Former Town Hall

Before you stands a building that tells, all on its own, the story of Sarlat through the ages — the former Episcopal Palace. Over the centuries, it has served many roles: bishop’s residence, town hall, courthouse, prison, theatre, and today, the Tourist Office. When the Diocese of Sarlat was founded in 1317, the bishops first lived in the old abbey lodging. But by the end of the 15th century, a true palace was built. The wing overlooking Place du Peyrou, with its graceful Gothic mullioned windows and early Renaissance touches, dates from that time. In the 17th century, the palace was enlarged to reflect the growing power and prestige of the Church. Then came the French Revolution, and everything changed. The palace lost its religious function and entered civic life — becoming in turn a town hall, a courthouse, a police station, and even a prison, with its cellars serving as holding cells. In 1900, the building underwent yet another transformation: a covered market was installed on the ground floor, a theatre was created upstairs, and a beautiful loggia was added to the north facade. This rich layering of styles — from flamboyant Gothic to Renaissance and early 20th century — gives the palace its distinctive, harmonious character today. Now home to the Tourist Office, it continues to serve the public, welcoming visitors and hosting exhibitions that celebrate Sarlat’s heritage. Classified as a historic monument since the early 1900s, the palace stands as a vivid symbol of the town’s ability to reinvent itself — preserving its past while keeping it very much alive. As you look at it, you’re seeing more than just a building; you’re seeing centuries of Sarlat’s history condensed into one remarkable place, from the age of the bishops to the present day.