Sarlat Market Day Tour: Explore Dordogne's Culinary Delights

Embark on a culinary adventure like no other with our exclusive private guided gourmet tour of Sarlat-la-Canéda on its vibrant market day. Prepare your taste buds for a tantalizing experience as we delve into the heart of this picturesque town, renowned for its rich gastronomic heritage.

As you wander through the bustling market, led by our expert local guide, be prepared to feast your eyes on an abundance of fresh, locally sourced produce, bursting with vibrant colors and intoxicating aromas. From aromatic truffles and succulent foie gras to an array of seasonal fruits and vegetables, Sarlat-la-Canéda's market offers a cornucopia of delights for food enthusiasts.

Local cheese tasting

Walk towards the Market and begin your discovery of the best produce of the Dordogne region. Your first stop will be at a cheese producing shop that has its own maturing cellar. Savor the opportunity to sample a variety of artisanal cheeses as our guide introduces you to the intricate nuances of flavor. Indulge in the velvety textures of Rocamadour, a creamy cheese with a distinct personality or Tomme a mild, semi-firm cow milk cheese, that has a buttery aroma.

Stroll through the Market

Then follow your guide through the medieval streets of Sarlat. This walking tour allows your guide to point out all the local products of the season that arrive from all corners of the Dordogne. If you are lucky, it might be the season of strawberries, of which the Dordogne is famous for, and your guide will make sure that you have the opportunity to sample some.

Duck, Goose, Wine and More Cheese tasting

Your next stop will be at a family run delicacies shop. Here, we will stop to taste small toasts spread with patés, enchaud and foie gras from either duck or goose.  Finish this tasting stop with a local cheese called Trappe d'Echourgnac. Trappist cheese is pressed, uncooked, fermented by retro-rubbing or by using the “morge” scrubbing technique. Then walnut liqueur is added. How much? And, then what? Well, that’s a secret never to be told! All this will be rinsed with a tasting of a White & Red Bergerac wines.

Walnut Bakery

Your final stop will be at a local walnut cake bakery. No gourmet experience in Sarlat-la-Canéda would be complete without trying the town's famed walnut-based delicacies. Delight in the buttery richness of walnut oil and savor the exquisite flavors of traditional pastries like walnut tart or "gâteau aux noix.

On this stop, you will sample different cakes, brownies or chocolates filled or caramelized with delicious walnut. The bakery is located in the centre of the market on the main street known as La Traverse. What makes this stop so special is that you can see where all the products are made as the workshop is located within the bakery.

Whether you are a food connoisseur, a history buff, or simply an avid explorer of new flavors, our private guided gourmet tour of Sarlat-la-Canéda on market day promises an unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in the culinary tapestry of this captivating town, indulge in its delectable offerings, and create lasting memories of a gastronomic adventure like no other. Book now and embark on a gastronomic journey that will awaken your senses and leave you craving more. Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to discover Sarlat-la-Canéda's culinary treasures in the most delectable way possible.

Capture the beauty of the Dordogne's picturesque landscapes on our 4-hour small-group private tour from Sarlat. Explore the medieval town of Domme and discover the 12th-century castle of Beynac. Embark on a serene Dordogne River cruise aboard a traditional Gabarre, marveling at the majestic riverside châteaux.

Enjoy convenient pick-up from your Sarlat accommodation, ready to embark on a memorable journey. Our English-speaking driver-guide will introduce the program and itinerary of this private half-day tour.

Set off in our comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, immersing yourself in the captivating Dordogne Valley. Let your knowledgeable guide share insights into the region's rich history and cultural heritage as you witness stunning landscapes.

Begin your adventure in the bastide village of Domme. Admire its unique trapezoid city plan, showcasing its adaptation to the natural terrain. Classified as one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France," Domme has witnessed significant historical events, including the imprisonment of the Knight Templars in 1307 and the shifting rulership during the Hundred Years' War.

Next, journey to the charming village of La Roque Gageac. Indulge in a serene Dordogne River cruise aboard an authentic Gabarre (tickets not included). As you drift along the river, marvel at the grandeur of the mighty castles that line its banks. Take a moment to explore the enchanting Gardens of La Roque, boasting a delightful blend of local and exotic flora.

Conclude your tour in the village of Beynac, where an imposing 12th-century castle awaits. Perched atop a limestone cliff, the castle offers commanding views of the town and the northern bank of the Dordogne River. Experience the castle's medieval allure and learn about its strategic defenses, including double crenelated walls, moats, and a formidable cliff face.

After an unforgettable journey, we'll return to Sarlat, leaving you with cherished memories of the Dordogne's captivating beauty.

Explore the Enchanting Village of Rocamadour: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Immerse yourself in the beauty of one of France's most breathtaking villages nestled in the Quercy region. Perched against a majestic cliff, this architectural marvel reflects the French Feudal system, embodying the three distinct orders of Chivalry, Clergy, and Peasantry.

