La Salamandre (Salamander) Suite, at 85 sq m in size, has a very large bedroom equipped with a 160 cm queen bed, a separate and roomy salon, fully equipped kitchen with a handsome gas range, bath with shower and a beautiful balcony – one of the prominent features of the whole of Sarlat. There is fine woodwork of the 18th century, original parquet floors, and two monumental wooden fireplaces dating from the period of Louis XIV. (Due to fire regulations, however, both are blocked and not in use.) Tall French windows and elegant decor, including a period 17th century armoire in local walnut, make this apartment exceptional for lovers of Le Grand Siecle!

– In folklore, salamanders had fantastic powers surprising for what is a rather small, humble creature. The ‘fire salamander’ hibernated in hollow logs and with wood being the main fuel in ancient times; this may explain their sudden appearance amid flames. Withstanding fire became symbolic for endurance and loyalty. At the conclusion of the 100 Years War between France and England, the French king granted the Salamander as the badge of Sarlat to commemorate its absolute and never changing loyalty to France.

La Licorne (Unicorn) Suite, at 85 sq m, has a very large bedroom equipped with a 160 cm queen bed, a separate and equally roomy salon, fully equipped kitchen, and a luxurious bath with bidet, bathtub and shower. The kitchen seems part of the salon due to an antique iron grill over the sink that permits whoever is cooking to engage with anyone in the other room. There are two handsome fireplaces, a marble mantel in Louis XV style in the living room, and a wooden one carved with Renaissance designs in the bedroom. (Due to fire regulations, however, these are both blocked and not in use.) Large windows with antique glass panes overlook the Jardin des Morts, the tiny cobbled street, and the spire of the cathedral. This apartment exudes timeless French elegance.

– The unicorn is a legendary animal commonly shown as a symbol of purity and grace that was only able to be captured by a virgin, with its horn said to have the power to heal sickness.

Le Phenix (Phoenix) Suite is a spacious studio (35 sq m) housed in what was once the dining room of the judges’ residence dating from 1640. It is equipped with a 160 cm queen bed and a beautiful oval table for meals. There is a lovely Directoire style fireplace framed by early 19th century boiserie (due to fire regulations, blocked and not in use) and a clothes closet built in the thick stone wall that was once (believe it or not!) the judges’ privy. High ceilings, parquet flooring, and handsome antique furniture just add color to the modern comforts – a fully functional kitchenette with fridge, hot plate, sink, and microwave, plus a roomy bathroom with sink, toilet, and shower.

-The phoenix has been an enduring mythological symbol for millennia, consistently characterized as a bird with brightly colored plumage, which, after a long life, dies in a fire of its own making only to rise again from the ashes.

Le Griffon (Griffin) Suite is a spacious studio (35 sq m) housed in what was once the kitchen of the judges residence dating from 1640. There remains ‘le cantou’, the huge cooking fireplace (due to fire regulations, blocked and not in use) plus a niche with a stone sink – called an ‘evier’ in local parlance. It is equipped with a 160 cm queen bed and a beautiful round table for meals. Beamed ceilings, parquet flooring, and handsome antique furniture belie the modern comforts – a fully functional kitchenette with fridge, hot plate, sink, and microwave, plus a roomy bathroom with sink, toilet and shower.

– The griffin is a legendary creature with the body, tail, and back legs of a lion; the head and wings of an eagle; and an eagle’s talons as its front feet. Because lions are traditionally considered the king of beasts and the eagle the king of birds, the griffin was an especially powerful and majestic creature, known for guarding treasure and priceless possessions.

La Caladrius Suite is in the ‘comble’ or attic region of the house and is a quaintly beautiful room with a dormer view of the tiled and ancient rooftops of Sarlat – quite romantic! It is on the third floor and has a 140 cm (double) bed, a kitchenette and a separate bathroom with shower. At 26 sq m, the unit is perfect for a single person, or a couple who do not mind climbing the old stone staircase to the top of the house. Fully air-conditioned, it is also the quietest and most cosy of our rooms, with a small table to enjoy tea or coffee, simple meals prepared in your own kitchenette.

-The caladrius is a snow-white bird that lives in kings’ houses, and helps cure illnesses by taking the sickness unto itself and then flying away, healing both itself and its patients at the same time.