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Getaway between Périgord and Quercy: Sarlat, Souillac, and Lacave Cave from Les Hauts de Sauliès

From Les Hauts de Sauliès, set off for an unforgettable day at the crossroads of Périgord Noir and Quercy.
From the medieval town of Sarlat, a jewel of architecture and art de vivre, to Souillac, gateway to the Lot and bastion of Romanesque art, to the magical caves of Lacave, this itinerary combines heritage, gastronomy, and natural wonders.

  • Sarlat – 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Souillac – 33 minutes
  • Lacave Cave – 14 minutes
  • Return to Les Hauts de Sauliès – 53 minutes

Sarlat – Travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes

On the border between Quercy and Périgord, Sarlat-la-Canéda is a veritable museum city, renowned for its exceptional medieval and Renaissance heritage. Its cobbled streets, shaded squares, and mansions with slate roofs form an architectural ensemble of rare harmony, bearing witness to its prosperity from the 13th to the 16th century.

Sainte-Marie Church and covered market in Sarlat

In the heart of the medieval town of Sarlat, the former Sainte-Marie church (12th century) now houses the covered market, designed by architect Jean Nouvel in 2001. This iconic venue, combining ancient stone, steel, and glass, welcomes the best products of the Périgord region under its huge monumental doors. Its panoramic glass bell tower offers a 360° view of the slate roofs and picturesque streets of Sarlat—a must-see.
Hours: April to October from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. – from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in high season

Gisson Manor

Located on Place des Oies, Manoir de Gisson is a superb example of an aristocratic residence in the Périgord Noir region. Comprising two main buildings connected by a hexagonal tower, it reveals the lifestyle of Sarlat’s notables through its salons, cabinet of curiosities, vaulted cellars, and period furniture. The tour offers a refined immersion into the art of living in the 17th century.
Opening hours: April to October from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Puymartin Castle

A few miles from Sarlat, Puymartin Castle has dominated the valley since the 13th century. This fairy-tale castle, restored in the 19th century, combines history and legend: it is said to be haunted by the White Lady, the wandering spirit of the place. Antique furniture, tapestries, paintings, and elegant architecture make it a jewel of the Périgord heritage, worth visiting for its charm as much as for its mystery.
Opening hours: April to October from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Visit to Sarlat - Charming Guest Rooms - Lot
Visit to Sarlat - Charming Guest Rooms - Lot
Visit to Sarlat - Charming Guest Rooms - Lot

Souillac – Travel time: 33 min       

At the crossroads of the Paris–Toulouse road and the Dordogne and Borrèze rivers, Souillac owes its growth to the Benedictine monks who founded a priory there in the 10th century. Over the centuries, it has become a commercial and river transport hub, combining medieval charm, Romanesque heritage, and a relaxed lifestyle. Its lively streets, market, and summer festivals make it an essential stopover in the Lot region today.

St. Mary’s Abbey Church

A masterpiece of 12th-century Romanesque art, the Abbey Church of Sainte-Marie impresses visitors with its pendentive domes, radiating chapels, and famous dancing prophet Isaiah, sculpted with unparalleled grace. Inside, frescoes, wrought iron grilles, and works of art (including Chassériau’s Christ on the Mount of Olives) enrich the visit. The 17th-century cloister and former monastic buildings bear witness to Souillac’s religious power.
Opening hours: free access from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Guided tours from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (except Sundays).

Rue de la Halle and the old town center

Once a major commercial thoroughfare connecting the city gates, Rue de la Halle is lined with medieval houses and Renaissance mansions, such as the 15th-century house with its carved shell lintel. Traces of inns, workshops, and convents can still be found here, bearing witness to a rich history of craftsmanship and trade.

Louis Vicat Bridge

Built in 1824 by engineer Louis Vicat, this monumental bridge is the first concrete bridge in history. It marks an essential milestone in the history of engineering and symbolizes Souillac’s embrace of modernity. From the bridge, the view of the Dordogne River and the rooftops of the old town is particularly picturesque.

Lacave Cave – Travel time: 14 min

Discovered in 1905 by speleologist Armand Viré, the Lacave Caves offer a fascinating underground spectacle. The adventure begins aboard a small electric train that climbs 400 meters into the rock to take you to the heart of the hill. Then begins a 1 hour and 20 minute guided tour on foot through 12 enchanting rooms and more than 150 million years of geological history.

Spectacular formations follow one after another: the Hall of Chaos, the Tarasque, the Hall of Organs, and the majestic Notre-Dame de Lacave, before reaching the highlight of the visit—the Hall of Wonders. Covering 2,000 m², black light reveals phosphorescent concretions, offering a magical vision of the underground world. Classified as a UNESCO Global Geopark, the caves represent the largest network open to visitors in the Causses du Quercy—a wonder at every turn.
It is recommended that you wear warm clothing (13°C) and waterproofs in case of rain (the caves are damp).
Opening hours: April to October from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Open all day from August 1 to 24.

Return to Les Hauts de Sauliès – Travel time: 53 min

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