Rocamadour, Medieval pilgrimage village in Lot, France
Rocamadour is a medieval pilgrimage site in the Lot department of Occitanie that spreads along a steep limestone cliff above the Alzou valley. The buildings appear stacked on top of each other, with houses, chapels, and towers built directly into the rock.
In the 12th century, this place grew into one of Europe's most important pilgrimage destinations after reports of miraculous healings drew believers from across Christendom. Kings, including Henry II of England and Louis IX of France, stopped here and contributed to the fame of the shrine.
The name Rocamadour likely comes from a hermit whose body was found here in the 12th century. Visitors today see depictions of the Black Madonna in many shops and restaurants, marking the religious heart of this place.
The climb to the sanctuaries is made either on foot via the grand staircase or by elevator, which is available for visitors with mobility issues. Sturdy footwear is recommended, as the paved paths and steps can be uneven.
The sword Durandal, said to have belonged to the knight Roland, reportedly remained embedded in the cliff face above the site for centuries. A replica now hangs at the same spot and recalls the medieval tale.
Location: Lot
Location: arrondissement of Gourdon
Elevation above the sea: 261 m
Part of: Dordogne
Shares border with: Alvignac, Calès, Couzou, Gramat, Lacave, Meyronne, Montvalent, Rignac
Address: 46500 Rocamadour, France
Phone: +33565336326
Email: mairierocamadour@orange.fr
Website: https://mairierocamadour.fr
GPS coordinates: 44.79944,1.61778
Latest update: December 14, 2025 22:31
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La forêt des Singes
1.5 km
Sanctuary of Rocamadour
8 m
Notre-Dame de Rocamadour
15 m
Basilique Saint-Sauveur de Rocamadour
9 m
Le rocher des aigles
499 mForêt des singes de Rocamadour
300 m
Des Merveilles Cave
871 m
Gouffre du Saut de la Pucelle
4.3 km
Prehisto Dino Park
5.3 km
Crypte Saint-Amadour
9 m
Moulin du Saut
4.2 km
Cave of Reveillon
4.7 km
Moulin de Cougnaguet
4.7 km
Durandal
398 m
Dolmen du Pech de Grammont
4.5 km
Néolithique dolmen sous tumulus
1.5 km
Pigeonnier de Laguille
273 m
Église de l'Hospitalet (Rocamadour)
876 m
Chapelle Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Rocamadour
17 m
Église Saint-Martin de Mayrinhac-le-Francal
4.5 km
Chapelle Saint-Michel de Rocamadour
22 m
Musée d'art sacré de Rocamadour
17 m
Chapelle Saint-Blaise de Rocamadour
5 m
Chapelle Sainte-Anne de Rocamadour
11 m
Hôpital de l'Hospitalet de Rocamadour
846 m
Grotte du Saint-Sépulcre
142 m
Porte de l'Hôpital (Rocamadour)
831 m
Lanterne des morts de Rocamadour
11 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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