Porte Malbec, Medieval gate in Rocamadour, France

Porte Malbec is a 13th-century fortified gate on Rue Roland le Preux in Rocamadour, formed by a round tower pierced at its base by a pointed arch passage. The tower rises above the street and is topped by a small bell-cote, while a spiral staircase inside serves the upper levels. It is the only gate of the town that still keeps its original tower.

The gate was built in the 13th century and remains the only city gate in Rocamadour that has kept its original tower structure. It has survived centuries of change while maintaining its essential character despite later modifications.

The name Malbec refers to the Malbec grape variety once grown on the slopes below Rocamadour; the gate stood where the vineyard path entered the town. Look for the small carved mask above the arch, a detail pilgrims passed beneath on the route to the sanctuary.

The gate sits along Rue Roland Le Preux, the main street through town, and can be easily reached on foot. Visitors should expect narrow passages and uneven surfaces typical of the steep medieval settlement.

A spiral staircase tower was added later and blends seamlessly with the original medieval structure. This addition demonstrates how the gate adapted to different needs across the centuries while keeping its fundamental identity.