7 things to do in Rocamadour
Perched on a cliffside above the Alzou canyon, Rocamadour is one of the most spectacular sites in the Lot. This vertical medieval town, listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, attracts thousands of visitors every year to admire its breathtaking architecture and exceptional religious heritage. With its thousand-year-old sanctuaries, breathtaking panoramas and gastronomic delights, this jewel of the Quercy region promises an unforgettable experience. Here are the 7 must-do things to do in Rocamadour to make the most of your stay in this sacred city.
See also the Occitanie guide :
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- Top 10 things not to miss in Occitanie
- The most beautiful villages to discover in Occitanie
- Top 6 activities in Toulouse
- Top 10 culinary specialities in Toulouse
1. Discover the medieval town of Rocamadour
The medieval town of Rocamadour is spread over three levels clinging to the cliff face, creating an architectural landscape that is unique in France. On the lower level, the medieval village with its narrow shopping streets stretches along the rock face. The old houses, craftsmen’s stalls and traditional restaurants invite you to stroll around in a timeless atmosphere.
To reach the intermediate level where the sanctuaries are located, visitors must climb the famous Grand Escalier and its 216 steps carved into the rock. Once used by pilgrims on their knees as a sign of devotion, these steps are now an emblematic part of a visit to Rocamadour. For those who prefer to avoid the climb, there are lifts to the different levels of the town. At the top, the castle and its ramparts offer a spectacular panoramic view of the Alzou valley and the Quercy countryside.
Admission to the medieval town is free, but there is a charge for access to the castle ramparts (around €3 per person). Opening times vary according to the season: from April to June from 8am to 8pm, in July and August from 7.15am to 10pm, in September from 8am to 9.30pm, and the rest of the year from 8.30am to 6.30pm.
2. Visiting shrines and religious buildings
The spiritual heart of Rocamadour lies in front of the sanctuaries, where seven chapels and two basilicas stand side by side in a remarkable architectural ensemble. The Chapelle Notre-Dame is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown. It houses the famous Black Madonna of Rocamadour, a 12th-century wooden statue that has attracted pilgrims for almost a thousand years. Legend has it that this statue has performed numerous miracles, including protecting sailors in peril, which explains the model ships hanging in the chapel.
The Basilica of Saint-Sauveur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela, is impressive for its Romanesque-Gothic style. Inside, admire the magnificent 16th-century polychrome wooden Christ and the unusual structure with its wooden mezzanine. Just below is the Saint-Amadour crypt, a remarkable underground church that harmoniously blends Romanesque and Gothic art.
Don’t miss the Chapelle Saint-Michel, considered to be the most majestic building in the complex. Its medieval frescoes depicting the Annunciation, the Visitation and a majestic Christ surrounded by the Evangelists are breathtakingly beautiful. On the forecourt, you will also discover the Durandal sword, which legend attributes to the knight Roland, carved into the rock. Visits to the sanctuaries are free, but donations are welcome to help maintain this exceptional heritage.
3. Attend the Rocher des Aigles show
Located on the heights of Rocamadour, Rocher des Aigles (L’Hospitalet, 46500 Rocamadour, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 1,200 reviews) is much more than just a wildlife park. This breeding and reproduction centre is home to over 400 birds representing 70 different species of birds of prey and parrots. The park’s mission is to conserve endangered species and raise public awareness of the need to protect these magnificent birds.
The highlight of the visit is undoubtedly the free-flying show. For almost an hour, eagles, vultures, falcons, buzzards and owls soar majestically over the Alzou canyon, performing an impressive aerial ballet. The falconers comment on the show and share their passion for these birds of prey, explaining their hunting techniques and characteristics. Some of the birds fly just a few centimetres from the audience, creating moments of intense emotion.
Admission is €11 for adults and €7 for children under 13. The park is open from April to November, with several daily shows depending on the season. It is advisable to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the show to make the most of your visit to the park and choose your seat. Allow around 2 hours for a complete visit including the show.
4. Savour the local gastronomy
A visit to Rocamadour is also a chance to discover the authentic flavours of the Quercy region. Rocamadour PDO cheese is the undisputed star of local gastronomy. This small raw-milk goat’s milk cheese, a member of the cabécous family, stands out for its melt-in-the-mouth texture and delicate, nutty flavour. Produced using traditional methods in a defined geographical area, it was awarded its Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée in 1996. Enjoy it fresh on a slice of farmhouse bread, warm on a salad of gesiers, or with a good Cahors wine.
Mique is another emblematic dish that’s a must-try. This large ball of leavened pastry, made with flour, eggs, milk and lard, is traditionally served with petit salé and vegetables. Hearty and comforting, it is the perfect embodiment of the generous cuisine of the South-West. Lovers of fine produce will love the Quercy black truffle, available at local markets from December to March.
For a complete gastronomic experience, head to one of the medieval village’s traditional restaurants, where you can sample specialities such as confit de canard, foie gras and noix du Périgord. The restaurants in the main street often offer special menus featuring local produce. Don’t forget to take home a few cabécous, a jar of walnut jam or a bottle of Cahors wine as a souvenir of your visit.
5. Explore the Grotte des Merveilles
Discovered in 1920 by Armand Viré, the Grotte des Merveilles (Route de la Grotte des Merveilles, 46500 Rocamadour, rated 3.5/5 on Google out of 1,400 reviews) is an exceptional prehistoric and geological site located just a few minutes from the centre of Rocamadour. This natural cave is a treasure trove of crystalline concretions, stalactites, stalagmites, limestone draperies and crystal-clear gours, creating an enchanting setting worthy of an underground palace.
