Top 5 things to do in and around Sarlat

In the heart of the Périgord Noir, Sarlat-la-Canéda and the surrounding area offer much more than just an exceptional medieval heritage. With its lush green valleys, perched castles and gastronomic traditions, this region is packed with unique experiences to delight all travellers. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a gourmet, a nature enthusiast or curious about unusual discoveries, we’ve selected 5 must-do activities that will round off your stay in the Sarlat region. These experiences will allow you to explore the Périgord from a different angle and take away unforgettable memories.

1. Flying over the Périgord Noir in a hot-air balloon

Category : €€€ / Unusual

Description

Imagine yourself floating above the most beautiful châteaux in Périgord, flying over the Dordogne valley at sunrise, in the absolute silence of a hot-air balloon. This magical experience offers you a unique view of the region’s exceptional heritage. From the gondola, you can admire the Château de Castelnaud (24250 Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 12,800 reviews), the Château de Beynac towering majestically over the river, and the village of La Roque-Gageac clinging to its cliff. The flight lasts around an hour and ends with the age-old tradition of a champagne toast to celebrate this unforgettable aerial adventure. The passionate pilots share their knowledge of the region and explain the art of flying these colourful giants. It’s an incomparable way to discover the Périgord Noir, away from the crowds, in a peaceful and romantic atmosphere.

Good to know:

Hot-air balloon flights generally take place at sunrise (around 6am-7am depending on the season) or in the late afternoon (2 hours before sunset), when the weather conditions are most favourable. Allow around 3 hours in total for the complete experience, including 1 hour’s actual flying time. Prices vary between €220 and €280 per person, depending on the season and the company chosen. Booking is essential, ideally several days in advance in high season. Accessible from the age of 6 for children (depending on the airline) and up to 110-120 kg per person. Bring comfortable clothing and closed shoes. Flights are subject to weather conditions and may be postponed in the event of strong winds or rain. Main departure point: Castelnaud-la-Chapelle or Saint-Vincent-de-Cosse. Free parking at take-off sites. Some companies offer packages that include a country-style breakfast.

2. Take a gabare trip on the Dordogne river

Category: €€ / Nature & Culture

Description

The gabares, the traditional flat-bottomed boats that once plied the Dordogne to transport goods, now invite you to take a relaxing river trip. Starting at La Roque-Gageac, take a guided cruise lasting around an hour to discover the secrets of the valley. You’ll glide peacefully along the golden cliffs, discovering the most beautiful villages in the Périgord Noir from a privileged angle. The enthusiastic boatman will recount the history of navigation on the Dordogne, evoke the life of the gabariers of yesteryear and introduce you to the local flora and fauna. You’ll pass the Château de Castelnaud, majestically overlooking the river, admire the hanging gardens of Marqueyssac and contemplate the troglodytic houses that blend into the rock. This walk offers a welcome cool break in summer and a moment of absolute serenity, lulled by the lapping of the water.

Good to know:

The barges operate from April to early November, with regular departures in high season (July-August: every 30-45 minutes from 10am to 6pm). Out of season: check timetables online or by phone. Fares: adults €12.50, children (aged 4-12) €9, under-4s free. Duration: approx. 55 minutes to 1 hour. Departure point: landing stage opposite the car park at La Roque-Gageac (paid parking in high season, approx. €3). Capacity: 48 to 60 people. Reservations recommended in July and August to avoid waiting times. Accessible to the disabled with assistance. Bring a cap and sun cream in summer, and warm clothing in spring and autumn. Several companies offer this service: Gabares Norbert and Gabares Caminade. A gabare can be hired for groups or events. There are no toilets on board, so please make arrangements before boarding. Rides are maintained in light rain but cancelled in thunderstorms or floods.

3. Learn the secrets of Périgord gastronomy in a cookery workshop

Category: €€ / Gastronomic

Description

Périgord Noir is the kingdom of French gastronomy, renowned for its truffles, foie gras, walnuts and duck specialities. What better way to discover the secrets of this local cuisine than to get your hands dirty? A number of farms and culinary workshops around Sarlat offer courses in how to prepare the region’s must-try dishes. The programme includes a visit to the local market with a chef or producer to help you choose the best produce, followed by a hands-on workshop where you can learn how to prepare semi-cooked foie gras, cook duck breast to perfection, make a moist walnut cake or prepare ceps and truffles according to the season. These convivial workshops, often held in authentic farmhouses or manor house kitchens, immerse you in the art of living in the Périgord. You can then enjoy your creations accompanied by local wines in a warm, family atmosphere. It’s the perfect opportunity to chat with enthusiasts and leave with valuable tips and recipes that you can reproduce at home.

