What to do in Sarlat when it rains?

What to do in Sarlat when it rains? Even under fickle skies, this medieval town in the Périgord Noir region is packed withexciting activities for families and couples alike. Between its museums, castles and prehistoric caves, Sarlat offers a multitude of enriching discoveries to be experienced sheltered fromthe elements. If you’re wondering what to do in Sarlatwhy not explore its covered markets, take part in craft workshops, or learn more about local traditions in the eco-museums?

Just a few minutes from the main attractions, our Camping in SarlatLe Moulin de Paulhiac is an ideal base for enjoying the region in dry, comfortable surroundings. Discover all the activities not to be missed when the rain invites itself to your stay.

Discover Sarlat’s museums and exhibitions

When it rains in Sarlat, the museums and exhibitions offer an excellent opportunity to take shelter while discovering the cultural and historical wealth of this medieval city. These captivating venues are perfect for families and couples in search of new discoveries.

The Magic Lantern Museum

This unique museum transports visitors into the fascinating world of magic lanterns, the ancestors of cinema. With its collections of rare devices and animated projections, the Musée de la Lanterne Magique promises a fun and educational immersion experience for the whole family. Children, amazed by the play of light, often leave with stars in their eyes. An ideal activity for spending a pleasant, enriching moment in the shade.

Le Manoir de Gisson

Located in the heart of Sarlat’s old town, the Manoir de Gisson is a true journey back in time. This historic building, with its richly furnished rooms and exhibition of antiques, immerses visitors in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Younger visitors will appreciate the fascinating accounts of daily life at the time, while adults will admire the architectural details and collections on display. A must-see for those wishing to understandSarlat’s history while sheltering from the rain.

Temporary exhibitions and art galleries

Sarlat is also home to several art galleries and temporary exhibitions showcasing the talents of local and regional artists. These venues offer an inspiring artistic interlude:

• Galleries in the historic center, often housed in historic buildings, exhibit paintings, sculptures and photographs.
• Temporary exhibitions, organized throughout the year, feature a variety of themes, from contemporary art to Perigordian traditions.

These tours allow you to discover another facet of Sarlat, more contemporary and artistic, while staying dry.

Explore nearby caves and prehistoric sites

When the weather doesn’t cooperate, the caves and prehistoric sites around Sarlat offer natural shelter and a fascinating immersion in ancient history. These emblematic sites of the Périgord Noir will delight families and couples alike, who are curious to discover the region’s prehistoric heritage.

The Lascaux IV cave

Located in Montignac, the famous Grotte de Lascaux IV is a faithful reproduction of the original cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This exceptional site offers an immersive visit with digital projections, interactive workshops and captivating stories about the Cro-Magnon artists. Children will be fascinated by the cave paintings, while adults will appreciate the historical and artistic richness of the site. A must-see visit to understand the origins of art and protect yourself from the rain.

The Font-de-Gaume caves

The Grottes de Font-de-Gaume, near Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, is one of the last remaining decorated caves open to the public. They are home to prehistoric polychrome paintings of bison, horses and mammoths, bearing witness to the creativity of our ancestors. With family-friendly guided tours, this site offers a unique and educational experience. The magic of the site transports visitors to a distant past, while keeping them safe.

La Roque Saint-Christophe

Located just a few kilometers from Sarlat, La Roque Saint-Christophe is an impressive troglodyte site, carved into a limestone cliff. This suspended village, occupied from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages, tells the story of thousands of years of human habitation. Models and reconstructions allow children to visualize daily life at the time. Even on rainy days, La Roque Saint-Christophe offers a fascinating and sheltered visit, ideal for enriching your stay.

Take part in fun indoor activities

When it rains in Sarlat, it’s easy to turn a gloomy day into a convivial one, thanks to a host offun indoor activities. Whether you’re a family or a couple, these options guarantee fun and discovery for all ages.

