Narrow alleys, crooked half-timbered houses and pretty churches: Sarlat-la-Canéda in the Dordogne is a picture-book medieval town.
It has often been the backdrop for historical feature films, and the density of historic buildings is remarkable.

But the city is also known for its black truffles, which are harvested in the surrounding area and which make Sarlat the centre of the truffle trade.
Every weekend during the season, the farmers bring the precious tubers to the market, where they are evaluated and sold under strict supervision.

At peak times, the kilo of black truffle can earn several 1000 euros. And on some days the turnover at the inconspicuous stands is around 100,000 euros.
At the beginning of January the inhabitants combine the market day with a celebration - for friends of truffles, foie gras and good wine.

On the central square of the medieval centre - between the market hall, the town hall and old Renaissance houses - delicatessens, truffle farmers, cheese-makers and butchers offer their products for sale, and various stands offer small delicacies with truffles for tasting.

Near the cathedral, the Association of Truffle Producers shows on a small meadow how dogs get the precious tuber out of the ground. A
nd a few hundred metres away - in the Stadthalle - young chefs compete before a top-class jury to see who can conjure up the best truffle dish: At the Trophée Jean Rougié.