Good to know:

The workshops generally take place in the morning (leaving around 9am at the market) or over a full day. Duration: 3 to 4 hours for a half-day workshop, 6 to 7 hours for a full day with visits to producers. Prices: between €80 and €150 per person, depending on the formula (simple course or with farm visits and tasting). Booking essential, often several weeks in advance in high season. Limited number of participants (6 to 12) to guarantee personalised supervision. Most workshops are open to beginners, no culinary skills required. Some courses are suitable for families with children (from 8-10 years). All equipment and ingredients are provided, so all you need is an apron (which is often also provided). You can take your own preparations home with you in some workshops. There are a number of well-known addresses to choose from: workshops on a farm near Sarlat, courses with local chefs, or packages in gourmet B&Bs. Some workshops include a visit to a truffle or duck farm. Ideal period: September to March for truffle season, all year round for foie gras and duck.

4. Explore the Gouffre de Proumeyssac, the “Crystal Cathedral”.

Category : €€ / Unusual & Natural

Description

Just 15 minutes from Sarlat, the Gouffre de Proumeyssac (Route de Proumeyssac, 24260 Audrix, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 5,200 reviews) plunges you into a magical underground world. Nicknamed the “Crystal Cathedral”, this immense natural cavity will amaze you with its spectacular concretions sculpted by water over thousands of years. The visit begins with a descent in a gondola suspended in the bowels of the earth, a unique experience that makes you dizzy! You will then discover a gigantic underground chamber decorated with stalactites, stalagmites, draperies and limestone columns in astonishing shapes. Coloured lights highlight these natural sculptures and create a mysterious atmosphere. The enthusiastic guide explains the geological formation of the site, discovered in 1907, and recounts the legends surrounding this magical place. After the guided tour of the chasm (approx. 45 minutes), extend the experience in the outdoor park with the “Mineral River” activity, where young and old can search for precious stones and fossils, and discover the new museum retracing the history of the discovery of the chasm. A perfect outing for all the family, combining wonder and education.

Good to know:

Open all year round except between the Christmas and February holidays. Opening times vary according to season: high season (July-August) 9.30am-7pm, low season 10am-5pm. Last visit 1 hour before closing time. Total length of visit: approx. 1 hour 15 minutes (45 minutes in the chasm + free time in the park). Prices 2025: adults €13.60, teenagers (aged 12-17) €11.40, children (aged 4-11) €9.90, free for children under 4. Family package available. Online booking recommended to avoid waiting times in high season. The temperature in the chasm is a constant 13°C, so bring warm clothing even in summer. Access: from Sarlat, head for Le Bugue on the D47, then follow the signs (approx. 15 km, 20 minutes by car). Free car park. The site is partially accessible to people with reduced mobility (visit to the chasm from a platform, descent by gondola not accessible). Closed shoes recommended for visits. Shaded picnic area, children’s play area. Souvenir shop and snack bar on site. Special events during school holidays. Possibility of combining the visit with the nearby Aquarium du Périgord Noir (combined package available).

5. Truffle hunting with a truffle grower

Category: €€ / Gastronomic & Unusual

Description

Périgord is the kingdom of the black truffle, the ‘black diamond’ that is the pride of French gastronomy. A number of passionate truffle growers in the region are offering an authentic, fun experience: set off in search of this exceptional mushroom in their truffle fields. Accompanied by the producer and his dog (or pig) trained to detect truffles, you’ll learn all about this mysterious underground mushroom: its life cycle, the truffle trees (mainly pubescent oaks), the conditions necessary for its growth, and of course the techniques involved in digging it up. The emotion is palpable when the dog marks a spot and the truffle-farmer delicately digs up the precious treasure! After the truffle walk (about 1 to 1? hours), the visit often continues with a convivial tasting session where you can sample fresh truffles on buttered toast, accompanied by a glass of local wine. The truffle grower shares his tips for preserving and preparing the truffle, his favourite recipes and anecdotes about this age-old craft. It’s a unique experience that takes you behind the scenes of exceptional production, in a warm and authentic Périgord atmosphere.