As you wander through the village, marvel at the houses that once sheltered the peasants at the bottom, while the middle section housed the Clergy and the Sanctuary. At the pinnacle of the cliff, discover the Castle, the residence of the local Lord and a testament to the Chivalry order.

Today, Rocamadour continues to captivate pilgrims and visitors worldwide. Its inclusion on the Way of Saint James pilgrimage route has earned it a prestigious spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Hotel Pickup in Sarlat: Begin Your Journey

We will start our adventure by picking you up directly from your hotel or accommodation in Sarlat or the surrounding area. Meet your knowledgeable English-speaking guide, an expert in the Dordogne region, who will provide you with a detailed itinerary and program for this half-day tour. Step into our spacious, comfortable, and air-conditioned Mercedes minivan, ensuring a pleasant journey to Rocamadour.

Travel in Comfort with a Mercedes Minivan

Our private Sarlat Sightseeing Tour offers the luxury of traveling in one of our spacious Mercedes Minivans. While this vehicle can accommodate up to 8 individuals, we are reserving it exclusively for your group, allowing you to choose the seats that best suit your preferences for social distancing, all while enjoying the insightful commentary from your guide. All our vehicles feature an onboard P/A system, ensuring that you hear your driver/guide's commentary regardless of your seat selection. 

Rocamadour: Embark on a Picture-Perfect Visit

Set off on a journey to the pilgrimage and fortress village of Rocamadour, known for its breathtaking location within a gorge overlooking a tributary of the River Dordogne. The village's name likely stems from the combination of St. Amador or Amadour, whose relics were discovered in the sanctuary's heart in 1166, and "roca" (cliff).

This picturesque village is celebrated for its historical monuments and the revered sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Throughout the centuries, it has attracted pilgrims from all corners of the globe, including kings, bishops, and nobles.

Accompanied by your guide, wander through the medieval streets of the village until you reach the steps leading to the central part of the village, where the Church Square, known as Place St Amadour, awaits with its seven sanctuaries. The magnificent Great Staircase, consisting of approximately 216 steps, carries visitors from the lower town to the religious complex—an arduous climb pilgrims once undertook on their knees during the Middle Ages.

Discover the Monastic Buildings within the Sanctuary

Upon arrival, your guide will introduce you to the sanctuary, inviting you to seek out the legendary sword of Roland, Durandal, embedded in the cliff. According to legend, Roland, Charlemagne's nephew, hurled the sword from the battlefield to ensure no one would ever wield it again, and it found its resting place in Rocamadour.

Inside the sanctuary, marvel at the renowned Notre Dame Chapel, an extraordinary complex dating back to the 13th century. Your guide will share fascinating stories surrounding the Black Madonna statue, carved from a walnut tree in the 12th century.

Adorning the chapel's ceiling are ship models offered by grateful survivors who invoked the Black Madonna and were subsequently rescued from shipwrecks. It is said that with each saved vessel, the miraculous bell in the chapel would ring once. Facing the Notre Dame chapel, admire the stunning 12th-century frescoes depicting the Annunciation and Visitation.

Enjoy Personal Exploration

Following your sanctuary visit, delight in some free time to explore at your leisure. If you exit the sanctuary at the same level, you can ascend to the Castle, situated above the sanctuary, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Alzou canyon, although the Castle itself is not open to visitors. Alternatively, descend back to the village and take a leisurely stroll along the main street, perusing local arts and crafts shops for unique souvenirs.

After your personal discovery time, we will return to Sarlat, concluding our unforgettable journey. Book your Rocamadour tour today and embark on a captivating adventure to one of France's most enchanting UNESCO World Heritage sites, filled with architectural wonders, spiritual significance, and natural beauty.

Experience an unforgettable full-day private tour from Sarlat, starting with a convenient pick-up from your hotel or accommodation. Our English-speaking driver guide will provide you with a detailed program and itinerary for this highly recommended excursion, which includes a fascinating museum visit, a captivating cave exploration, and a visit to the brand new Lascaux IV museum. Hop on board our comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle as we embark on a journey to Les Eyzies de Tayac, the World Prehistory capital.

Explore the National Prehistory Museum

Delve into the captivating world of prehistoric art that dates back 15,000 years B.C. The Dordogne region is home to extraordinary cave paintings, drawings, and etchings created by unknown artists. This tour introduces you to this mesmerizing art and the people behind it.

Begin your day in Les Eyzies de Tayac with a guided visit to the National Prehistory Museum. Established in 2004, the museum showcases a staggering collection of 18,000 pieces and six million artifacts. Its origins trace back to 1913 when the tenacious researcher Denis Peyrony persuaded the French state to acquire the Château des Eyzies, transforming it into an excavation warehouse and museum.

Discover the world's largest collection of prehistoric artifacts as your guide takes you through the main chapters of Hominids' development, including a fascinating anthropological frieze and an overview of Africa's history, beginning with the early Australopithecus. Immerse yourself in the museum's permanent exhibit galleries, which unfold seven sequences, providing an ideal historiography of the entire Paleolithic era.