Craft workshops for the whole family

Handicraft workshops are an interactive and educational way to learn about local know-how while staying out of the way. In Sarlat and the surrounding area, a number of artisans offer sessions suitable for everyone:

• Pottery workshops: Learn how to shape and decorate your own clay creations, an activity particularly popular with children.
• Périgord cuisine workshops: Learn how to prepare local specialities such as foie gras or truffles, under the guidance of passionate chefs.
• Painting or sculpture workshops: Perfect for letting your creativity run free while discovering local art.

These workshops allow you to take home a unique work of art or recipe, while creating lasting memories.

Escape games and interactive games

For an indoor adventure, Sarlat’s escape games offer an immersive and collaborative experience:

• Historical themes: immerse yourself in a medieval or prehistoric intrigue, where logic and team spirit are essential to solve the riddles.
• Interactive virtual reality games: Discover fantastic worlds through new technologies, an exciting activity for teens and adults alike.

These activities, accessible to all levels, are perfect for strengthening family ties or spending a fun moment with friends.

Movies and shows for all ages

For a more relaxing outing, the cinema Rex in Sarlat offers a selection of recent and classic films to suit all tastes. With family-friendly screenings and comfortable spaces, it’s an ideal option for a rainy day.

In the evening, why not attend a theater or music show? Sarlat regularly hosts performances in its theaters, ranging from classic plays to modern children’s entertainment.

Enjoy the gourmet pleasures of Sarlat

Sarlat, the gourmet heart of the Périgord Noir, is a must-see destination for food lovers. Even when it’s raining, the town is full ofdelicious activities that will awaken your taste buds while providing shelter.

Discover Sarlat’s covered market

Housed in the former Sainte-Marie church, Sarlat’s covered market is an architectural gem and a paradise for lovers of local produce. Under its imposing roof, you’ll find a multitude of stalls offering :

• Foie gras, emblem of Périgord gastronomy.
• Black truffles, nicknamed “Périgord diamonds”.
• Artisanal cheeses and walnuts from the Dordogne valley.

The market is also an ideal opportunity to talk to local producers and learn more about their know-how. Even children will appreciate the lively atmosphere and tempting aromas.

Tastings of local products: foie gras, truffles and walnuts

For a more immersive taste experience, take part in a tasting of the region’s emblematic products. Several farms and specialty stores in and around Sarlat offer sessions where you can :

• Learn the subtleties of artisanal foies gras.
• Discover the aromatic richness of black truffles.
• Savor the many variations of Périgord walnuts (oil, pastries, liqueurs).

These tastings are an opportunity to discover the richness of the Périgord terroir and share gourmet moments with family and friends.

Périgord cooking classes

To take yourculinary experience a step further, sign up for a Périgord cooking class. These hands-on workshops, often offered by local chefs, will introduce you to the secrets of preparing typical Dordognedishes:

• Confit de canard (duck confit), a staple on Périgord tables.
• Sarlat potatoes, nicely browned in duck fat.
• Walnut tart, the region’s signature dessert.

These courses are not only instructive, but also highly entertaining, allowing you to take home recipes to recreate at home.

Even in bad weather, Sarlat remains a destination of choice for food lovers. Take advantage of this opportunity to awaken your senses and delve into the heart of Périgord gastronomy!

Visit castles and historic sites under cover

Sarlat and the surrounding area are full of fascinating medieval castles, perfect for a visit sheltered from the elements. These historic sites are not only a treat for history buffs, but also places where families and couples can spend a pleasant and enriching time.

The Castle of Castelnaud

Overlooking the Dordogne valley, Château de Castelnaud is an impressive medieval fortress. With its museum dedicated to the art of warfare in the Middle Ages, you can discover armor, ancient weapons and models of war machines. Although some parts of the castle are outdoors, most visits are indoors, making it ideal for a rainy day. Children will be fascinated by the archery and catapult demonstrations. This site, accessible to the whole family, is a true immersion in the history of medieval warfare.

Château de Beynac

Just a few kilometers from Sarlat, the Château de Beynac is another must-see site. Perched on a cliff, this château offers spectacular panoramic views over the Dordogne valley. Even if it rains, most of the visit takes place inside, in its well-preserved medieval rooms. You’ll discover the fascinating history of this castle, which played a strategic role during the Hundred Years’ War. Families will particularly appreciate the intimate atmosphere and authenticity of this historic monument.

