Family activities in Sarlat

Wondering what the family can do in Sarlat to combine culture and relaxation? Sarlat-la-Canéda, the pearl of the Périgord Noir region, is a must-see destination for family vacations. With its rich medieval heritage, cobbled streets and many child-friendly activities, Sarlat offers the ideal setting for combining cultural discoveries, outdoor adventures and moments of relaxation. But what to do in Sarlat to guarantee unforgettable memories for the whole family? From strolls through the old town to fun-filled castle visits and nature activities, this region of the Dordogne is full of treasures to share with your loved ones.

Located just a few minutes from the main attractions, our campsite in SarlatCamping Le Moulin de Paulhiac, is the perfect base from which to explore this magnificent region and enjoy an unforgettable family holiday.

Discover our historical heritage with your family

Sarlat is a veritable open-air museum, perfect for introducing children to history and culture while having fun at the same time. This medieval town has a timeless charm and a wide range of family-friendly activities.

A stroll through the old town

A stroll through Sarlat’s historic center, with its cobbled streets and golden stone houses, is a captivating experience for young and old alike. Children will love exploring the secret passageways and admiring the architectural details. Not to be missed:

• The Maison de La Boétie, a Renaissance masterpiece.
• Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral, with its impressive cloister.
• The Lantern of the Dead, a mysterious monument that will arouse their curiosity.

To make the visit interactive, opt for a treasure hunt in the old town. It’s a fun way to discover the town’s heritage, making it an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Sarlat markets: a gourmet immersion

Sarlat’s markets are a unique sensory experience. On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, the Place de la Liberté comes alive with colorful stalls brimming with local produce. Children will marvel at the flavors, smells and bustle of the place. Take advantage of this outing to introduce them to Périgord Noir specialties such as foie gras, truffles and walnuts. As well as being a gourmet experience, a visit to the market is also an educational opportunity: local producers are happy to share their knowledge of agriculture and crafts.

Child-friendly historic monuments

Sarlat is packed with historic monuments that are accessible and captivating for children. In addition to the major sites, themed guided tours are specially designed for them, with captivating accounts of life in the Middle Ages. Suitable activities include

• Discover the old covered market halls.
• Take thepanoramic elevator for a breathtaking view of the city.
• Take part in workshops on theart of medieval construction, often offered at cultural events.

These discoveries bring history to life, making it fun and accessible for the whole family, while exploring the riches of the Périgord Noir.

Fun and learning around Sarlat

The Sarlat area is full of fascinating places to combine fun and learning. From medieval castles to prehistoric sites and educational activities, every outing becomes an unforgettable adventure for families.

Castles of the Périgord Noir : A medieval adventure

The castles dotting the Dordogne valley plunge young and old into a world worthy of fairy tales. Children, fascinated by these fortresses, can discover history in an interactive way:

• Château de Beynac: This imposing fortress, perched on a cliff, offers animated tours and captivating historical re-enactments.
• Château de Castelnaud: Dedicated to the art of medieval warfare, it houses an impressive collection of weapons and armor, as well as archery demonstrations that will delight children.
• Château des Milandes: Former home of Josephine Baker, it combines history, bird-of-prey shows and enchanting gardens.

These visits allow children to immerse themselves in medieval times, while enjoyingfun activities such as treasure hunts and chivalry shows.

Discovering prehistory: Caves and museums

The Périgord Noir, often considered the cradle of humanity, is home to prehistoric treasures that will captivate the whole family:

• Lascaux IV cave: This faithful replica of the famous painted cave offers a fascinating immersion in cave art. Workshops enable children to learn to draw as they did in Cro-Magnon times.
• The Musée National de Préhistoire in Les Eyzies: a rich collection and interactive activities to help you understand the life of early man.
• La Roque Saint-Christophe: This troglodyte site impresses with its dwellings carved into a cliff, recounting thousands of years of human occupation.

These places are all opportunities to learn while having fun, thanks to family-friendly guided tours and interactive activities.

Fun and educational activities for young and old

To vary the pleasures, the area around Sarlat also offers modern activities combining fun and learning:

• The Thot prehistoric labyrinth: an immersive experience where children can follow in the footsteps of Cro-Magnon and take part in educational workshops.
• La Forêt des Écureuils: An adventure park with secure tree-climbing courses for all ages.
• Ferme pédagogique du Brusquand: An ideal outing to discover rural life and meet farm animals.

