Today we revisited Sarlat pronounced sar- lah (not on a Market Day) and wandered the streets, alleys and lanes and saw more of the town, all while dodging the occasional showers.
Graeme and I also visited the "Cathedral of Saint Sacerdos" a few parts of which date back as far as the 12th century with many additions and reconstructions in the 14th, 17th and 18th centuries.
The roman church of the Benedictine abbey became a cathedral in 1317.
The Organ is perched on a form of a bird's nest, described as one of the most beautiful of the 18th century - a work by Jean- Francois Lepine (1752)
Behind the Cathedral, we found a stony passage way and what we believe was the Monk's graveyard.
The bullet shaped tower in the background is known as "The Lantern of the Dead"dating from 1147 ...it is the oldest monument in town.
The story is that in 4 horrible days a quarter of Sarlat's population died in a plague.(1000 out of 4000)
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On the return trip to Gourdon, we went in search of Saffron for our visitors. We travelled up,down and around windy, narrow country roads to the address of the Saffron farm ...only to find no one there and not able to purchase any saffron or have a tour of the farm.
Saffron stamens come from a specific crocus bulb that doesn't flower until the fall (October).
Footnote: the following day in Gourdon, K was able to purchase some saffron at a local shop to take home.
We ended the day with a delicious dinner and drinks at the Promenade Cafe in Gourdon.
Honey chose Confit de Canard (Duck)
K and myself had shrimp & scallops with a melange of other seafood,
M enjoyed the veal.
Why do the French eat snails?.............because they don't like fast food!
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