I decided last year to take a girls trip to Sarlat la Caneda in Dordogne last year to get some Christmas spirit and it was the best decision! The town is stunning around the holidays, the market was beautiful and had a real ice skating rink (not plastic!). We went to Castelnaud and dressed up like medieval queens, then the next day went to the home of Chateau Milandes. We now have a kitten named Josephine for that reason. My daughter Eleanore was able to hold a falcon. We had the best weekend!
CASTELNAUD LA CHAPELLE
On the way into town we stopped at Chateau de Chastenaud from the 12th century, which is a remnant from English rule in the Medieval era. They were decorated for the holidays and offering a dress up session, which was really fun with my girls! They had a range of dresses to try on and I think we played the part well! The views were incredible as well. You’ll want to check their schedule for the events offered this season and book your ticket online. Best part? Regular entry is free for kids under 10! / Château de Castelnaud (24) – Musée de la guerre au Moyen Âge /
SARLAT La CANEDA
I have usually stayed in Airbnb outside of the city but this time we chose the historic hotel La Couleuvrine. It had really beautiful rooms and the staff were really nice, centrally located and plenty of local charm! The room we had offered a double bed and a sofa bed, a bathtub and great views. They also had double rooms with showers. I would certainly go back. We paid under 150 EURO for one adult with two children, / Hôtel-Restaurant Sarlat (24200) : restaurant et hôtel 3 étoiles / 1 Place de la Bouquerie, 24200 Sarlat-la-Caneda
Even the walk through town feels magical. All the stores are decorated and the streets sparkling! Of course we had something with truffle, when in Sarlat…read more about Sarlat here.
The Christmas market, so far of all markets I’ve been to in France, had the best Christmas spirit! There were plenty of food stalls with all varieties of foods, my youngest was happy to find hotdogs and my eldest was happiest to have caviar! The ice skating rink was there, no place to store your personal items so go lightly packed. It was pretty busy that night but still space to have fun! Of course I then enjoyed a spiced wine and girls some sweets. This year the theme is ‘Italy’, so I think we will have to go! https://www.sudouest.fr/dordogne/perigueux/l-italie-a-l-honneur-pour-le-marche-de-noel-de-sarlat-21261201.php
It was finally time for dinner and I chose a cozy place with salads and warm options, Chez La Gaulois. Tucked away on one of those cozy streets in a stone building, it felt like being in a ski lodge. We had made reservations that day. I’d recommend making reservations anywhere in Sarlat. They’re open Tuesday-Saturday for lunch and dinner / https://chez-le-gaulois-restaurant-sarlat.eatbu.com/?lang=fr / 3 Place Andre Malraux, 24200 Sarlat / +33553595064
CHATEAU MILANDES
On our way home we stopped at Chateau Milandes, the home of American singer and French resistance fighter – Josephine Baker. I asked the girls which part of the trip was their favorite, this is what they said. Josephine Bakers incredible story is sad, inspiring, and serves as a rather cautionary tale in many different ways. I couldn’t help but feel upset at how she was treated in the end of her life. There are gardens to walk around, bird collections to enjoy, and the day we went there was a falconries atelier which a falcon that had played roles in Harry Potter (fancy bird)! There is also a restaurant on site which has plenty of kid friendly options. My girls were very surprised that spaghetti was her favorite food and they didn’t offer it in the restaurant on site, hint hint Milandes. Open 2-530pm daily in December (different hours in other months). kids 5-16 are 9 EURO / adults 13.50 EURO / be sure to book special atelier places in advance / Le Château et jardins des Milandes / Château Milandes, Route Joséphine Baker, 24250 Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
I can’t recommend this itinerary enough! Bring warm clothes as it can get cold in the evenings and have the best time!
READ MORE
https://aquitainetravelguide.com/sarlat-la-caneda-in-perigord/
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