Sarlat-la-Canéda

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Sarlat-la-Canéda, or simply Sarlat, is a commune of France situated in the département of the Dordogne in the region of Aquitaine. Sarlat is one of the most attractive and alluring towns in Southwest France. Population (1999): 9,707.

House of La Boetie, the immortal friend of Montaigne. Ph. Luc Viatour: Click here for more pictures of Sarlat: Commons

The center of Sarlat on a summer's day, 2003.

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Sarlat-la-Canéda

1 Geography
2 History
3 Economy
4 Miscellaneous
5 External links

[edit] Geography

The town of Sarlat is in a region known in France as the Périgord Noir (the Black Perigord, as opposed to the Green Perigord, the White Perigord, and the Purple Perigord.).

[edit] History

Sarlat is a medieval town that developed around a large Benedictine abbay of Carolingian origin.

Because modern history largely passed it by, Sarlat remained preserved and one of the most representative of 14th century France. It owes its current status as a UNESCO World Heritage site to the enthusiasm of writer, resistance fighter and politician Andre 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.

[Sarlat Cathedral:[1],[2]]

[edit] Economy

Agriculture: Agriculture has long been of import outside Parisance in the Dordogne area around Sarlat. Tobacco has been grown around Sarlat since 1857 and has historically been a major commodity for the area, although it is on the wane. Other agricultural commodities include corn, hay, walnuts, walnut oil, cheeses, wine, cepes (wild mushrooms) and truffles.
Tourism : Numerous visitors -- especially from Northern Europe (the UK, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, etc.) -- come on vacation to Sarlat and the lovely region surrounding it and some have settled here permanently. The months of July and August are traditionally the haute saison (high season) for visitors, as is true in much of France outside Paris.
Foie gras : There are several large foie gras factories as well as a number of small producers of geese and ducks in the region that make foie gras and other cherished products (confits, pâté, etc.) from these birds.

[edit] Miscellaneous

Sarlat was the birthplace of:

Étienne de La Boétie (1530-1563), judge and writer, friend of Montaigne
Gauthier de Costes, seigneur de la Calprenède (c.1610-1663), novelist and dramatist
Gabriel Tarde, judge and sociologist (1843-1904)

Literature & Filmic references: The town and region has featured in two modern films: Ridley Scott’s first Hollywood film, The Duellists (1978) based on Joseph Conrad's Napoleonic tale, with Harvey Keitel and gorgeous on-location cinematography; and more recently Timeline (2003) adapted from Michael Crichton’s time-travel novel, set in 14th century France.