Jardin des Enfeus - Image 1
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Jardin des Enfeus Sarlat-la-Canéda

4.5
·27 reviews·Sarlat-la-Canéda, France

An ancient abbey cemetery in Sarlat-la-Canéda, famous for its captivating summer sound and light shows that bring history to life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer Evenings

Magical sound and light shows

CrowdMedium
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Jardin des Enfeus - Image 1

Jardin des Enfeus Sarlat-la-Canéda

Best Time

Summer Evenings

Magical sound and light shows

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An ancient abbey cemetery in Sarlat-la-Canéda, famous for its captivating summer sound and light shows that bring history to life.

4.5
(27 reviews)

"A magical retelling of Sarlat's history through light and sound, set in an ancient cemetery."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Evening Shows Early

Summer evening sound and light shows are popular; book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

🚶‍♀️ Easy to Miss Entrance

The entrance is on the left behind the cathedral. Look for signs, as they can be subtle.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sound and Light Show

Sound and Light Show

Jardin des Enfeus

A captivating evening spectacle that brings Sarlat's rich history to life through projections and sound.

Ancient Abbey Cemetery

Ancient Abbey Cemetery

Behind Sarlat Cathedral

Explore medieval arcosolium tombs and tombstones with potential Templar symbols, offering a glimpse into the past.

Lantern of the Dead

Lantern of the Dead

Small slope behind the Garden

An enigmatic 13th-century circular structure that stands as a silent guardian over the ancient cemetery.

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Planning Your Visit

Evening Spectacle Magic

Experience the Jardin des Enfeus' sound and light show, a magical retelling of Sarlat's history. Best enjoyed on summer evenings when the town is alive with activity. Book tickets in advance to secure your spot for this unique historical journey.

Uncover Medieval Secrets

Explore this ancient abbey cemetery, a treasure trove for medieval history enthusiasts. Discover arcosolium tombs and enigmatic Templar symbols. Note that summer arena events might partially obscure some areas, so check schedules.

Best Times

When
Summer Evenings
Why
Magical sound and light shows
Crowd
Medium
When
Daytime (off-season)
Why
Quieter exploration of history
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

À voir absolument cet été en Dordogne : Les jardins de Marqueyssac aux Chandelles, tous les jeudis soirs de juillet et d’août de 19h à minuit (dernière entrée vers 23h). Paons, bougies, fées , musiciens et vue splendide sur la vallée et les montgolfières 🕯️🌿 ℹ️ Dates : du 3 juillet au 28 août 2025 Si tu aimes ce contenu, n’hésite pas à t’abonner, ça fait chaud au cœur ! ❤️ #VlogFrance #Marqueyssac...
@brindefrance
18.1K likes • 266.3K views

🎟️ Book Evening Shows Early

Summer evening sound and light shows are popular; book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Easy to Miss Entrance

The entrance is on the left behind the cathedral. Look for signs, as they can be subtle. Reddit

Bienvenue dans le monde imaginaire des Jardins de Marqueyssac ! 😍🇫🇷 Ici c’est 6km de promenades à travers 22ha de 150 000 buis centenaires taillés à la main ! 🌳 Depuis le belvédère des jardins vous aurez une vue incroyable sur les châteaux de Castelnaud et Beynac ainsi que sur le village de La-Roque-Gageac au bord de la Dordogne ✨ Tables de pique-nique, bancs, hamacs, buvettes, restaurant.. Tout e...
@julianontheroute
9.1K likes • 199.3K views
Le lifeguard 🏊‍♂️ 🐶de la Dordogne 😃 @aucoteaudespechs ———————————— #jardindemarqueyssac #perigordnoir #laroquegageac #dordogne #vacancesendordogne #vacancesenfrance #sarlatlacaneda🇫🇷 #dordogneperigordtourisme #velo#sarlatourisme #sarlatlacanéda #nouvelleaquitaine #instaquitaine #chateaudecastelnaud #beynacetcazenac #dommeperigord #domme #francetourisme #france #voyage #balade #visitfrance #vis...
aucoteaudespechs
48 likes • 0 views

🧐 History Buffs Rejoice

This ancient cemetery is fascinating for its medieval tombs and potential Templar connections. Reddit

☀️ Summer Arena Impact

Be aware that summer arena events might temporarily cover parts of the cemetery. Reddit

