01904 521 936
Tour Search
For a small village in the Lot department of France to attract more than one million visitors each year, it has to be extraordinary. First impressions don't disappoint: Rocamadour is a destination quite unlike any other. The entire village clings to the side of a steep cliff-face, atop which stands a fourteenth-century castle. Standing above a tributary of the Dordogne River and surrounded by rolling forested hills, Rocamadour resembles something from a fairytale.
Situated in a narrow gorge on the Alzou, the beautiful village grew as a sacred centre of pilgrimage. In 1166, an ancient grave and sepulchre containing the un-decayed body of the hermit often referred to as 'roc amator' (lover of rock) was discovered in the village. Rocamadour took its name from this and the discovery of this St Amadour apparently unleashed a spate of miracles here. By the mid-13th century pilgrims were coming from all over Europe, and amongst these were a number of crowned sovereigns.
Over the centuries the village continued to be a popular centre for pilgrimages, and a further complex of churches was built into the hillside. These are still accessed by a stairway - the Grand Escalier - of 216 steps (or nowadays a lift).
Find out more with a free brochure and enjoy weekly travel inspiration and offers in our e-newsletter.
