Sarlat

Sarlart-la-Caneda possesses the highest concentration of medieval, Renaissance and 17th-century facades of any town in France. Its prosperity was a reflection of the privileged status it was granted in return for loyalty to the French crown during the Hundred Years' War. Behind the nondescript rue de la Republique are narrow lanes and archways, and ancient, ochre-coloured stone town houses rich in ornamental detail. Protected by law since 1962, Sarlat's buildings now form an open-air museum. The town is also famous for one of the best markets in France.

Perigord geese, reared for the area's celebrated foie gras ~ is the enlarged liver of a goose or duck which has been forced-fed on maize. It may be cooked in port or brandy.

Every Saturday, the great market is held in place de la Liberte, and once a month there is a full-scale fair which attracts locals from all around. Sarlat lies at the heart of the nation's foie gras and walnut trades. These typical Perigord products absorb much of the town's attention and supply a good proportion of its revenue, as they did during Sarlat's heyday in the 13th and 14th centuries. Other local specialities are black truffles dug up in the woods in January, and wild mushrooms.