Rocamadour, Lot
Clifftop medieval village and pilgrimage site in the Lot region
Perched on the side of a cliff, in a gorge above the river Alzou, this medieval town has a breathtaking setting.
Rocamadour has been attracting pilgrims to its religious centre of churches and abbey for centuries.
La Cité Réligieuse is the main complex of religious buildings, accessed via the Grand Escalier staircase. It includes the Chapelle Notre-Dame with its Black Madonna statue, and the Romanesque-Gothic Basilique Saint-Sauveur.
The medieval main street is narrow and lined with boutiques and shops selling everything from souvenirs to foie gras, leather goods, hippy clothing and, of course, ice cream.
The town is also home to the famous appellation-controlled Rocamadour soft goat's cheese.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998, the town also forms part of the St James' Way pilgrimage route, better known as the Camino de Santiago.
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- History & Culture in Rocamadour
- Sights & Attractions in Rocamadour
- Dining in Rocamadour
- Events in Rocamadour
- Things to do in Rocamadour
- Cycling in Rocamadour
- Hiking in Rocamadour
- Watersports in Rocamadour
- Families in Rocamadour
- Villas in Rocamadour
- Hotels in Rocamadour
- Campsites in Rocamadour
- How to get to Rocamadour
History & Culture in Rocamadour
Henry II, King of England, and Eleanor of Aquitaine are known to have visited the pilgrimage site of Rocamadour, as well as Louis XI and Charles IV. Legend has it that the preserved body of Zacchaeus (who would later become Saint Amadour) was found here, after the Virgin Mary had told him to come and live here as a hermit.
The Chapelle de Notre-Dame now houses the Black Madonna statue that the pilgrim Zacchaeus is said to have brought with him. This statue is made from two pieces of wood and is believed to have healing powers. According to the Book of Miracles written in 1172, the Black Madonna or, Our Lady of Rocamadour, cured diseases, delivered prisoners from persecution, rescued sailors and also protected many soldiers during war.
As well as being a pilgrimage site, the cliff walls are also said to house a fragment of the broken sword 'Durandal', once wielded by the 8th century hero Roland. The story is similar to that of Excalibur in England and has been embellished over the centuries in song and poetry.
Sights & Attractions in Rocamadour
There are so many things to see and do in Rocamadur that it's hard to single out any one thing of interest. Just browsing the shops and boutiques in this town is a pleasure.
But what people really come to see are the many chapels of La Cité Religieuse. This well-known pilgrimage site is set high on the cliffside and takes a fair bit of puff to reach as you climb the 216 steps to the main esplanade. Clustered together you will find seven chapels with spectacular views over the Alzou valley below. A beautiful site to worship.
In addition to the religious and medieval history of this town, you will find several prehistoric caves in the area. The Gouffre de Padirac is perhaps the most famous and popular of these, but even closer to home in the area of L'Hospitalet you will find the Grotte des Merveilles, which not only has incredible rock formations but also some examples of prehistoric art.
Sights in Rocamadour
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Grotte des Merveilles, Rocamadour
Formed in the Middle Jurasic period as much as 150 million years ago this cave offers the chance to see nature at her best. Rock formations, calcified pillars and cave paintings are amongst the sites to be seen here.
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Le Rocher des Aigles Ecoparc, Rocamadour
Nestled in the heart of the Quercy region at the very top of the town of Rocamadour this park allows you the chance to meet some wonderful birds.
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La Cite Religieuse
Overlooking the Alzou canyon, the medieval village of Rocamadour is perched on a cliff. The religious city at the heart of Rocamadour consists of seven chapels is reached by climbing the 216 steps of the Grand Escalier.
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Ramparts of Chateau de Rocamadour, Rocamadour
Sitting high on top of the town of Rocamadour is the Chateau de Rocamadour, originally built in the 14th-century to protect the sanctuaries and pilgrimage sites.