Les oies de Sarlat !!! @aucoteaudespechs ———————————— #jardindemarqueyssac #perigordnoir #laroquegageac #dordogne #vacancesendordogne #vacancesenfrance #sarlatlacaneda🇫🇷 #dordogneperigordtourisme #velo#sarlatourisme #sarlatlacanéda #nouvelleaquitaine #instaquitaine #chateaudecastelnaud #beynacetcazenac #dommeperigord #gastronomie #francetourisme #france #voyage #balade #visitfrance #visitelafr...
aucoteaudespechs
42 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Evening Shows Early

Summer evening sound and light shows are popular; book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Easy to Miss Entrance

The entrance is on the left behind the cathedral. Look for signs, as they can be subtle. Reddit

🧐 History Buffs Rejoice

This ancient cemetery is fascinating for its medieval tombs and potential Templar connections. Reddit

☀️ Summer Arena Impact

Be aware that summer arena events might temporarily cover parts of the cemetery. Reddit

✨ Enchanting Projections

The light projections on the cathedral facades telling Sarlat's story are a highlight. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(27 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Jardin des Enfeus' sound and light show a magical way to experience Sarlat's history, with beautiful projections on the cathedral. While some find the show a bit short and pricey, the historical significance of the ancient cemetery and the enigmatic 'Lantern of the Dead' are highly appreciated by history buffs. The charming town of Sarlat itself adds to the overall positive experience.

"Mapping show retracing the history of Sarlat: a treat for young and old!! I really wanted to see the virtual troubadour become a real character…. :)"

MARIE-LAURE VEYRAT-MASSON

"A place that offers a sound and light show on summer evenings, very nice, it tells the history of Sarlat but a little short, expensive for the duration, and the animation of the salamanders whose tails move backwards 1 time out of 2 is a shame, great work by the town's historians"

jp armstrong

"Pass through Sarlat-la-Canéda to visit this beautiful town and stop at the Jardin d'Enfeu for an incredibly magnificent sound and light show 🤩
Sarlat is a lively town 😍😍 with beautiful buildings and narrow streets"

Cécilia Caron

What People Like

Magical sound and light show
Historical cemetery
Charming Sarlat town

What People Dislike

Show duration/price
Minor animation glitches

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Jardin des Enfeus is located behind the Sarlat Cathedral. Access is on foot to the left of the cathedral. While signs are present, they can be subtle, so keep an eye out. Reddit

Parking is available in the town of Sarlat-la-Canéda. From the parking areas, you can walk to the cathedral and then find the entrance to the Jardin des Enfeus. Instagram

Sarlat-la-Canéda is a well-connected town in the Dordogne region, accessible by car and public transport from major cities. Instagram

Exploring Sarlat-la-Canéda on foot is highly recommended to appreciate its narrow streets and historic architecture. Instagram

Yes, the Jardin des Enfeus is located behind the Sarlat Cathedral, and the charming town of Sarlat-la-Canéda itself offers many historical sites and beautiful streets to explore. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets are required for the evening sound and light shows. It's advisable to book these in advance, especially during peak summer season. TikTok

The Jardin des Enfeus is primarily known for its summer evening sound and light shows. Specific daytime visiting hours may vary, and it's best to check the official schedule. TikTok

The cost is primarily associated with the evening sound and light shows, which some visitors have found to be a bit expensive for the duration. Reddit

While the main draw is the evening show, the ancient cemetery itself can be explored. However, parts might be covered by steps for summer arena events. Reddit

Information on discounts is not widely available, but it's always a good idea to check the official website or inquire directly for any potential offers. TikTok

🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience

The show retraces the history of Sarlat-la-Canéda, bringing its past to life through projections on the cathedral facades and engaging soundscapes. Reddit

Yes, the sound and light show is generally considered a treat for both young and old, offering an engaging historical narrative. Reddit

You can explore an ancient abbey cemetery with arcosolium bourgeois tombs, simple tombstones from the 12th-14th centuries, and potentially Templar-associated cruciform symbols. Reddit

It's an enigmatic 13th-century circular structure located on a small slope behind the garden, believed to watch over the cemetery. Reddit

Some visitors have noted minor technical glitches, such as the animation of salamanders' tails moving backward intermittently. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The sound and light show itself offers unique photographic opportunities with the projections on the cathedral. The ancient tombs and the Lantern of the Dead are also visually striking. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally permitted during the show, but be mindful of other attendees and avoid using flash that could disrupt the experience. TikTok

