Perched on the side of a cliff, in a gorge above the river Alzou, this medieval town has a breathtaking setting.
Rocamadour, Lot
Clifftop medieval village and pilgrimage site in the Lot region
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.
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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Beaujolais Nouveau 
Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
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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Le Rocher des Aigles Ecoparc, Rocamadour
Bird park with eagles, vultures, owls & many more winged species
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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Grotte des Merveilles, Rocamadour
Prehistoric cave with examples of rock formations & cave paintings
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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Ramparts of Chateau de Rocamadour, Rocamadour 
Ramparts of Chateau de Rocamadour, Rocamadour
Remains of 14th-century fort intended to protect la Cite Religieuse
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.
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La Cite Religieuse
The many pilgrimage sites of Le Sanctuaire de Rocamadour
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.
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
Elegant restaurant with panoramic views
Restaurant within l'Hotel Beau Site located at the heart of the mediaeval village 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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Durandal Vs Excalibur Equestrian Show, Rocamadour
Historical drama told with amazing equestrian acrobatics
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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Foret des Singes Wildlife Park, Rocamadour
See the endangered Barbary Macaque roaming in this wildlife park
This wildlife park is dedicated to the Barbary Macaque monkey who roams free in the 20 hectares of woodland.
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Le Rocher des Aigles Ecoparc, Rocamadour
Bird park with eagles, vultures, owls & many more winged species
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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Le Petit Train de Rocamadour, Rocamadour
Train tour from the car park to the centre of 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.
Watersports in Rocamadour
Watersports in Rocamadour
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Carennac Aventure Watersports, Carennac
Canoeing, kayaking and hiking along the Dordogne river
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
Kayak & canoe rental on the Dordogne river south of Sarlat
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
Canoe hire on the Dordogne river through the beautiful Perigord
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
Enjoy a gentle kayak down the river Dordogne from La Roque Gageac
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
Canoe holidays on the river Dordogne
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
Explore the Vézère valley from the peace & tranquillity of the river
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.
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Holiday Rentals in Rocamadour
Holiday Rentals in Rocamadour
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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.
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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.
Hotels in Rocamadour
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La Terrasse Hotel, Meyronne
Former summer residence of the bishops of Tulle
From the early 11th century, this castle was coveted by several turbulent lords. It then became the summer residence of the bishops of Tulle, and successively had to endure the wars of religion followed by those of the French Revolution.
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La Lysiane B&B, Gourdon
Ecological with authentic charm
An ecological approach is the name of the game in this blissful guest house. Sound proofed rooms, towering wooden beams, antique furnishings and luxurious linen creates a luxurious, yet relaxing environment for you to relish. Located in the heart of the Perigord-Quercy, this is an ideal spot to explore the many wonders of the region.
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La Metairie des Songes B&B, Gourdon
1780's building set in 3.5 hectares of gardens & woodland
Overlooking its own private valley and surrounded by beautiful countryside, La Matairie is a stunning location from which to explore or simply to relax and take in everything around you. Wooden beams, stone walls and a fireplace showcase the original building, but all has been arranged with comforting class, creating an intriguing and inviting atmosphere.
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Le Beaulieu Hotel, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne
Peaceful living in medieval Beaulieu
Located just a 5 minutes stroll from the riverbanks of the Dordogne and situated in the centre of the picture perfect medieval town, the hotel is the perfect spot from which you can explore or simply enjoy your harmonious surroundings.
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Le Turenne Hotel, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne
12th Century building on formerly fortified city walls
Le Turenne is full of character and features a number of intriguing centrepieces, including a 15th century spiral stone staircase, large arched windows and a sizeable terrace.
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Les Flots Bleus Hotel, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne
'The house full of light...'
Set on the Rivière Espèrance in peaceful Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, you will immediately feel the calm as you hear the water pass and relax on the terrace or in your contemporary styled room.
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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.
Property For Sale in Rocamadour
Property for Sale in Rocamadour
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Chateau Domme, Domme - Ref.MP112594 
Chateau Domme, Domme - Ref.MP112594
The chateau is located in a calm area close to the shops, 45 minutes from Brive airport and 75 minutes for Bergerac airport.
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Chateau For Sale, Sarlat-la-Caneda - Ref.13318
In a typical environment of the Dordogne, superb set of properties with a mansion with a living room of 68m2 and 6 rooms and a listed 3 bedrooms cottages and private pool, a second holiday 3 bedrooms, large heated pool, in a lovely over 1.8 hectares garden.
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Character Property, Montignac - Ref.MP112569 
Character Property, Montignac - Ref.MP112569
This property is located close to the village shops, about 10 minutes from Montignac town and 40 minutes from Brive airport.
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Les Eyzies Property For Sale - REF 3380612, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
The property,dating from the 17th century, lies in a quiet, open valley, fed by a small stream.
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Character Property, Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin - Ref.MP112684 
Character Property, Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin - Ref.MP112684
Located about 50 minutes away from Bergerac airport, this house has a living space of 265m2 and a garden of 6398m2 of land.
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Paunat House, Tremolat - Ref.2014
Perigord authentic house with about 160m2 living space surrounded by a lovely garden and orchard of 1600m2.
