The 7 things to do in Rocamadour

Passing through the Lot? Make a stop to visit Rocamadour, a charming village nestled on the cliffside above the Alzou canyon.

Lovely and picturesque, Rocamadour is amazed by its position and its beauty! Featuring the Alzou canyon, the village perched on the mountainside lies in the lush landscapes of the Lot. In this green setting, the medieval City of the city draws, stands in balance along the steep cliff. World renowned, the village is a sanctuary for both the Black Virgin and for the beliefs and legends of everyone. Thus visiting Rocamadour is discovering a place of pilgrimage where time seems to have stopped.

We have prepared for you this guide some essential things to do in Rocamadour. Follow the guide!

1. Medieval City

The first building that we see when we arrive, the medieval city flows through the rocky and green landscape of Rocamadour. Visiting Rocamadour without wandering in this high place of pilgrimage is impossible. However, in order to access it you must deserve it! Indeed, it is necessary to climb the 216 steps of the Grand Escalier before you can admire the vestiges of the past. However, for the less courageous people or people with reduced mobility, an elevator allows you to go up to the sanctuary. Once you arrive (after a break, because 216 steps is not nothing!) you can see the neo-Gothic vestiges of the City.

The City is free, however if you want to ride the ramparts, you will have to pay 2€ . The opening hours of the City vary according to the periods:

• April to June: 8h-20h
• July and August: 7:15 to 22:00
• September: 8h to 21h30
• The rest of the year: 8:30-18:30

2. Religious buildings

As an ancient pilgrimage site, Rocamadour is full of religious buildings that it would be a shame to miss. All of them grouped in the same place, on the Parvis des Églises, the sanctuaries are allowed to show all their greatness to the tourists who came to admire them.

• La Chapelle Notre-Dame de Rocamadour : In turn, destroyed during the Wars of Religion and then during the Revolution, Notre-Dame Chapel was renovated in the nineteenth century. A world-renowned pilgrims rush to admire his bell dating from the 9th century, but especially his famous Black Virgin. Visiting Rocamadour without seeing her would be a mistake especially that it is here that excels, the miracles (according to legend).
• The Church (the crypt) Saint-Amadour: his atypical situation will amaze more than one during the visit. Indeed, the Church of Saint-Amadour is under the Basilica of Saint-Sauveur. Amazing and original, it is a true masterpiece blending with perfection Roman art and Gothic art.
• Saint-Sauveur Basilica of Rocamadour: Romano-ogival style, this place is atypical because its interior consists of a wooden mezzanine. In addition, you can admire a magnificent Christ made of polychrome wood from the 16th century.
• La Chapelle Saint-Michel : This is probably the most majestic building in the City. Inside, you find beautiful frescoes trace scenes such as the Annunciation and the Visitation, but also a splendid Christ in majesty is surrounded by evangelists.

3. Le Rocher des Aigles

Not far from the ramparts is a breeding and breeding centre for raptors called Rocher des Aigles. And yes, visiting Rocamadour is also discovering a wild fauna and flora. This activity, which will appeal both to small and large, allows you to discover many species of birds and to be sensitized to the protection of these animals and their environment. At the end of the visit, you will have the chance to attend an exceptional show of falconry.

As far as prices are concerned, prices are 11€ for adults and 7€ for children under the age of 13. In addition, the park is not open all year round, so think about checking out before visiting Rocamadour.

4. Local gastronomy

Visiting Rocamadour is also a treat for your taste buds! The gourmets will be delighted because the region is full of delights that will put the water in your mouth! Here are the most famous:

• First, the famous cheese Rocamadour ! This goat cheese is mellow and mellow in the mouth. It tastes fresh so that all aromas burst into the mouth. We advise you to marry him to a glass of wine like Cahors. If you're fondu cheese lover, why not try a rocaclette (rocamadour and raclette)?
• Then, the mic is the dish to be enjoyed if you visit Rocamadour ! Composed of a high paste, eggs, milk and fat, the thermal is quite rich and will calase you for the day. Accompanied with small salt and vegetables, you will tell us about it!
• Finally, truffle is typical of the Lot region. From December to March, it floods local markets. Of course, it takes a small budget, but this gastronomic mushroom is largely worth the detour.

