Sarlat, in Dordogne
Posted by jessica@discoverfrance.com on November 18, 2009
Capital of Black Périgord, Sarlat is an exceptionally preserved city. More than 1.000 years of architecture live through the streets, roofing stones and hot stone walls. Sarlat became a city in the 8th century. Border between Kings of France and of England during the Hundred-Year War, it became English later in 1360 then released ten years by DuGuesclin. The exceptional number of buildings registered or classified as historical makes of Sarlat the first European city in term of inheritance. Sarlat is for a long time the natural decor for many movies. To see: Maison de la Boétie: opposite the former bishop’s palace, three listed buildings face the magnificent Cathedrale Saint-Sacerdos. The most attractive of these is Hotel de la Boetie, birthplace of Etienne de la Boetie (in 1530), close friend of Montaigne. As of today, the house is used to host summer exhibitions. Lantern of the dead: When you leave the Chapelle des Penitents Bleus (remarkable for the chapel’s pure Romanesque style), go through the Cour des Fontaines and Cour des Chanoises. An alley will then lead you into the Jardin des Enfeux, a garden watched over be the “Lanterne des Morts”. This 12th C. tower is something of a mystery: it is unclear whether it was built to commemorate the visit of Saint Bernard in 1147 or constructed as a funeral chamber. The garden offers a fine view of the cathedral and the courtyards Place de la Liberté: This magnificent square is bounded on all sides by ancient houses with arcades in between, now home to café terraces and shops selling local produce. The 16th C. Hotel Chassaing is a compelling backdrop. Rue des Consuls: This old main street contains the beautiful former residences of people of notes. The most picturesque is certainly the 15th C. Hotel des Vassal, at 9 Places des Oies, followed by the Hotel de Plamon.
