Rocamadour, a sanctuary on the rock face
Situated on the route to Santiago de Compostela, the medieval and religious town of Rocamadour clings to the side of a cliff 120 m above the Alzou canyon: a true miracle! Its proximity to Brive (less than an hour's drive) makes it one of the great sites to visit.
Rocamadour, just a few kilometres from Gramat in the Lot department, is one of the most visited historical and religious sites in France. Every year, almost a million visitors come to discover the village and, above all, the sanctuary with its seven chapels, including the Basilica of Saint-Sauveur, the Crypt of Saint-Amadour, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Chapel of Notre-Dame, built into the rock and home to the Black Madonna of Rocamadour. But such a treasure has to be earned: you have to climb over 200 steps to get there. So, are you ready for a spiritual ascent to Rocamadour?
5 good reasons to visit Rocamadour
- Admire the breathtaking panorama of the Alzou canyon from the ramparts of the Castel, then descend to the sanctuary via the Way of the Cross.
- Visit the Black Madonna of Rocamadour in the Notre-Dame chapel and see the miraculous bell.
- Discover Durandal, the sword of the knight Roland, planted in the cliff.
- Stroll along Rocamadour's only street, see its fortified gates and enjoy its shops.
- Taste and savour Rocamadour, a small goat's cheese related to Cabécou.
The Sanctuary of Rocamadour
The history of the sanctuary
When did Rocamadour begin? It's hard to say. In any case, it is certain that people were already living here in prehistoric times, as evidenced by the many paintings found on the walls of local caves.
Legend has it that a hermit by the name of Saint Amadour settled on the site around the 7th century and dug his first chapel into the rock.
From the year 1000 onwards, the site was dedicated to the cult of the Virgin Mary and the first pilgrimages began. In the 12th century, Rocamadour even became one of the main holy places of Christianity, alongside Jerusalem, Rome and Santiago de Compostela. At the request of the Abbot of Saint-Martin, the construction of the sanctuary began at the same time, comprising the Basilica of Saint-Sauveur, which surmounts the crypt containing the remains of Saint Amadour, as well as the various chapels and churches on the site.
In the 13th century, a defensive building called "the Castle" was built on the plateau overlooking the sanctuary to protect it. Later, in the 19th century, a Way of the Cross was built to link the heights of the sanctuary with the centre of Rocamadour.
The Black Virgin of Rocamadour
Contrary to what Gérard Blanchard's song says, there are no wolves in Rocamadour. But there is a love, or rather an intense devotion, to the Virgin Mary. For centuries, pilgrims have been coming to the heart of the Notre-Dame-de-Rocamadour chapel to pray to her. Inside, they meditate before the famous Vierge Noire de Rocamadour, a 12th-century walnut statue of Mary holding her son Jesus in her arms.
Over the centuries, Notre-Dame-de-Rocamadour is said to have performed many miracles. In particular, she is considered to be the patron saint of sailors, having repeatedly saved men from peril at sea by ringing the "miraculous" bell that hangs from one of the vaults in her chapel.
Rocamadour and Durandal, Roland's sword
Rocamadour is a place of mystery, thanks to the many miracles and legends that surround it. One legend is more prominent than the others, and it is linked to the knight Roland, from the famous medieval poem The song of Roland. During the battle of Roncesvalles against the Saracens, the valiant knight was seriously wounded. Not wanting the enemy to steal his sword, the aptly named Durandal, he tries to break it against a rock. But to no avail: the object resists. He asked for help from the archangel Saint Michael, who carried the legendary sword to Rocamadour and planted it in the cliff. Today, it still hangs proudly from the rock near the Notre-Dame chapel.
What else can you do in Rocamadour?
Discover the village of Rocamadour
The town of Rocamadour is certainly famous for its religious sanctuary, but that's not all there is to see. Starting with the village of Rocamadour, which has the unusual feature of being built around a single street, the rue de la Couronnerie. Along the way, you can admire the many fortified gates that once protected access to the sanctuary. Of course, you can't leave Rocamadour without tasting (and bringing back!) the little goat's cheese that bears its name. You're bound to find what you're looking for in one of the many shops lining the rue de la Couronnerie.
Hiking in Rocamadour
If the 200-odd steps leading up to the sanctuary haven't got the better of you, what about a short hike around Rocamadour? There are five walking routes of varying length and difficulty:
- The stone and water trail, 5.9 km long;
- The 3 caves loop, 8.6 km;
- Between Ouysse et Alzou, an 8.9km circuit;
- The Alzou canyon, a 14.3 km circuit;
- The path to Rocamadour and the 2 valleys, a 16.1 km circuit.
It is also possible to cycle along the "Betwee Ouysse and Causse" route, which is 25,5 km long.
The not-to-be-missed events in Rocamadour
The week and the Marian feasts
If pilgrims flock to Rocamadour all year round, their number intensifies at the beginning of September with the celebration of the birth of the Virgin Mary on September 8. On the agenda for Marian week : masses, processions and services to honor the one who watches over the sanctuary . And every month, feasts are also organized in her honor around various activities.
The Montgolfiades of Rocamadour
The Montgolfiades de Rocamadour take to the skies on the fourth weekend in September. A unique event in Europe, the two-day event is punctuated by the flight of numerous hot-air balloons. It's a great way to get a bird's eye view of the Alzou canyon.
The Brive-Rocamadour walk
The legendary Brive-Rocamadour is a mountain bike and walking tour held every year in March. It's the perfect way to leave your mark on the tracks and paths between Brive and Rocamadour.
Practical information
Where is Rocamadour?
Rocamadour is 10 km from Gramat, and around 50 km from Brive and Sarlat. It takes about an hour to get there by car from Brive.
How do I get to Rocamadour without a car?
There are trains from Brive-La-Gaillarde to Rocamadour. Please note: the station is 5 km from the town (on foot or by taxi). See our regularly updated "Visiting without a car" section and download the document.
To visit and hike in Rocamadour
The team at the Dordogne Valley Tourist Office welcome you to their office at L'Hospitalet in Rocamadour. Alternatively, call 05 65 33 22 00.
Everything you need to know about Rocamadour
To help you organise your visit to Rocamadour, we've put together a practical guide which you can find here.
Bon plan Rocamadour out of season
You can't pass through the area and not go to Rocamadour. This village suspended in the mountains, wedged between heaven and earth, is a place of pilgrimage where, it is said, Durandal, Roland's sword, was carried by the Archangel Saint Michael. Nearby is the most famous chasm in France: Padirac. Take a boat trip there and you'll find yourself right back where Jules Verne started... All this in a handkerchief: a truly extraordinary journey.
Medieval village of Rocamadour,
46500 Rocamadour
05 55 24 08 80 (Brive Agglomération Tourist Office)
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