Take a Stroll in Sarlat

Visitors will be captivated by the fine medieval architecture and gastronomic delights in this Dordogne town, says Peter Stewart.

- Peter Stewart

As our car gradually descended from the rolling green hills of the Dordogne countryside, there, in the valley below, lay clusters of honey-coloured stone buildings, all twinkling in the mid-morning light.

This enchanting view was of Sarlat-la-Canéda, where quaint medieval buildings, twisting alleys and picture-postcard squares entice tourists all year round. Keen to experience its charms for myself, I decided to set off on a personal walking tour.

I began on Place du Quatorze Juillet, at the southern tip of the old town. From here I proceeded a little way up Rue de la République, passing by rows of matchbox-sized shops selling everything from dried fruit and nuts to custom-made shopping trolleys, en route to the Cathédrale Saint-Sacerdos.