Enjoy Lunch in a Local Restaurant (at own expense)

Take advantage of your free time during lunch to savor local cuisine at a recommended restaurant in Montignac or a charming village in the Dordogne region. Your guide will be happy to offer suggestions.

Visit the Brand New Lascaux IV Cave Complex

Next, we'll continue to Montignac, where you'll explore the remarkable Lascaux IV cave, opened to the public in December 2016. This extraordinary replica faithfully reproduces the original cave, offering an immersive experience in the discovery of its famous decorations.

But the adventure doesn't end there. The site also delves into Lascaux's significance in cave art and its connection to contemporary creation. The International Center for Cave Art marks the beginning of an exciting journey that combines the emotional impact of ancestral art with remarkable technological achievements.

Follow a guided tour led by a local expert, and then take your time to explore the exhibitions and the center for prehistoric cave art.

Conclude with a Visit to Rouffignac Cave

To wrap up the tour, we'll visit the awe-inspiring Rouffignac Cave, featuring state-of-the-art original cave paintings, etchings, and drawings. The cave's existence was first mentioned in 1575 and became a popular tourist attraction in the 19th century. Notable prehistorians like Henri Breuil, André Glory, and Martel explored the cave in the early 20th century. However, it wasn't until 1956 that Louis-René Nougier and Romain Robert, two prehistorians from the Pyrenees, rediscovered and authenticated the cave art.

Upon arrival, board an electric train that will take you nearly 2 kilometers deep into the cave. During the journey, the train will make stops in front of spectacular drawings and etchings. Descend further to the cave's bottom for a brief stop. 

Disembark the train and marvel at the ceiling of the cave, adorned with a multitude of drawings. Here, you'll find 66 animal representations seemingly arranged in a swirling, disorganized manner, surrounding a large suction funnel that leads to a well and provides access to the cave's second floor. Mammoths, Rhinoceroses, Bisons, Horses, and the rare Ibex are among the captivating depictions.

After this remarkable visit, we'll return to Sarlat, leaving you with lasting memories of this extraordinary journey into the depths of history. Book your private tour today for an unforgettable exploration of the region's prehistoric wonders.

Embark on an Unforgettable Full-Day Private Dordogne Wine Tour

Join our small group private Dordogne wine tour, departing from Sarlat-la-Canéda (with pick-up available in the vicinity), to immerse yourself in the delightful local wines of the region. Begin your experience with a convenient pick-up from your accommodation in Sarlat or the surrounding area, where you'll meet your knowledgeable English-speaking driver/guide. They will provide you with an overview of the itinerary and program for the day. Prepare to travel in comfort aboard our recent and air-conditioned minivan, which can accommodate up to 8 individuals.

Explore the Scenic Dordogne Wine Region

Setting off from Sarlat, our day trip will take you along charming countryside roads, offering picturesque views of the landscape, historic small towns, and traditional villages nestled alongside the Dordogne River.

Indulge in a Visit and Wine Tasting in the Bergerac Wine Region

Our first stop will be in the renowned Bergerac wine producing area. Here, you'll have the opportunity to partake in a guided visit and a captivating wine tasting session. Discover the locally acclaimed Pecharmant wines, which are characterized by their full-bodied reds crafted from a blend of Merlot, Malbec (known locally as Cot), Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc grapes. These wines, considered of higher quality than the average Bergerac wines, showcase a distinctive rustic charm.

Enjoy Free Time for Personal Exploration and Lunch in Bergerac (at own expense)

Following the visit, your driver/guide will drop you off in the heart of Bergerac's historic center. Immerse yourself in the town's enchanting atmosphere, characterized by its narrow streets, half-timbered houses, and Gothic architecture. Don't miss the chance to capture a memorable photo with the statue of Cyrano de Bergerac. Bergerac is renowned for its culinary delights and exceptional wines, allowing you ample free time to savor a delicious lunch and explore the town's unique offerings at your own pace.

Engage in Another Delightful Wine Tasting Session in the Afternoon

After a satisfying lunch, we'll escort you to another local winery, providing you with a deeper understanding of the diverse wines crafted in the area. Our preference is to include a visit and tasting at a family-owned winery, as this offers a more intimate and informative experience, particularly for those eager to delve into the world of French winemaking.

To conclude your day, depending on the schedule, we may stop at one of the remaining wineries in the Black Périgord region. This traditional winery specializes in wines aged in terra-cotta pots and showcases the unique characteristics of limestone terroirs. The red wines are crafted using Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Fer Servadou grapes, while the white wines feature Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon varieties.

Return to Your Accommodation, Marking the End of Our Services

As the day draws to a close, we'll transport you back to your accommodation, ensuring your safe return. We hope you cherish the memories of this exceptional Dordogne wine tour experience. Should you seek further enchanting adventures, we offer additional private tours to explore the captivating wineries of the Black Périgord region.