Good to know:

Périgord black truffle season: December to early March (peak production in January-February). Visits generally take place in the morning or late afternoon. Duration: 2 to 3 hours, including truffle walk, explanations and tasting. Prices: between €30 and €60 per person, depending on the package (simple tour or elaborate tasting session). Booking is essential, often several weeks in advance during the peak truffle season. This activity is open to all, including children (generally aged 6 and over). Bring walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing (boots recommended in case of rain). Limited number of participants (6 to 15 people, depending on the truffle grower). A number of truffle growers offer this service around Sarlat and in the Périgord Noir: ask at the Sarlat Tourist Office or search online. Some farms also sell fresh truffles and related products (oil, broken truffles, preserves). Tours are available in French and sometimes English. Out of season, some truffle growers offer educational tours of their farms with explanations on truffle growing. Activity cancelled in the event of heavy rain or frost.

In conclusion, Sarlat-la-Canéda and the Périgord Noir offer a remarkably varied range of activities that will appeal to all types of visitor. Whether you’re looking for a breathtaking experience in the air aboard a hot-air balloon, a gentle ride along the water in a gabare, gastronomic discoveries at a cookery workshop, underground exploration in the Proumeyssac chasm or authenticity on a truffle hunt, this destination has plenty to offer. With its unspoilt nature, living traditions, exceptional gastronomy and unusual activities, the Périgord Noir is a complete destination, ideal for an extended weekend or a rejuvenating holiday. Whether you’re coming as a family, a couple or with friends, you’re bound to find something to make your stay memorable in this corner of paradise in south-west France.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about activities in Sarlat and the surrounding area

Can we do these activities all year round?

Most of these activities can be enjoyed throughout most of the year, although there are seasonal variations. Hot-air balloon flights and gabare trips operate mainly from April to October-November, when the weather conditions are most favourable. The Gouffre de Proumeyssac is open all year round except between Christmas and February. Cooking workshops are available all year round, but truffle hunting is a winter-only activity (December to early March), corresponding to the Périgord black truffle season.

Are these activities suitable for families with children?

Absolutely! The Gouffre de Proumeyssac and the gabare trips are perfectly suited to families and fascinate children. Hot-air balloons generally accept children aged 6 and over (depending on the company). Truffle hunting is available from age 6, and is a big hit with youngsters, who love to follow the truffle dog. Some cooking workshops offer family packages for children aged 8-10 and over. Each activity offers a fun and educational dimension that captivates young and old alike.

Do I need to book these activities in advance?

Yes, booking is strongly recommended, and even compulsory for certain activities. Hot-air balloon flights, cookery workshops and truffle hunting require booking several days or even weeks in advance, especially in high season. Reservations are advisable in July and August to avoid long waits for gabares. The Gouffre de Proumeyssac accepts visitors without booking, but it is advisable to buy tickets online to avoid queuing during the tourist season.

What’s the budget for these activities?

Budgets vary considerably depending on the activities. The gabare trips (€12.50/adult) and the visit to the Proumeyssac chasm (€13.60/adult) are still very affordable. Cooking workshops (€80-150) and truffle hunting (€30-60) represent a moderate investment. Hot-air balloon flights are the most expensive activity (€220-280/person) but offer an exceptional experience. For a complete holiday with 2 or 3 activities, expect to pay between €100 and €400 per person, depending on your choices.

Is it possible to combine several activities in the same day?

Exactly! Some combinations are ideal: a hot-air balloon flight very early in the morning can be followed by a visit to the Gouffre de Proumeyssac in the morning, then a trip in a gabare in the afternoon. Or you could go on a truffle hunt in the morning, followed by a tasting session, then a tour of Sarlat using the Navaway app in the afternoon, and a gourmet dinner in the evening to savour your discoveries. The advantage of this region is the proximity of all the sites, allowing you to optimise your time while making the most of each experience.