seal the valley in the 12th century. See architectural phenomenon, aided by nature, and discover more about the history of this unusual city on this half-day tour!
Return to your accomodation in Sarlat at 5:30 pm.
Overnight stay in Sarlat at Hotel Plaza Madeleine.
Beynac