Sarlat stardust

Just 20 minutes from Sarlat-la-Caneda, this tastefully restored home reflects the glory of the Périgord Noir capital, says Ruth Wood

- Ruth Wood

It is hard to believe that the medieval town of Sarlat was in danger of falling into ruins only a few decades ago. This was in the 1960s when postwar planners had their passionate love affair with cheap concrete. But heureusement, the French Culture Minister André Malraux decided Sarlat should instead be restored, at great expense, to its former glory.

Today, the Dordogne souspréfecture – which has since merged with its neighbouring