5. The Cave of the Wonders

La Grotte des Merveilles, better known as Grotte de Rocamadour is an emblem of the region! Visiting Rocamadour without seeing her would be a shame. It was discovered in 1920 by Mr. Lamothe, who opened it to visitors to discover the treasures there. Besides concretions and gours, you can admire real rock paintings: hands, horses, felins...

As far as prices are concerned, prices are 7,50€ for adults , 4,50€ for children between 5 years and 11 years and free for under 5 years. In addition, the Cave of the Wonders is open April to November .

6. The Black Forest

Like the Monkey Forest to Bali Rocamadour also has her shrine of chimpanzees. You have seen that visiting Rocamadour has plenty of surprises! Who was thinking of discovering a monkey forest in the Lot department?

This family activity allows you to see a multitude of monkeys evolve freely. You can also attend the feeding sessions of the Barbarie macaques. However, be careful if you have food on you, the monkeys will know it.

As far as prices are concerned, prices are 9,50€ for adults , 5,50€ for children up to 14 years and free for under 4 years. In addition, the Black Forest is open to April to November .

7. The Gouffre de Padirac

Located north of the Lot department, the Gouffre de Padirac is a natural and monumental cavity of 35 meters in diameter. The latter is formed following the erosion and collapse of the vault of an old underground room. Subsequently, the waters broke their way by grazing the rocky massif. The Gouffre de Padirac would be several hundred thousand years old. You can't visit Rocamadour without going to see this impressive natural wonder!

The visit consists of several strong and emotional moments:

• First, the descent in the cavity abyssal of 35 meters in diameter: the light is reduced, the humidity increases and the temperature declines. A singular vegetation reveals itself, you are there: in the meanders of the earth.
• The first part of the visit is on one boat on the calm waters of the flat river.
• Then the visit continues on footat Lake Gours. You can admire the natural calcite dams that draw at the bottom of the river.
• I mean, majestic. Grand Dôme Hall in which a stalagmite nicknamed the Pile d’Assiettes dominates the lake.

As far as prices are concerned, prices are 18,50€ for adults , 14€ for children 4 years to 12 years and free for under 4 years. In addition, it is important to know that the schedules vary over the season. There are five hourly beaches depending on the month and the period of affluence:

• 10h to 17h30 (March, end of October, November)
• 9h to 7h30 (April, May and June)
• 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (April, May, September)
• 9h to 8h30 (July)
• 8h to 9h30 (August)

How to get to Rocamadour?

As a small picturesque village nestled at the top of a cliff, Rocamadour deserves.

• Car: This is the easiest way because many highway routes from large agglomerations allow access to Rocamadour. De Paris and Toulouse take the A20, from Bordeaux A89 and Lyon A47, A72 or A71. Do not hesitate to carpool to reduce costs.
• Train: the station of Rocamadour – Padirac is a train station located on the line of Brive-la-Gaillarde in Toulouse-Matabiau. From Toulouse, the route lasts 4h and costs for about 20€. Located 10 minutes by car from Rocamadour, you can take a taxi or bus once you arrive at the train station.
• Aeroplane: Brive-Vallée de la Dordogne Airport is 40 minutes’ drive from Rocamadour. The latter welcomes lines from Paris, London or Amsterdam. To find the flight that suits you, do not hesitate to help you with flight comparisons such as, for example, Skyscanner For transfer, we recommend rent a car to Brive-la-Gaillarde what will allow you to be free from your travels. In addition, a road-trip in the region will reveal all the splendour of this last.

Where to stay in Rocamadour?

Whether you are looking for a guest house, a simpler hotel or a Airbnb , several neighbourhoods will meet your expectations. To find the hotel you need at the best price, make your search easier with a Compare hotels . You can specify your criteria, the comparator is responsible for the rest.

If you are looking for authentic and charming accommodation, we recommend it Grand Hotel Beau Site located in the heart of the medieval town of Rocamadour. If you prefer comfortable accommodation, head to the Hotel Restaurant du Château with its beautiful swimming pool. Finally, opt for the Hotel Restaurant Le Troubadour if you like the country atmosphere.

Good stay in Rocamadour!