The City of Sarlat is one of the most endearing, charming, historic, and magical places I have ever…read morevisited. The amount of history surrounding this entire area of Southwest France is unparalleled to begin with, and Sarlat-la-Caneda contributes a very large portion to this magical setting. It is a medieval town that was established mainly due to the Benedictine abbey of Carolingian origin. The Sarlat Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Sacerdos, and the building itself can be seen in records as early as 1081. It was one of the very few cathedrals in the region that was never raided by the Vikings!!!! Those rascals!! Thank God, because if it were destroyed and leveled to the ground, we would not be able to visit and understand how profound this divine place actually is today and how well the efforts to preserve it have been accomplished. The Malraux Law was passed in 1962, which saw Sarlat restored, and this effort saved many buildings from demolition. The architect of this law, Andrea Malraux, was, at the time, the French Cultural Minister. This legal act greatly enhanced Sarlat's medieval center through the extensive restoration of most of its houses. My favorite (as mentioned in one of my earlier reviews) was the Manoir de Gisson, a museum that you should not miss when visiting! Some of my most favorite highlights during my visit were, of course, the food, the winding, cobblestone roads, the art galleries, and the nightlife, where visitors can enjoy an aperitif at a cozy, outdoor cafe' before venturing out to enjoy the tantalizing cuisine of this city! From foie gras, black truffles, cepes, dried sausages, cheese, walnuts, and wine, this girl was golden and I had everything that needed or could ever want! There is a great little grocery mart, tons of places to find delicious food and lot's of curiosities. There are candy shops, cafes, and desert spots galore!, And one cannot leave without visiting the farmer's markets, which are huge and packed full of the most amazing produce, delectables, and gifts. They have markets two times a week and they are a must see! I even ventured out to discover a wonderful art store and since I happen to be a painter, I could not pass up the 1.5 mile walk to scope out some French art supplies and I even got to pop into an incredibly curated antique shop as well! I could go on and on about this magical place, but I am going to leave it to you to book your ticket and see for yourself. My only hope is that my photos tell it's story and make you want to book your next trip to France!
