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MARQUAY
Planning a spring break in the Dordogne? Easter 2026 in Sarlat and the Périgord Noiris an ideal time to discover the region: medieval villages, family activities, green nature and local gastronomy, all before the summer crowds.
In 2026, Easter Monday falls on April 6, which marks the true start of the tourist season in the Périgord Noir.
📅 Easter 2026 Dates
- Good Friday:April 3, 2026
- Easter Sunday:April 5, 2026
- Easter Monday: April 6, 2026
The spring school holidays take place in April, with many activities organized around Sarlat and throughout the Dordogne.
🐣 Easter events in Sarlat-la-Canéda
Great Easter Egg Hunt in Sarlat
📍 Historic center of Sarlat | 🗓️ Monday, April 6, 2026
The unmissable Easter event in Sarlat is the great egg hunt , organized in the historic center, around the Place de la Liberté.
Thousands of colored eggs are hidden in the medieval streets. Children collect them to exchange for chocolates and surprises, creating a festive and friendly atmosphere throughout the city.
Namely:
- A very popular and family-friendly event
- Usually held in the morning
- Free or low-cost participation
- It is advisable to arrive early
Even without participating, it's a pleasure to stroll around Sarlat that day and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
🏰 Events and heritage around Sarlat
Castles in Celebration – Dordogne
🗓️ From April 11 to May 3, 2026
Every spring, the Dordogne celebrates its heritage with Châteaux en Fête (Castles in Celebration). Many castles near Sarlat offer:
- Special guided tours
- Children's entertainment
- Workshops, shows and demonstrations
Among the castles easily accessible from Sarlat:
- Beynac Castle
- Castelnaud Castle
- Puymartin Castle
- Château des Milandes
This is one of the best times of year to visit the castles of the Périgord Noir.
🌿 Outdoor activities in spring
Walks and villages of the Périgord Noir
April offers pleasant temperatures and nature in full renewal. Ideal activities at Easter:
- Walks along the Dordogne
- Hiking around Sarlat
- Visits to villages such as Domme, Beynac-et-Cazenac or La Roque-Gageac
Canoeing on the Dordogne
Depending on river conditions, canoe rentalsoften reopen in early April. A peaceful and spectacular way to discover the valley.
🌸Gardens and family activities
Eyrignac Gardens – Easter activities
Located near Sarlat, theEyrignac Gardensregularly offers Easter games and trailsduring school holidays. Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons to visit them.
Aquarium of the Périgord Noir – Le Bugue
Popular with families, the aquarium usually organizes special events for Easter, ideal for a half-day outing.
Prehistoric sites
Major sites like Lascaux IV, caves and prehistoric parks are open at Easter and less crowded than in summer.
🧺 Sarlat markets and Easter gastronomy
Markets of Sarlat
- Saturday morning market– Place de la Liberté
- Wednesday Market– City Center
They are among the most beautiful markets in Dordogne and allow you to discover local products: cheeses, walnuts, duck specialties, chocolates and seasonal products.
Restaurants in Sarlat
At Easter, many restaurants fully reopen, and terraces once again bring life to the medieval streets.
⭐ Why visit Sarlat at Easter?
- Mild and pleasant climate
- Traditional Easter activities
- Tourist sites open without the summer crowds
- An ideal destination for families and couples
- Lush, green, and flowery landscapes
- Authentic atmosphere of the Périgord Noir
📌 Tips for your stay at Easter 2026
- Book your accommodation in advance for the Easter weekend
- Check the exact times of events as your stay approaches.
- Alternate visits to Sarlat with excursions in the surrounding countryside
Easter 2026 in Sarlat and Périgord Noir is a perfect time to discover the Dordogne in its best light, between traditions, nature and art of living.
