Rocamadour, a medieval city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

If you want to experience an extraordinary holiday, visiting Rocamadour will take you back in time. This town located in the southwest of France, in the north of Lot, in the Occitanie region, is part of the tourist micro-region of the Dordogne Valley. It is a destination that has so much to offer its visitors. Go and meet him for an unforgettable experience with family, friends or as a couple.

The history of Rocamadour and its origins

Full of mysteries characterize the origins of Rocamadour. A prehistoric life in Rocamadour is testified by a very ancient human habitat as well as the caves decorated with paintings.

The Causse limestone plateau dates from the Jurassic period. The small stream which runs dry most of the year called Alzou splits it in two. Several cavities in this region, notably the Cave of Wonders of Rocamadour, confirm that man has been present in this place since prehistoric times. Moreover, the specialists tend to evoke the presence of a pre-Christian sanctuary.

The city of Rocamadour today: a place of pilgrimage and tourism

This tourist destination seems predestined to a spiritual approach. The area is indeed beautiful. It is characterized by the Alzou canyon, the wild beauty of the Causse as well as the verticality of the place where there are superimposed buildings. All of this seems like a challenge to balance and a call to spiritual ascension.

Rocamadour also has a chapel, the statue of the Black Virgin sits there maternally. From its vault hangs a miraculous bell made of wrought iron. These elements have the power to announce the miracles of the castaways who invoked the Black Madonna of Rocamadour.

Even today, Rocamadour remains a spiritual high place for pilgrimage which lost importance following the Wars of Religion while preserving a local influence.

Perched at the top of the village, the medieval city of Rocamadour has to be earned. Indeed, you must first climb the 216 steps of its Grand Staircase, its greatest symbol, to reach it. You can also ride an elevator to access the shrine. From up there you can have a breathtaking view of the valley.

Visit the unmissable sites of Rocamadour: the medieval city, the Notre-Dame chapel, the castle

Rocamadour continues to attract many pilgrims from all over the world. This allowed it to hold the second place in terms of the most visited sites in France. Indeed, this destination is just after Mont Saint-Michel in the ranking. Suspended about 150 m from the Alzou valley, the medieval town of Rocamadour is located in the heart of the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park.

This site is a real heritage gem nestled in its green setting. This city can make you dizzy with its cascade of chapels and houses. In addition, a castle crowns it at the top.

Discover the caves of Rocamadour and the paths of Santiago de Compostela

Nicknamed Grotte de Rocamadour, the Grotte des Merveilles is one of the emblems of the region. Going to meet Rocamadour without seeing this marvel would be a shame. This underground site was discovered in 1920. Indeed, Mr. Lamothe opened it to visitors to help them discover the treasures it houses. Apart from concretions and gours, you can also admire magnificent cave paintings: felines, hands, horses, etc.

Pilgrims who go to Santiago de Compostela often take the Ways of Compostela. These are, in fact, the pilgrimage routes of Rocamadour. The main historical routes are often evoked by the remarkable places and the main cities to cross. Four roads lead to Santiago which meet in a single path at Puente la Reina. One of the routes goes through Somport, Toulouse, Montpellier and Saint-Gilles du Gard. Another crosses the town of Périgueux, Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat in Limousin and Sainte-Marie-Madeleine in Vézelay. Another route passes through the city of Bordeaux, Saint-Eutrope de Saintes, Saint-Jean d'Angély, Saint-Hilaire de Poitiers and Saint-Martin de Tours. Finally, the last passing through Sainte-Foy crosses Saint-Léonard and Saint-Martin.

Taste the culinary specialties of Rocamadour: goat cheese, foie gras, duck confit

Rocamadour is also known for its local gastronomy. Indeed, its goat cheese, its duck confit and its foie gras dishes are particularly appreciated by the palate. You can taste it in local restaurants that offer delicious traditional meals.

Practice outdoor activities: hiking, mountain biking, horse riding

Holidays in the heart of nature in the Dordogne Valley are ideal for outdoor activities and sports. You can go canoeing, hiking, mountain biking or horse riding here.

Do you want to spend an original holiday characterized by relaxation, culture and heritage? Go to Rocamadour. You can explore the territory while having fun, whether with family, alone, with friends or as a couple. There is, moreover, for all tastes, whatever the season.

Where to sleep and eat in Rocamadour?

Different types of accommodation and catering establishments are available in Rocamadour to welcome you. Here are a few :

Charming hotels in Rocamadour

By definition, a charming hotel is distinguished by an offer that is both exclusive and personalized, specific to each establishment. This type of accommodation reflects in particular all the character of its owner, whether in the decoration of the place, its layout, but also the offer of services. Rocamadour has several to offer you to help you spend pleasant moments during your holidays or your weekend.

The La Bourgnatelle campsite: an ideal option for holidays with family or friends

Do you like spending holidays in a natural environment? The Bourgnatelle campsite is ready to welcome you to allow you to relax and let go. Nestled in the medieval town of Bretenoux in the Dordogne Valley in the north of the Lot, this campsite is made for you for your stay with family, friends, couple or solo. Rated three stars, this peaceful vacation spot offers a variety of quality services and infrastructure to provide you with a memorable, original and unique experience.

Events not to be missed in Rocamadour

Rocamadour hosts different types of events not to be missed each year. Organize your stay in this French destination to enjoy these unique moments. Here are a few to keep in mind:

Festivals and events organized in Rocamadour: music festivals, craft markets, street performances

This year 2023, the Sacred Music Festival of Rocamadour is in its 18th edition. It is an event which consists in celebrating La Fraternité. Save the following dates: from August 15 to 26, 2023. So go and meet Rocamadour at this time for a stay surrounded by nature that is both preserved and grandiose. Genius composers whose influences are tinged with a panoply of musical colors and millennial history will be there.