Candlelit streets in Sarlat
 

I've seen some beautiful photos of the candlelit streets in Sarlat. When does it occur?

We will be in Sarlat from Fri. Sept. 14, 2012 to Fri. Sept, 21, 2012. Any chance of seeing this?

Candlelit? I've never, ever seen that, though that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Sarlat was completely restored in 1962 by André Malraux, who was Minister of Culture at the time. The restoration included lighting the city with the original gas lamps, which is how the city is now lit. There are other signs of Malraux's work all over the city.

Have you seen this thread from last year?

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...rd-weekend.cfm

The lights look wonderful - I think they're luminaries.

I just looked at another photo - they're votives.

Herritage Day---that's it.

3rd weekend----I've tried to look it up but can't seem to get the exact dates.

Sept. 1st is a Sat. so that would make it Sat. Sept. 15th & Sun. Sept. 16th, correct?

If so, that's exciting because we will be there at that time and it's my birthday.

I think I also read somewhere (forgive me, I've been reading so many posts lately) that on Sun. Sept. 16th it is also Herritage Days at Eyrignac Gardens.

If so, I think our plan will be to stay in Sarlat on Sat. the 15th for the market, have my birthday dinner either at Le Grand Bleu(for the special occasion) or Le Presidial( I love having dinner outside in a picturesque spot) It's hard to decide which to choose. Then of course walk the streets that will be lit up for my birthday---haha!

Oh right, Les Jours du Patrimoine...looks like you'll be there:

http://www.journeespatrimoine.com/

As I said, I did see many photos of this but now I can't find them.
Anyone?

http://www.garethkirklandphotography...&id=224&cat=12

http://www.garethkirklandphotography...&id=239&cat=14

http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-pho....jpg/tpod.html

This explains the statue of a saint holding a votive candle on the level of the second story window in our Sarlat rental. I have no idea how they light it because it is on a steep street.

The Journees du Patrimoine this year will be 15 and 16 September. On the Saturday night there are usually about 10 000 candles lit in the streets of Saralt. Basically every window sill, wall, etc - anything flat - will have a candle. There are also usually concerts, and sometimes tours through less visited buildings. Although we stopped going because there were just too many people trying to go through the same buildings. It is, however, a wonderful sight, especially if the stars are out. One of my favourite memories is of the rather Byzantine top of the cathedral outlined against the sky, with the full moon at the side. Highly recommended, although there will be lots of people.

have a wonderful time in sarlat...we loved it there- do not miss the saturday morning market-yummy!!!

Even though it will be crowded, it looks wonderful.

Does anyone know how late the streets are lit with candles? So we can plan what time to go to dinner and then have time to check out the streets afterward.

Also, would one of the restaurants (not a casual place, but a nicer place, any price) be overlooking the streets lit up?

So far, Le Grande Bleu looks a bit stuffy and all of the cute restaurants with views seem to be out of town--don't want to move the car on that day. Would prefer to just enjoy Sarlat for the day and night.

All of our other days & nights we will take advantage of the other towns. I've made so many notes from all of the posts & trip reviews. If we hit all the restaurants recommended, I'll have to go on a diet when we return.

The candles are lit as it starts getting dark, and are on until they burn out. Le Grand Bleu is not in the centre of town, and so would not be overlooking any interesting streets - just the train station!

Probably le Presidial would be your best bet. It's a wonderful location, and assuming that the weather is good, you could sit outside surrounded by the spectacle.
http://www.linternaute.com/restauran...residial.shtml

As it sounds as if you will be staying in Sarlat, I would definitely not try to go anywhere else on this very busy day, and take advantage of being in town itself.

sounds great TPAYT...we will be just leaving Rome when you arrive...will be looking forward to hearing about your trip!

Yes, we will be staying right in the very busy, middle of Sarlat. Here's the place we've rented:

http://www.perigord-locations.fr/ren...rd-rentals.php

Le Presidial sounds like the place we 'll go for dinner that night. I think I'll email the apt. manager to make a reservation for us at about 19:30-20:00. Last year the weather in Sept. in France was fantastic, we're hoping for a repeat.

denisea--Rome is beautiful, we loved the Piazza Navona. I'll be watching for your TR also. I hope that you have no ssssnakes on the plane over.

StCirq, Carlux-----somehow my Fodors name has no style compared to yours. Your names bring up images of the lovely French countryside---my name looks like a typo!

It helps to live in a village that 'brings up images of the French countryside'