Everything French Travel Magazine November 2013 | Page 10

Sarlat | Things To See
St Sacerdos Cathedral
Originally part of the church of a Benedictine
Abbey built in the 12th C by the monks of
Calabre abbey who transported the relics of
the cathederals namesake, St Sacerdos, the
bishop of Limoges to the site. The building
was modified in the 14th, 16th & 17th
centuries however still retains some of its
original Romanesque style. The large
entrance was added in the 17th century and
the statues seen in the entrance are of
unknown origin and date.
The Fountains Courtyard – The Canon
Courtyard
In this courtyard you will find two public
fountains used by the abbey and where the
water still runs freely.
Chapel of St Benoit or Blue Penitents
A small 12th century Romanesque chapel
which was restored in the 17th century.
Jardin des Enfeus
This is a sloping garden behind the Cathedral
with tombstones from the monastic cemetery
with arched insets containing sarcophagi from
the 14th & 16th centuries of the distinguished
gentry of Sarlat.
La Lanterne des Morts
This is a conical shaped monument that was
built in 1147 to honour a visit to the town by
Saint Bernard who performed the famous
miracle of the "loaves which cured". During its
time the tower has served as a chapel, a
charnel-house, then in the 17th century as a
place for electing the consuls and during the
French Revolution it was a powder magazine.
Le Presidial
The seat of the Royal Justice under King
Henri II in the 16th century. This building has
an unusual facade and is set in a beautiful
garden. It has a large central arch supporting
a loggia, topped by a campanile lantern, a
structure of wooden props supporting the
lantern to light the vast interior staircase. The
building now houses a popular restaurant.

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Hotel de Gerard
Has a splendid renaissance gallery. In the
courtyard there are exhibition rooms for art
works and a large room decorated in the 17th
century style.
La Boetie Residence
The birthplace of Etienne de la Boetie, a
noted judge, writer and it is said the founder
of modern political philosophy, in the 15 th
century. This is one of the finest homes in
Sarlat and is characterized by an Italian
Renaissance style façade. This property is on
Place de la Liberte, the town's main square.
Place de la Liberte
This is the main public square of Sarlat and is
bordered by traditional houses from the 16th
& 17th centuries and has a number of restored
passageways running from it. There are
number of cafes and restaurants in the
square.
Hotel de Gisson
Situated on Place de la Liberte it was built in
the 17th century. It features a hexagonal
stone-roofed tower, providing a spectacular
backdrop.
Plamon House or Consuls' House
This is one of Sarlat's most remarkable
houses. Opposite is Vassal House from the
15th century, Saint Mary's Fountain, Mirandol
House and nearby is Tapinois de Betou
House from the 15th century with a
magnificent 17th century wooden staircase.
Chapelle des Recollets
This building dating from the 17th century and
was formerly the chapel of the Friars convent,
it now houses a school.
Ramparts – The Hangman's Tower
High arched gateway leads to the outer
boulevard which was once a dry moat. The
Hangman's Tower dates from the 16th
century and is one of the last two remaining
out of the eighteen which once protected the
city.