The historical town of Sarlat was built around a Benedictine abbey in the 9th century and its wealth grew very quickly under the direct authority of the holy seat of Rome. 

However the Hundred Years War (1337 – 1453) and the plague had a serious economic impact on the town causing it to decline. 

In the 15th and 16th centuries, commercial activities and trades increased, leading to the construction of many superb mansions.  New ideas also emerged through Etienne de la Boëtie.  The town retained its vibrancy until the 18th century when due to its geographical isolation, it went once more into decline. 

Ultimately, it was lucky for the town as in 1962, André Malraux brought out a law on the preservation of historical areas and Sarlat was the town that was experimented on.   Over 25 years the town was restored and the medieval centre was reborn. 

Today Sarlat contains the largest number of listed buildings per square metre in Europe with 253 buildings, 18 listed monuments and 59 registered monuments on 11 hectares.  It is a real jewel of the Renaissance and Medieval perods.