The first shock is the place itself - in reality a tiny village with a world-wide reputation - seen from l’Hospitalet ! Built into the cliffside on successive levels, 120 metres in length, it clings high above a canyon through which flows the Alzou. Its houses, roofs and churches seem to be part of the rock itself.
What genius conceived Rocamadour and built it? Maybe you'll find out when you come here. As early as the Middle Ages, Rocamadour excited people's admiration. In the 12th C., pilgrims crossed the whole of Europe to come and pray here. The village housed the relics of Saint-Amadour (a famous hermit who sought solitude in Rocamadour). It was also the much-venerated sanctuary of the Black Virgin.
You enter the village via the Figuier Gate before following the Rue de la Couronnerie : Rocamadour's one and only street, a very lively one with its boutiques and restaurants. Then you come to a series of monumental flights of steps (233 steps in all !) leading up to the little square around which cluster 8 churches and chapels beneath the cliff.
The must-sees : the Notre-Dame chapel (Lady Chapel). There you'll find the Black Virgin, a slim, elongated silhouette in black wood. And, standing guard over the sanctuaries and village, the Château, the ramparts of which you can visit, provides a stunning panorama over the village.
For more info, click here : www.vallee-dordogne-rocamadour.com
The Lot's character is formed by its 'causses' (limestone plateaux) through which the Lot, Dordogne and Célé valleys have carved their way. It is studded with major tourist attractions and beautiful villages such as Rocamadour, Cahors, Figeac and Saint Cirq Lapopie…. Man and Nature have both left their imprint on the Pech Merle cave and Padirac Chasm. When you're rambling or cycling, the unspoiled, authentic nature of the Lot is plain to see. Home to excellent local produce and fine food and wines, the Lot has many treats to offer your taste buds, including truffles, foie gras, lamb and melons from Quercy, and Cahors Malbec Wine.
