Sarlat-la-Caneda possesses the highest concentration of medieval, Renaissance and 17th-century facades of any town in France. Its prosperity was a reflection of the priviledges status it was granted in return for loyalty to the French crown during the Hundred Years' War. Behind the nondescript rue de la Republique are narrow lanes and archways, and ancient, ochre-coloured stone town houses rich in ornamental detail. Protected by law since 1962, Sarlat's buildings now form an open-air museum. The town is famous for one of the best markets in France, and for their duck cuisine.