But the Grotte des Merveilles owes its fame above all to its cave paintings, dating back some 20,000 years. On the decorated walls, you’ll discover representations of negative hands, horses, deer and felines, moving evidence of human presence in the Upper Palaeolithic. These prehistoric works offer a fascinating insight into cave art and the lives of our distant ancestors.
The guided tour lasts around 45 minutes and allows you to appreciate all the geological and prehistoric wonders of the site. The guide explains the formation of the cave, the story of its discovery and the significance of the cave paintings. Admission is €9.50 for adults, €5.50 for children aged 5 to 11, and free for children under 5. The cave is open from April to November. It is advisable to bring warm clothing, as the temperature inside is a constant 14°C.
6. Meet the macaques of the Monkey Forest
Just a few kilometres from Rocamadour, the Forêt des Singes (La Forêt des Singes, 46500 Rocamadour, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 2,100 reviews) offers a unique experience in France: complete freedom to observe over 150 Barbary macaques evolving in a 20-hectare natural area. This educational animal park is dedicated to the conservation of this endangered species in its natural habitat in North Africa.
As soon as you enter, you enter the territory of the monkeys, who move freely around you, climbing trees, playing with each other and looking after their young. It is fascinating to observe their social behaviour: mutual grooming, group hierarchy, maternal care, etc. Several times a day, the keepers organise feeding sessions with commentary, where they hand out popcorn that visitors can also give to the macaques. This is an opportunity to get up close and personal with these endearing primates and learn more about their way of life.
The visit is entirely self-guided along a pathway through the forest. Educational panels line the route, providing information about Barbary macaques, their natural habitat and the threats facing the species. Admission is €9.50 for adults and €5.50 for children aged up to 14 (free for children under 4). The park is open from April to November. Allow around 1h15 for a full visit. Please note that pets are not allowed.
7. Marvel at the Gouffre de Padirac
Located around twenty kilometres north of Rocamadour, the Gouffre de Padirac (Le Gouffre, 46500 Padirac, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 16,500 reviews) is one of France’s most spectacular natural sites. This immense natural cavity, 35 metres in diameter, opens wide at the surface of the Causse de Gramat, offering direct access to the bowels of the earth. Formed several hundred thousand years ago by the collapse of the vault of an underground river, the chasm is the entrance to a fascinating underground network.
The visit begins with a vertiginous descent of 103 metres by staircase or lift to the level of the underground river. The atmosphere changes radically: natural light fades, humidity rises and the temperature stabilises at around 13°C. Once at the bottom, you embark on boats guided by experienced boatmen for an enchanting 500-metre ride on the flat emerald river. The silence is disturbed only by the lapping of the water and the guides’ fascinating explanations.
The tour continues on foot through majestic galleries decorated with concretions dating back thousands of years. The Lac des Gours features natural calcite dams of striking beauty. The apotheosis is reached in the Grande Salle du Dôme, a 94-metre-high underground cathedral dominated by the Grande Stalagmite, nicknamed the “Stack of Plates”, which rises 60 metres from the ground. The spectacle is grandiose and leaves an unforgettable impression.
Prices are €18.50 for adults and €14 for children aged 4 to 12 (free for under-4s). Opening times vary according to the season: 10am to 5.30pm in March and late October, 9am to 7.30pm in April-May-June, 9am to 8.30pm in July, and 8am to 9.30pm in August. The full tour lasts approximately 1? hours. It is strongly recommended that you book online, especially in high season, as the number of visitors is limited to preserve the site. Bring warm clothing and good shoes.
In conclusion, Rocamadour offers a unique visitor experience combining religious heritage, medieval architecture, natural discoveries and gastronomic traditions. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, spiritually curious or just looking for a change of scenery, this vertical clifftop town is sure to win you over. Between the thousand-year-old sanctuaries, the bird-of-prey shows, the prehistoric caves and the majestic Gouffre de Padirac, allow at least two days to discover the essentials of Rocamadour and the surrounding area. This pearl of the Quercy region is well worth the diversions and will leave visitors with unforgettable memories.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Rocamadour
How long does it take to visit Rocamadour?
To visit the historic heart of Rocamadour (medieval town and sanctuaries), allow around 3 to 4 hours. If you want to include nearby sites such as the Rocher des Aigles, the Forêt des Singes or the Grotte des Merveilles, allow a full day. For an in-depth exploration including the Gouffre de Padirac, two days are ideal.
Where can I park in Rocamadour?
Rocamadour has five pay car parks. The four car parks on the upper slopes of the town are ideal, as they allow you to descend gradually as you visit the town. The car park at the bottom of the village is handy if you want to climb the Grand Escalier. It costs around €5 for the day. Free shuttle buses run between certain car parks and the centre.
Can you visit Rocamadour with children?
Yes, Rocamadour is a great place to visit with the whole family. Children particularly enjoy the Monkey Forest, the Rocher des Aigles show and the descent into the Gouffre de Padirac. For younger visitors or those with reduced mobility, there are lifts to avoid the 216 steps of the Grand Escalier. Make sure you bring a pushchair or baby carrier, however, as the streets are cobbled and steep.
When is the best time to visit Rocamadour?
Spring (April-May-June) and autumn (September-October) are the ideal times to visit Rocamadour. The weather is generally mild, the sites are less crowded than in summer, and you can take full advantage of the beauty of the countryside. Summer (July-August) offers extended opening hours but attracts a lot of people. Winter is quieter, but some sites such as the Forêt des Singes and the Rocher des Aigles are closed.
Is Rocamadour accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Visiting Rocamadour can be difficult for people with reduced mobility due to the steep terrain and cobbled streets. However, lifts link the different levels of the town, allowing access to the sanctuaries without having to use the Grand Escalier. The upper car parks offer easier access to the main sites. It is advisable to check with the tourist office to prepare your visit as well as possible.
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