Sarlat
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Sarlat
Sarlat is a beautifully preserved medieval town in the heart of the Dordogne in South West France.
The town developed around a large Benedictine abbey of Carolingian origin around 840. The medieval Sarlat Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Sacerdos the bishop of Limoges.
Before the introduction of trains and a road system Sarlat was very remote and access was difficult. Due to this Sarlat has remained preserved and is one of the towns most representative of 14th century France.
It owes its current status on France ' s Tentative List for future nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage site to writer, resistance fighter and politician André Malraux, who, as Minister of Culture( 1960 – 1969), restored the town and many other sites of historic significance throughout France.
The centre of the old town consists of impeccably restored stone buildings and is largely car-free.
The old town of Sarlat is quite small and very easy to navigate. The town is divided roughly in the middle by Rue de la Republique which was cut through the town in the 19 th century. Rue de la Republique is the main shopping street in the old town with a variety of shops, restaurants and patisseries dotted along it.
The best way to explore Sarlat is to simply start at one end of the town and wander through the labirinth of laneways and tiny streets. There is something to see at every turn.
Sarlat has a number of events and festivals throughout the year. More information can be found on th Everything Dordogne Website or click here.
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