Dining in Rocamadour
There are several enticing restaurants along the main pedestrian street in the heart of the town. Many offering terrace views over the valley below and since the middle of the day is the hottest time and therefore less appealing for climbing the 216 steps to La Cité Religieuse...you might as well grab a table in the shade and enjoy the view and a good lunch.
Restaurants in Rocamadour
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Jehan de Valon Restaurant, Rocamadour
Restaurant within l'Hotel Beau Site located at the heart of the mediaeval village of Rocamadour.
Events in Rocamadour
As you might imagine with a town which makes its own cheese, the Fête des Fromages Fermiers is an annual event that celebrates the magnificent Rocamadour AOC cheese. Celebrated on Pentecost Sunday each year there is a competition for the best farmhouse cheese, plenty of cheese tasting and traditional music.
Events in Rocamadour
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Rassemblement Européen de Montgolfieres, Rocamadour
A hot air balloon fiesta in Rocamadour in late September. This gathering of European hot air balloons forms a stunning sight against the backdrop of the pilgrimage town of Rocamadour.
Things to do in Rocamadour
As we mentioned above, the walk around Rocamadour is a delight in itself. A rather long and in some places steep hike will bring you from the car park at the bottom, to the pilgrimage steps, and on further up to the château and L'Hospitalet at the top of the town.
If you prefer a more leisurely pace, you can jump on Le Petit Train which takes you from the lower car park up to the pedestrian street in the heart of the town. Even better still, there are lifts that give you access to La Cité Religieuse and another one again up to the château. Although if you can walk you really should as you wouldn't want to miss anything.
On the outskirts of Rocamadour you'll also find plenty to keep the whole family entertained, from bird of prey shows to forests filled with monkeys and aerial assault courses for all ages and skills.
Things To Do in Rocamadour
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Le Petit Train de Rocamadour, Rocamadour
In true French style Le Petit Train will take you on your short journey from the bottom of Rocamadour to the town centre above you.
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Foret des Singes Wildlife Park, Rocamadour
This wildlife park is dedicated to the Barbary Macaque monkey who roams free in the 20 hectares of woodland.
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Durandal Vs Excalibur Equestrian Show, Rocamadour
An hour long horse show and theatre production that is based on the rivalry between the English and the French with lively, action-packed fun.
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Le Rocher des Aigles Ecoparc, Rocamadour
Nestled in the heart of the Quercy region at the very top of the town of Rocamadour this park allows you the chance to meet some wonderful birds.
Cycling in Rocamadour
Cycling Routes in Dordogne
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Circular route between Ouysse & Causse, Rocamadour
Although just 25km this circular route from Rocamadour does cross some challenging terrain. Partly on river path and some parts on road, you will need to have some experience of cycling to enjoy this route fully.
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Old Railway Greenway (Voie Verte) Route, Sarlat-la-Caneda
This Voie Verte (greenway) has been created along the track of an old and now unused railway line.
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Greenway (Voie Verte) of Lalinde Canal, Lalinde
This short stretch of Voie Verte (greenway) is perfect for families looking to stretch their legs in the Dordogne countryside, without having to conquer any hills climbs.
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La Voie Verte, Perigueux
A 23km trail that follows the Isle river through the Perigord countryside from Trelissac (Charrieras) to Marsac (La Roche).
Hiking in Rocamadour
Walking Routes in Dordogne
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Cirque d'Autoire circular route, Autoire
This walk is wonderful and relaxing way to explore the valley of Autoire and the horseshoe shaped cliff band that guards it to the south-west.
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Chemin de Halage
Part of a long distance towpath, there is an interesting section cut out of the rocky cliff face between Bouziès and Saint-Cirq Lapopie which was used to drag barges along the river Lot. It's about five kilometres between the two villages and is a stunning section of the river.
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A Short Walk up Mont Saint Cyr, Cahors
With stunning views over the Lot river and the town of Cahors this walk is worth it just to enjoy the views.
