(Published April 2013, last updated April 2024)
Clinging precariously to the side of a cliff high above the Alzou gorge, the sacred city of Rocamadour is a breath-taking sight.
Considered the second most important religious site in France (after Mont-Saint-Michel), the town attracts a steady stream of visitors. Let’s join them and explore this historic village.
Thirteenth-century porte along the path leading from l’Hôpital into Rocamadour
Views of Rocamadour from l’Hôpital
Whether you are walking or driving, the approach from the tiny village of l’Hôpital provides a spectacular view of Rocamadour—with several chapels and the château clinging to the side of the cliff. If you have done any research for your trip, you have no doubt seen this view in many guidebooks and marvelled at the ingenuity and dedication required to carve out a community in such an unlikely location.
Enjoy the view awhile, then follow the path from l’Hôpital down the hill, through the thirteenth-century porte, or gate, into the village.
The ancient chapels carved into the cliff-face tower above the main street of Rocamadour
The story of Armadour and the Black Madonna
Legend has it that Zacchaeus—also known as Armadour and a servant of Mary, mother of Jesus—came to live here in the caves as a hermit, bringing with him a black wooden statue of the Madonna.
Looking up the cliff face to the château
In 1166, more than one thousand years later, the perfectly preserved body of Armadour was discovered buried beneath the steps of the chapel. Pilgrims have been flocking here ever since, often climbing the 216 steps to the church on their knees.
In 1159, King Henry II of England came to Rocamadour, accompanied by his chancellor, Sir Thomas Beckett (later Archbishop of Canterbury). No doubt, they too stood here in Chapelle de Notre-Dame where the Black Madonna can be viewed today.
Above her statue sits a ninth-century bell which is said to ring spontaneously whenever a person in danger at sea prays to the Virgin and receives her protection.
Church door – inside a violinist was playing, rehearsing perhaps for an evening recital
Follow Chemin de Croix up the cliff to the château
From the church, a tunnel leads out to the Chemin de Croix—a path zigzagging up the side of the cliff to the château. At each turn of the pathway, a monument tells the story of Christ’s last days—from the Last Supper through to the resurrection.
Château in Rocamadour
The château is now home to the clergy who live and serve in Rocamadour and is not open to the public. The remparts, or walls, which surround it are accessible throughout the day and offer stunning views over the rooftops down to the valley floor.
Views from Rocamadour back to the village of l’Hôpital
If you’ve had enough walking for one day, a funicular will take you from the lower town up to the château and back.
Take home a special reminder of your visit
Prior to the discovery of Armadour’s body in 1166, Rocamadour was considered to be on one of the minor pilgrim routes leading to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Since then, its popularity has grown enormously and today the main street is lined with gift shops stocked with religious artefacts and trinkets as well as regional produce such as foie gras, truffles and duck confit.
The main street of Rocamadour – lined with gift shops, cafés and hotels
Although the atmosphere can seem somewhat touristy and commercial today, the scene is not that different to a thousand years ago when it was home to innkeepers and traders. Perhaps today it is the ratio of pilgrims to tourists that has changed, rather than the number of visitors.
Whether you find spiritual—or culinary—inspiration here, there is something for everyone to take home from Rocamadour!
Heading towards Porte Basse and the edge of the village
Lose yourself in the side streets
There are not too many streets in Rocamadour, so it worth taking an hour to wander them slowly and immerse yourself in the history. Once you leave behind the colourful signs and advertising banners, the timber and stone houses ooze with charm and character and the whispers of thousands of passing pilgrims.
The GR 652 path passes through Porte Basse, eventually reaching Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port where the Spanish Camino begins
FAST FACTS
Which long-distance walk in France visits Rocamadour?
Martel to Rocamadour
Where is Rocamadour, France? Find it on Google maps
Rocamadour is the last stop on this walk and is located 127 kilometres (80 miles) from the starting point of Martel.
If you are following my suggested itinerary for this eight-day walk, you’ll arrive in Rocamadour after eight days of walking. This relaxed pace allows plenty of time to relax and enjoy the nine ‘most beautiful villages’ along the way – Martel, Turenne, Collonges-la-Rouge, Curemonte, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, Autoire, Loubressac and Carennac and to explore Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux.
If you prefer to set your own agenda, I share the steps I take to plan my itinerary on any long-distance walk (using the Chemin de Stevenson as a case study)
The Rodez—Figeac—Brive train line connects Rocamadour with Saint-Denis-près-Martel, Turenne, Figeac (located on the Chemin de Saint-Jacques), Rodez and Brive-la-Gaillarde.
Rocamadour train station is located four kilometres (2.5 miles) from the village. Each weekend from June until September, and every day during July and August, two bus services stop at the train station and in the village.
Lot region bus line 876 connects Rocamadour with Figeac, Gramat, Alvignac and Padirac (a short distance from Gouffre de Padirac).
Lot region bus line 877 connects Rocamadour with Biars-sur-Céré train station (between Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne and Bretenoux), Bretenoux, Château de Castelnau, Padirac, Lacave and Souillac.
Tourist Office in Rocamadour
You’ll find the Tourist Office on the main street of the village. Opening hours are listed on the Tourist Office website.
Accommodation in Rocamadour
Hotels
Hôtel Beau Site
Hôtel du Château
Le Terminus des Pélerins
Hôtel du Lion d’Or
Relais Amadourien
Chambre d’hôte
Les Pirondeaux (3 rooms, 8 people)
Gîte
Relais du Pèlerin Notre-Dame (39 rooms, 79 people)
Campground
Campground le Paradis du Campeur
Accommodation in l’Hôpital
Hotels
Les Esclargies
Le Belvédère
Le Bellaroc
Hostellerie Bellevue
Armadour Hôtel
How to book accommodation in French
Where to eat in Rocamadour
There are many cafés in Rocamadour and several gourmet food stores where you can purchase all sorts of regional delicacies – to enjoy now or take home!
Practical tips for long-distance walking—preparation, packing and avoiding blisters
Purchase the 2024 edition of the Martel to Rocamadour (PDF) guidebook