These activities help create lasting memories while stimulating children’s curiosity. With so many options to choose from, a family holiday in Sarlat is sure to be full of exciting discoveries and bonding moments!

Enjoying nature with the whole family

The generous natural surroundings of Sarlat are the perfect playground for families. Whether you enjoy walking, sailing or simply relaxing in a garden, the region offers a multitude ofoutdoor activities suitable for all ages.

Family walks and hikes

The signposted trails of the Périgord Noir are perfect for hikes that are accessible to children, combining adventure and discovery. Here are a few itinerary ideas:

• The Font Vayrissou path: A peaceful stroll through woods and meadows, ideal for a family outing.
• The Combe Chaude loop: An easy route with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Remember to bring binoculars to observe the local wildlife, and to stop for picnics in picturesque spots. These outings allow children to soak up the natural beauty while having fun.

Water activities: Canoeing, swimming and gabarre rides

The Dordogne, nicknamed the “River Hope”, is the perfect place for family water activities:

• Canoeing: Take the whole family down the river to admire perched castles and limestone cliffs. Short, easy courses are available for families with young children.
• Gabarre cruises: These replicas of old merchant ships offer a leisurely cruise to discover the flora and fauna of the river and the history of the boatmen.
• Supervised swimming: Numerous points along the Dordogne offer a safe place to cool off.

These activities, which are both fun and educational, allow you to discover the Dordogne valley from a different angle, while offering moments of complicity.

Parks and gardens for a nature break

For a quieter day, visit the magnificent gardens of the Périgord Noir:

• Les Jardins de Marqueyssac: With 150,000 pruned box trees, shady paths and fun workshops, these gardens are perfect for families to explore. Candlelit evenings in summer are a delight for young and old alike.
• Les Jardins d’Eyrignac: A green setting where children can run and play while admiring the plant sculptures.

These are places where the whole family can relax and unwind in the midst of unspoilt nature.

If you’re wondering what to do in Sarlat with your family, don’t hesitate to visit the site of theSarlat Tourist Office.

Family holidays in Sarlat

A holiday with children in Sarlat would not be complete without accommodation that combines comfort, conviviality and proximity to the riches of the region. Opting for a campsite in Sarlat is the ideal solution for an unforgettable vacation with your loved ones.

Why choose a campsite in Sarlat for your family vacation?

Camping is a perfect choice for family vacations, offering a balance of nature, relaxation and activities suitable for all ages. Here’s why:

• A natural setting for rejuvenation: Sarlat’s campsites, often nestled in the heart of the Périgord Noir region, offer lush green surroundings ideal for reconnecting with nature.
• Family-friendly facilities: Heated pools, paddling pools, playgrounds and kids’ clubs guarantee fun for the youngest and relaxation for parents.
• Proximity to tourist attractions: The region’s campsites are generally located just a few minutes from major attractions, such as castles, caves and medieval villages.
• A friendly atmosphere: themed evenings, entertainment and family get-togethers create memorable moments for all.

When you choose a campsite, you offer your family an immersive experience close to nature, while remaining right in the heart of the action.

Camping Le Moulin de Paulhiac, the ideal campsite for your family holiday in Sarlat

Camping Le Moulin de Paulhiac, near Sarlat, is the perfect place to put down your bags and set off to discover the region. Designed with families in mind, it combines comfort, modern services and a friendly atmosphere.

Campsite highlights :

• A family water park: With its heated pools, slides and paddling pool, the campsite promises hours of fun for children and relaxation for parents.
• A variety of accommodation: whether you prefer a comfortable mobile home, a chalet or a tent pitch, you’ll find the right option for your family.
• Activities for all: Kids’ clubs, evening entertainment, creative workshops and outdoor games guarantee fun for all ages.
• An exceptional natural setting: Nestled in a green setting, the campsite offers direct access to nature, perfect for walks or moments of relaxation.

When you choose Camping Le Moulin de Paulhiac, you combine adventure and comfort, while being just a few minutes from Sarlat’s best attractions. A perfect choice for a successful family vacation in the Périgord Noir.