The Château des Milandes

The Château des Milandes is a unique place, particularly well known for its history linked to the famous Josephine Baker, who lived here with her children. This Renaissance château, surrounded by magnificent gardens, offers a guided tour of its interiors, where you’ll discover exhibitions on the life of the singer and her times. Although the garden is more pleasant under clear skies, Château des Milandes offers an excellent option for a sheltered visit, with its magnificent salons and period objects. It’s also a great opportunity for children to discover the story of this iconic figure while staying dry.

These castles and historic sites offer a great cultural experience, and are ideal for families and couples to enjoy together, even in inclement weather.

Relax in cultural spaces and eco-museums

The cultural spaces and ecomuseums around Sarlat offer a pleasant alternative for spending a rainy day. These immersive places let you discover local history, traditions and know-how in a friendly, enriching atmosphere, ideal for families and couples.

The National Prehistory Museum at Les Eyzies

Located in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, the Musée National de Préhistoire is a must-see for history and prehistory enthusiasts. This modern museum houses an impressive collection of prehistoric objects, including tools, fossils and cave art. With interactive exhibits and scale models, it captivates the attention of children and adults alike, offering a fascinating insight into the lives of our ancestors. An ideal visit to combine learning and relaxation, sheltered from the elements.

Les Noyeraies du Lander: from walnut to walnut oil

Les Noyeraies du Lander, located near Sarlat, offers an immersion into the world of walnuts, a flagship product of the Périgord Noir region. On this visit to Sarlat-la-Canéda, you’ll discover :

• The history and culture of walnut.
• The walnut oil production process, with live demonstrations.
• A tasting of walnut-based products, such as cakes and artisanal oils.

Both educational and gourmet, this is the perfect outing for families wanting to learn more about local traditions while keeping out of the rain.

Les Escales de Sarlat: between culture and terroir

Les Escales de Sarlat is a unique space that combines cultural discovery and local pleasure. It features temporary exhibitions on a variety of themes, from local art to regional history. You’ll also find workshops where you can learn how to cook Périgord specialties or taste the best Périgord wines. The warm atmosphere and many indoor activities make it a great place to spend a rainy day.

These cultural spaces and ecomuseums offer a great opportunity to relax while soaking up the region’s history and traditions. An ideal way to make the most of Sarlat, even in bad weather.

If you’re wondering what to do in Sarlat when it rains, don’t hesitate to visit the website of theSarlat Tourist Office.

Why choose Camping Le Moulin de Paulhiac in Sarlat?

During your stay in Sarlat, Camping Le Moulin de Paulhiac is the perfect choice for enjoying the region, whatever the weather. With its peaceful natural setting and adapted facilities, this campsite is ideal for families and couples looking for comfort and conviviality.

An ideal base for your Dordogne escapades

Located just minutes from the main attractions of Sarlat and the Périgord Noir, Camping Le Moulin de Paulhiac is a strategic base for exploring the region.

• Easy access to iconic castles, prehistoric caves and covered markets.
• Plan your cultural or gourmet outings while staying close to your accommodation.
  Whether you’re looking for adventure or cultural discovery, camping puts you at the heart of the action, while offering a quiet retreat after a busy day.

Comfortable facilities for rainy days

Rainy days become pleasant thanks to the many indoor facilities available on site:

• Heated common areas for family and friends.
• Heated indoor pools, ideal for relaxing even in bad weather.
• Organized activities: children’s workshops, themed evenings and tailored entertainment.
  These facilities guarantee moments of relaxation and entertainment, whatever the weather.

A friendly atmosphere for families and couples

Camping Le Moulin de Paulhiac is distinguished by its warm and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for all types of visitors:

• For families: Children’s clubs, safe play areas and activities for the very young.
• For couples: cosy accommodation, quiet spaces to recharge your batteries and romantic moments to share in a natural setting.
  This friendly atmosphere encourages encounters and exchanges, while respecting everyone’s privacy.