Hôtel Bon Encontre

The best time to visit Sarlat-la-Canéda is from May to June and September to October, when the weather is mild and pleasant. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, while November through March bring the most rain and cooler temperatures. Spring and autumn offer comfortable days for exploring the medieval streets and nearby sights without the peak-season crowds.

Stay in the historic center, Sarlat's old town, for the medieval streets and easy access to the main sights. The area around the Place de la Bouquerie suits those wanting to be steps from restaurants and the market. For a quieter stay, the outskirts near the Dordogne river offer a more relaxed base. La Villa des Consuls and Hôtel La Couleuvrine Sarlat Centre Ville are in the center, while Hôtel & Restaurant le Meysset is on the edge of town.

The Marqueyssac Gardens offer sculpted boxwood and cliff-top views. La Roque St. Christophe is a vast prehistoric rock shelter. The Gardens of Eyrignac Manor feature geometric topiary. Gabares Norbert provides flat-bottomed boat rides on the Dordogne. Grotte de Domme shows cave formations and engravings.

Full-day tours from Sarlat head to the Marqueyssac Gardens, La Roque St. Christophe, and the Gardens of Eyrignac Manor, each a short ride into the Dordogne countryside. Marqueyssac offers cliff-top gardens with river views, La Roque St. Christophe is a vast prehistoric rock shelter, and Eyrignac is a formal manor garden. For a river perspective, Gabares Norbert runs boat trips on the Dordogne. If you prefer a classic day out, the medieval village of Domme and its cave are also reachable on a tour.

Plan 3 days: one for Sarlat's old town (Sarlat, Manoir de Gisson), one for the Marqueyssac Gardens and La Roque St. Christophe, and one for the Gardens of Eyrignac Manor and Château de Puymartin. Add a fourth day for a boat trip with Gabares Norbert or a visit to Grotte de Domme. A day trip to the Dordogne valley sights needs an extra day beyond that.