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Font-Blanque Loop, Lalinde
Following part of the GR6 route through the Dordogne this walk takes you from Lalinde on a circular route through the surrounding countryside.
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La Voie Verte, Perigueux
A 23km trail that follows the Isle river through the Perigord countryside from Trelissac (Charrieras) to Marsac (La Roche).
Watersports in Rocamadour
Watersports in Dordogne
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Carennac Aventure Watersports, Carennac
Situated at the foot of Carennac village this watersports centre offers more than just fun on the water! They offer three main activities; canoeing or kayaking, group canoeing with up to six people in the same boat, and adventure trekking with overnight camping out in the wild.
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Canoes Loisirs Watersports, Vitrac
Offering various routes along the Dordogne river to enjoy the sights of the Perigord Noir region. Discover hidden treasures during a relaxing journey down the river.
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Perigord Adventure & Loisirs Canoe, Beynac-et-Cazenac
Enjoy a relaxing day close to nature as you canoe along the river and explore the waterways of this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
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Canoe Dordogne
Hire a canoe or kayak from this company and you can enjoy a gentle river cruise and the chance to explore the wonderful Dordogne river and its banks.
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Canoe Vacances, La Roque-Gageac
Enjoy a single or multi-day trip down the river Dordogne to town such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Montfort and Fayac.
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AVCK (Animation Vezere Canoe Kayak), Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
This area provides water-sports for all ages. Renowned for its architectural heritage and sites of natural beauty, you will find that paddling is a great way to relax and have fun whilst enjoying the scenery.
Families in Rocamadour
Villas in Rocamadour
Villas in Dordogne
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Maison La Seguinie Villa, Martel
A recently built house owned by an architect and an interior designer who have created a beautifully finished property that evokes the local style yet is thoroughly modern, exuding flair and taste.
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Lou Calvel Villa, Cazals
A haven of tranquillity, Lou Calvel sits within private woodland in the picturesque Lot region of South West France where the densely forested landscape teems with a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Hedgerows of bluebells, posies and colourful orchids provide both walkers and keen photographers with much to admire while local market stalls always offer a wealth of freshly harvested, seasonal produce including asparagus, herbs and a wide variety of wild mushrooms.
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La Croix Villa, Prats-du-Périgord
This recently renovated semi-detached stone village house is a delightful addition to our collection of properties in the picturesque Dordogne region. Situated along one of the narrow lanes in the village of Prats-du-Périgord, La Croix is a restoration that blends the traditional with the contemporary to great effect.
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La Cloche Villa, Prats-du-périgor
Surrounded by a patchwork of fields and forests in the picturesque Perigord Noir area, the charming village of Prats-du-Perigord, with its honey coloured stone buildings topped with pitched roofs of deep red tiles, is most typical of the region.
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La Maison Fleurie Villa, Frayssinet-le-Gelat
The undulating countryside north of the River Lot is dotted with chestnut woods and stone villages. In a tiny hamlet, close to the border with the Dordogne (3km), sits La Maison Fleurie, a picturesque stone cottage, adorned with pots of colourful flowers.
Price: £880
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Tourondel Villa, Floressas
A restorative, rural retreat is the most befitting way to describe Tourondel. Tucked away on a hillside in the glorious Lot countryside, it is a bolthole for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, an open invitation to relax, drink in the views and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature.
Hotels in Rocamadour
There are a number of small hotels within the walls of the town itself. Staying at any of these will give you wonderful direct access to the town, parking within the walls and no doubt a stunning view over the valley below. Alternatively the upper area of L'Hospitalet also offers some good accommodation choices.
Campsites in Rocamadour
How to get to Rocamadour
Situated at the eastern reaches of the Dordogne region, just within the boundaries of the Lot, Rocamadour is a stunning town perched on the side of a rather dramatic cliff that overlooks the Alzou valley and river below. The Alzou is a tributary of the Dordogne.