Absolutely! Sarlat-la-Canéda is renowned for its picturesque medieval streets, historic buildings, and charming floral displays, making it a photographer's paradise. Instagram

A camera with good low-light performance is ideal for the evening show. For daytime exploration, a versatile lens for capturing architecture and street scenes would be beneficial. Instagram

Drone usage is typically regulated in historic town centers and near attractions. It's essential to check local regulations before flying a drone in Sarlat-la-Canéda. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The sound and light show at the Jardin des Enfeus is a fantastic experience for families, offering an engaging and visually stimulating way to learn about Sarlat's history. Reddit The magical atmosphere created by the projections and music is captivating for children. The town of Sarlat-la-Canéda itself is also very family-friendly, with plenty of open spaces and interesting sights to discover. Instagram

Consider bringing snacks and drinks for younger children, and be prepared for a bit of walking around the town. The historical elements of the cemetery might be more appreciated by older children or those with a keen interest in history. Reddit

🏛️ History Enthusiasts

For those passionate about medieval history, the Jardin des Enfeus is a must-visit. The ancient abbey cemetery provides a tangible connection to the past, with its arcosolium tombs and tombstones bearing intriguing symbols. Reddit The potential Templar connections add an extra layer of mystery and historical intrigue. Reddit

Don't miss the 'Lantern of the Dead,' a unique historical structure that adds to the site's enigmatic aura. Visiting during the day allows for a more focused exploration of these historical remnants, though be mindful of potential obstructions from summer arena setups. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Sarlat-la-Canéda, and by extension the Jardin des Enfeus, offers incredible photographic opportunities. The evening sound and light show provides dramatic scenes with projections on the cathedral, perfect for capturing unique shots. TikTokReddit During the day, the medieval streets, historic architecture, and the ancient cemetery itself are highly photogenic. Instagram+1

Bring a camera with good low-light capabilities for the show and a versatile lens for daytime exploration. The 'Lantern of the Dead' and the details of the ancient tombs are also excellent subjects. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Enchanting Evening Spectacle

The Jardin des Enfeus truly comes alive after dark with its captivating sound and light show. This immersive experience retells the rich history of Sarlat-la-Canéda, projecting vibrant visuals onto the facades of the adjacent cathedral. Visitors often describe it as a magical journey through time, making it a must-see during summer evenings. Reddit The show is designed to be engaging for all ages, blending historical narratives with impressive visual and auditory effects. Reddit

While the show is a highlight, some attendees have noted that it can feel a bit short for the price, and occasional technical glitches, like the salamander animations, have been observed. Reddit Nevertheless, the overall sentiment is positive, with many finding it a unique and memorable way to connect with the town's heritage. It's recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during July and August, as it's a popular attraction. TikTok

A Glimpse into Medieval History

Beyond the evening spectacle, the Jardin des Enfeus holds significant historical value as an ancient abbey cemetery. This site offers a fascinating look into medieval burial practices and beliefs. You can explore arcosolium bourgeois tombs, which are elaborate tomb structures, and simple tombstones dating back to the 12th to 14th centuries. Reddit

Intriguingly, some of these tombstones bear cruciform symbols, which have led to speculation about connections with the Knights Templar. Reddit Adding to the mystique is the presence of the 'Lantern of the Dead,' an enigmatic 13th-century circular structure that stands guard over the garden from a nearby slope. Reddit It's worth noting that during the summer months, the cemetery might be partially covered by steps for an adjacent summer arena, which could affect the viewing experience of certain historical elements. Reddit

Exploring Sarlat-la-Canéda

The Jardin des Enfeus is nestled within the heart of Sarlat-la-Canéda, a town renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved medieval architecture. Wandering through its narrow, winding streets, you'll discover beautiful stone buildings, distinctive tiled roofs, and charming squares. Instagram+1 The town itself is a living museum, offering a delightful experience for history buffs and casual explorers alike. Instagram

Nearby attractions include the Sarlat Cathedral, which serves as a backdrop for the light show, and the picturesque Dordogne River valley. Instagram You can also find local markets, quaint shops, and excellent restaurants serving regional specialties. Instagram Many visitors enjoy exploring Sarlat on foot or by bike, taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant historic town. Instagram

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