Saint-Cybranet

The Sarlat market: A sensory immersion in the heart of Périgord

Written by Léa
August 13, 2026
The Sarlat market: A sensory immersion in the heart of Périgord
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Slow Village invites you to discover the Sarlat market, the vibrant heart of Sarlat-la-Canéda in the Périgord Noir. More than just a place to shop, it’s a true institution: a spectacle of colors, scents, and local flavors, all in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Let yourself be swept away by the joyful hubbub, laughter, and lively conversations. A visit promises culinary delights and authentic encounters, and is a must during your stay in the Dordogne at our nature-surrounded hotel in Saint-Cybranet.

Sarlat market essentials

Traditional market

  • Opening days: Wednesday & Saturday all year round
  • Hours: Wednesday 8:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. / Saturday 8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (food sales until 1:00 p.m.)
  • Location: Place de la Liberté, Old Town
  • Special features: local produce, crafts on Saturdays

Organic market

  • Days open: Thursday, late afternoon/evening

  • Hours: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (off-season) / 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (summer)

  • Location: Place du 19 Mars 1962 (across from the post office)

  • Special Features: Products from local organic farms

Artisan night market

  • Opening days: Thursday evenings (July and August)
  • Opening hours: 5pm/6pm to 11pm
  • Location: downtown
  • Special features: handicrafts, non-food summer atmosphere

Truffle market

  • Days open: Saturday mornings (from mid-November to early March)

  • Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

  • Location: Place de la Liberté (fat market) and the Tourist Office / Rue Fénelon (certified truffle market)

  • Special Features: A specialized market dedicated to the sale of black Périgord truffles (Tuber melanosporum)

Covered market

  • Days open: Every day from April 1 to October 31 / Every day except Thursday from November 1 to March 31

  • Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (and extended hours on Fridays until 7:30 p.m. from May through September)

  • Location: Place de la Liberté (the former Sainte-Marie Church with its monumental gates)

  • Special features: a permanent covered market featuring stalls selling meat, deli meats, cheeses, and Périgord specialties

 

What days does the Sarlat market take place?

The Sarlat market brings the town to life several times a week

Its facets vary with the day and the season, so there's something for everyone.

Traditional market: Wednesday and Saturday mornings

It's the beating heart of Sarlat! Twice a week, all year round, the town comes alive for its traditional market.

  • Early Wednesday: mainly food products, it takes place on Place de la Liberté. Ideal for sourcing fresh local produce, from sun-kissed vegetables to mature cheeses.
  • On Saturday mornings and during the day: it stretches across the old town. You'll find food, crafts and souvenirs. It's the place to be for a lively atmosphere and plenty of bargains.

Theme markets: night markets, truffle markets, foie gras markets...

Sarlat is also a town of exceptional flavours, celebrated by themed markets:

  • Le marché au gras et aux truffes (Saturday mornings in winter, rue Fénelon): this is the place to go for Périgord black truffles and duck and goose delicacies, true symbols of regional gastronomy.
  • The night markets (Thursday evenings in summer): these markets feature local crafts and invite you to enjoy a cool summer stroll in a different, equally charming atmosphere.
  • The Sarlat organic market (Thursday afternoon, Place du 14 Juillet/Poste): a godsend for lovers of organic produce and responsible consumption.
  • The Sarlat Christmas market (December, Place de la Grande Rigaudie): an enchanting town with crafts, gifts, mulled wine and a magical atmosphere for young and old.

Times, locations and parking

As for locations, the main markets are held on Place de la Liberté.

Sarlat's covered market is housed in the former Sainte-Marie church, renovated by architect Jean Nouvel. It's generally open every morning in high season (April to October), with shorter opening days in low season (November to mid-March: often Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday mornings). In summer, some days offer extended afternoon and evening opening hours. (See updated opening times on the Sarlat Périgord Noir Tourist Office website).

Paid parking is available nearby; we recommend arriving early on Saturdays for greater peace of mind.

Book accommodation near Sarlat market

Just 20 minutes from Sarlat, in the heart of the Périgord Noir, the Slow Village of Saint-Cybranet offers a natural and unspoiled setting. This nature-focused hotel from the Slow Village Group promotes a return to the essentials with its comfortable wooden accommodations, designed for an authentic “slow life” getaway. It guarantees a stress-free visit to the market, all while enjoying a peaceful retreat.

Saint-Cybranet
Cottage Premium 1bed.

Ideal for recharging your batteries, this cottage for two invites you to enjoy a moment of relaxation in a soothing setting.

18 m²
1 bdrm
2 pers.
1 bathroom.
Discover
Saint-Cybranet
Cottage Signature 2bed.

Enjoy a fully-equipped, top-of-the-range 2-bedroom wooden cottage. The ideal accommodation for your family vacation in a green setting!

34 m²
2 bdrms
4 pers.
2 bathrooms.
Discover
Saint-Cybranet
Tente Lodge Insolite 2ch.

The art of camping in harmony with nature, with all the comforts you need! Discover this unusual accommodation in the heart of Périgord Noir.

20.25 m²
2 bdrms
5 pers.
Shared sanitary facilities
Discover
Saint-Cybranet
Tiny House 2bed.

A stay in a Tiny House; a stay between minimalism and comfort. Discover this unusual accommodation in the heart of Périgord Noir.

22 m²
2 bdrms
4 pers.
1 bathroom.
Discover
Saint-Cybranet
Tiny House Slow Box 2ch.

A stay in a Tiny House; a stay between minimalism and comfort. Discover this unusual accommodation in the heart of Périgord Noir.

26 m²
2 bdrms
4 pers.
1 bathroom.
Discover
 

Why is the Sarlat market worth a visit?

The Sarlat market is a real experience. It's an invitation to stroll, to indulge, to share and to discover. Did you know that Sarlat attracts more than two million visitors every year, many of them attracted by its heritage and gastronomy, of which the market is one of the finest showcases? It's an acknowledgement of the richness and authenticity of this location.

An explosion of colors and flavors

Get ready for an explosion of colors and flavors: bright red Périgord strawberries (IGP), golden walnut oils, earthy ceps, creamy Cabécou cheeses.

Discover the emblems of Périgord Noir: melting foie gras, crunchy AOP walnuts, fragrant truffles, tasty confits, and Bergerac and Domme wines. A veritable feast of local produce to awaken all the senses.

The charm of lively medieval streets

Stroll through the medieval streets of Sarlat: stalls lean against half-timbered houses, while intoxicating scents waft through the air. The town's well-preserved architecture, with its 66 listed monuments, provides a unique backdrop to this ballet of commerce.

The local atmosphere of producers and gastronomy

The local atmosphere is unique: meet the Sarladais, chefs and passionate producers. Talk to them about their know-how and traditions. It's this authenticity that makes the Sarlat market so charming.

Our tips for taking advantage of the market

Here are a few tips to make your visit a pure pleasure:

Where to park? Getting there early?

Use the Grande Rigaudie or Plantier parking lots. Try to arrive before 9:00 a.m. on Saturdays. For a quieter atmosphere, the early Wednesday market is ideal.

What to buy and which specialities to look out for

Not to be missed: fresh seasonal produce, duck and goose specialties, PDO walnuts, cheeses, honey and wines. When the season is right, the black truffle at Sarlat's truffle market is a must. Remember to bring reusable bags, a gesture in line with the slow life values and respect for the environment.

Extend the experience over a coffee or picnic

Extend the experience by sitting at a café on the Place de la Liberté, or organize a picnic on the banks of the Dordogne with your market finds. A simple and delicious moment.

Discover the Sarlat market

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