Rocamadour, once one of Europe’s top pilgrimage sites, today offers stunningly dramatic views, a nice walk down to explore its cathedral built into a cliff, and thousands of years of history. The site began with the discovery of one of France’s “Black Virgin” statues and at its prime in the 14th century, serviced 30,000 pilgrims a day.
From the Chateau, 150m above the chapel, walk down the paved Way of the Cross following signs pointing to Sanctuaires. Once you make it to the cathedral, you’ll enjoy a church built onto the cliff ledge with 7 chapels surrounding the adjacent square. You can see the black virgin in the Chapel of Our Lady, the tomb of St. Amadour (1166) and the Sword of Roland (Charlemagne’s nephew) stuck in the cliffside.
Once you finish, you can continue down the hill to the lower town, or La Cite Medievale. The town is a long rambling street below the sanctuary that’s been operational since the 1100s. Head into the art gallery of Veronique Guinard and Richard Begyn (just look for signs) and for some beautiful paintings of the town and Lot Valley.
Of note, the best place to park is at at Chateau parking, near the Chateau. The Chateau now acts as pilgrim accommodations for those on the pilgrimage trek. In addition, the buildings are all lit up at night.
Hours:
Daily, 08:00-19:00