 |
|
|
Okay, today is a special treat because this “little” town
known as Sarlat (pronounced sar-lah) or
Sarlat la Canéda, is one of the most captivating "ville." that I've seen in France. You will find a literal “Kodak”
moment anywhere you go here. Sarlat has not been "properly" introduced into the
21st century, (only a very little for tourism) thank goodness for us. The town dates (it is said) from the fourteenth century, and the buildings are as picturesque as
the narrow streets, some of which are cobbled, some paved. Even the manhole covers are distinctive and decorated. The region
is known for its fois gras and so there is a bronze statue of geese in "center court." We spent an
afternoon here and wished to stay longer. There is so much to explore and discover. You can walk everywhere. There simply isn’t that much car traffic
because when the town was restored (in the 1960s
by order of André Malraux, Minister of Culture 1960-1969), they kept it the way they
found it and that meant there wasn’t much room for anything but pedestrian traffic.
Sarlat is a lovely town and very much worth seeing if you’re in the Dordogne. I didn’t
put the photos in the “Dordogne” post, because I wanted this whole “S”
post to go uniquely to Sarlat.
 |
| The main square with market in swing. |
 |
| An artist selling his wares next to the fountain of Sainte Marie - Sarlat |
 |
| La Fontaine de Sainte Marie |
 |
| House of La Boétie, the immortal friend of the writer Montaigne... |
 |
| Captivating architecture |
 |
| You find these all over Sarlat in the tiles and cobblestones. |
 |
| This tower is called "the Lantern of the Dead" or "The Lantern of the Moors." |
 |
| Cathedrale Saint-Sacerdos de Sarlat |
 |
| Here you can see the "pig" gargoyles... |
 |
| This "house" is owned by two different people, as you can see from the upkeep on one side as compared to the other! |
 |
| The front view of one side of the previous photo |
 |
| The bronze geese... |
 |
| Interesting adaptation of a window |
 |
| Detail from the intricate iron-cast cover protecting the glass in the lovely door below |
 |
| If you notice the door knocker on the left side, this is a style of door knock that you find all over the southern regions of France. Very popular. |
 |
| A mishmash of buildings, with flowers and foliage... |
 |
| A door and its frame in the sun. |
 |
| Very small sign advertising a restaurant. I loved the play of light and shadow in Sarlat, which seemed to deepen the views. |
 |
| A typical street. Not made for cars, only people. |
 |
| We happened upon a Fete honoring bosses and sometimes married people. This sign, which you only find in the southwestern regions of France goes up on May 1st to celebrate proprietors by their employees with a pine bough and French flags. |
 |
| This is a style they put up for married folks on May first... |
 |
| A memorial to those who fought in WWII. Told you they are everywhere in France... |
That is a pretty town.
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa - I see what you mean about Sarlat being 'repaired' as was, rather than restored and tampered with .. it's a delightful town isn't it - and so much to see .. no wonder you wanted to stay longer - and I'd love to visit. Amazing workmanship marrying all things together ... they were clever those early artisans. How nice they celebrate bosses - and all married couples deserve recognition ... but today nothing deserves as much attention as the Memorials to the war dead - especially those who fought in WW1 and WW11 - France did much for the rest of us during those horrendous chapters of the 20th century ..
ReplyDeleteI'll be going back to visit the posts I've missed - I've loved my French tour .. cheers Hilary
I'm always interested in seeing the memorials. They are everywhere and so diverse, so unique to the particular town or area. There was one we found in Normandy that was to a pilot from Georgia, out in the middle of nowhere by a small river, a plaque honoring his sacrifice for France... Always touching. And the one in Bordeaux, to the victims of 9/11 was a surprise, a small statue of Liberty. Glad you're enjoying your tour of France because I'm enjoying mine on the coasts of the UK!
DeleteBeautiful post Lisa, although I am let to understand or like Fois Gras - and em, living with a Franch man that may not go down well right?
ReplyDeletehttp://myeverydaypersonal.blogspot.be/
I love living with a French man, and he's the one who introduced me to Fois Gras (much to his dismay, I love it!). It's like the best butter you've ever had...
DeleteThis is beautiful! Oh, if I were to ever move to France THIS is where I'd go. I love that it wasn't "introduced to the 21st century". Thank you so much for sharing this with us! And thank you for re-finding me via Alex's post!
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Jen
A pleasure! I agree, that this would be a lovely place to live... but then there are so many in France! That's half the fun, finding the hidden jewels.
DeleteWhat a picturesque place and very interesting architecture.
ReplyDeleteI love the old country! And finding hidden gems is such a treat! <3
ReplyDeleteJamie Dement (LadyJai)
My A to Z
Caring for My Veteran
I like all the alcoves. Is that Superman's manhole?
ReplyDeleteToo right!!
DeleteLove the bronze geese...I can see how you can spend much time wandering down lanes! The time sense of history so different than in North America. Good choice for S...I choose a small town too for S!
DeleteSo many wonderful and interesting places to see. I doubt that I'll get any of them, well... maybe a couple. But at least I can see pictures on blogs like yours.
ReplyDeleteThis is the sort of place I'd love to explore - with my camera of course.
ReplyDeleteI get to stop by twice at your place, once for the A to Z and then for the WEP! This place sounds like a place I'd love to explore. The architecture is extremely interesting and some do look very fourteenth century in they styling. Thanks for the tour. I like places where one can walk about and see much without worrying about transport.
ReplyDeleteThose are beautiful photos. Very picturesque.
ReplyDeleteAs always, I love your post!
ReplyDeleteLOVE Sarlat! Stayed in the Dordogne for a week a few years ago. You're right. Everywhere you look you can point and click. Our hotel opened right into where the action was happening at Christmas. Wonderful! Loved the foie gras with creme brulee. Tres magnifique!
ReplyDelete