Manoir de Gisson, Manor estate in Sarlat-la-Canéda, France
The manoir de Gisson is a classified historical monument in the heart of the old town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, in the Périgord Noir. It is made up of two stone wings connected by a hexagonal stair tower, with thick walls, wooden beams, and narrow staircases inside.
The manoir de Gisson once belonged to the Gisson family, who worked as lawyers and held an influential position in Sarlat. The building survived the passing centuries and came to house collections that shed light on the practice of justice from the Middle Ages to the French Revolution.
The manoir de Gisson is known for its curiosity cabinet, which holds rare minerals, exotic objects, and unusual items gathered from around the world. From the upper floors, visitors can look out over the rooftops and narrow streets of Sarlat's old town.
The manor sits in Sarlat's old town, which is mostly pedestrian, so it is best to park outside the center and walk in. Opening hours vary by season, with longer hours during summer months.
The collection of justice instruments from the medieval period to the French Revolution has traveled to exhibitions in cities around the world. These objects returned to Sarlat and form one of the few publicly accessible collections of their kind.
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