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Rocamadour Travel Guide

Travel to Rocamadour - Medieval Houses , Limestone Cliffs

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Rocamadour is located in the Parc Naturel Régional des Causses du Quercy, close to the river Dordogne in the department of Lot. The medieval houses of this beautiful and not-to-be-missed town are built in stages up the side of limestone cliffs on the right bank of the river Alzou. The town has become a pilgrimage site with visitors climbing flights of steps which ascend from the lower town to a group of churches, half-way up the cliff.

Rocamadour is known as the site where the body of St Amadour was discovered near the town’s chapel in 1166, this event led to a succession of miracles in the town and it soon became a major pilgrimage site and a staging post on the road to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The town, significant for its seven chapels which, since the early Middle Ages, have made up the shrine dedicated to Our Lady, welcomes 1.5 million visitors and pilgrims each year.

Attractions in Rocamadour

The Grand Escalier takes you to the 12th-century Religious City at the top, which consists of seven chapels. A further climb up the Chemin de Croix will be rewarded with exceptional views of the Dordogne from the ramparts of the 14th-century château. Chapelle Notre Dame built in 1479 contains a wooden Black Madonna reputed to have been carved by St Amadour. The church of St Sauveur’s interior walls are covered with paintings and inscriptions recalling the pilgrimages of celebrated persons. Located underneath is the subterranean church of St Amadour built in 1166 which contains relics of the saint.

Other nearby attractions include the Rocher des Aigles birds of prey conservation centre and the Forêt des Singes monkey sanctuary. Locally made Rocamadour cheese, also known as "cabecou of Rocamadour", is made from an ancient recipe made from goat's milk. This local delicacy is an exceptionally smooth cheese that melts in the mouth.

Activities in Rocamadour

The town can be visited in a day which will give plenty of time to see the main attractions.

Relaxing

The town has many eateries in which you can sample the local delicacies including the famous Rocamadour cheese.

Getting Around

Travellers arriving at the Rocamadour-Padirac Station can take a taxi to the town and from there it is a walk up a winding road which leads from the village at the base of the hill to the top.