Rocamadour is a small clifftop village in France, known as an important medieval pilgrimage site with incredible views. We’ll tell you why Rocamadour is a must-visit when traveling in the Dordogne region, despite not technically being part of it, including its history, the best things to see and do, and where to eat while avoiding tourist traps.
Rocamadour France
Rocamadour is located in the Lot department in south-central France, in the Occitanie region, right next to Dordogne.
For centuries, people have come here for one main reason: pilgrimage. Since the Middle Ages, pilgrims traveled long distances, often on foot, to reach this village.
When they arrived, they didn’t enter like we do today, but instead climbed the famous Grand Staircase. This steep staircase has around 200 steps leading up the cliff. Many pilgrims climbed it on their knees as an act of devotion, stopping to pray along the way.
Nowadays, if you’re on a road trip, you can park at the bottom and walk to the main entrance. However, there is another more fun way to reach it, which we’ll share shortly. First, you’ll come across a long, beautiful street lined with shops, ice cream spots, restaurants, and small boutiques. These boutiques sell clothes, souvenirs, and collectibles. Although it feels a bit touristy, it’s still very nice to walk through. We recommend walking the full street and looking up every now and then. This way, you’ll see the rest of the village and the basilica above, built directly into the cliff.
Then, climb the Grand Staircase to visit the sanctuary, Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Rocamadour, or instead take the elevator there and back for 3,30€.
What to visit in Rocamadour’s Sanctuary
Chapel of Notre-Dame
There are several chapels and churches built into the rock, but the most important is the Chapel of Notre-Dame. Inside, you’ll find what Rocamadour is known for: the Black Madonna. It’s a small, dark wooden statue of the Virgin Mary. Many believed it could heal them or keep them safe while traveling. Sailors even prayed to it before going to sea, and stories tell of ships surviving storms after asking for protection.
Basilica of Saint-Sauveur
Next, you’ll find the Basilica of Saint-Sauveur, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Builders carved it into the cliff, giving it a cathedral and cave-like appearance. Make sure to visit the chapel first, then take the side door into the basilica.
We also recommend checking out La Porte Sainte for stunning valley views.
Château de Rocamadour
Finally, don’t miss the Château de Rocamadour, located even higher up. Walk along the castle ramparts for breathtaking views over the canyon.
Take a Tourist Train For a Tour Around the Village
For something different, take the tourist train called Le Petit Train de Rocamadour. It runs every 15 minutes and takes you from the parking lot (P5) to the lower part of the village. This option is very useful if you prefer not to walk uphill. A one-way ticket costs €3.50 for adults and €2.50 for kids, while a return costs €4.50 and €3.50. You can book tickets online using the link in the description or buy them at the station by the parking lot. There’s also a night ride, which is an evening trip with commentary through the lit-up town. As a final tip, if you visit in warmer months, come just before 17:00. At that time, the sun starts setting behind the cliff, giving you soft golden light. Midday and early afternoon can feel unbearably hot.
Where and What to Eat in Rocamadour
There are plenty of restaurants in Rocamadour, but since it’s very touristy, it’s easy to fall into a tourist trap.
La Maison de la Famille
We had lunch at an adorable crêperie called La Maison de Famille, which has a great vibe near a square with stunning valley views.
Their savory crêpes, also called galettes, and sweet crêpes were delicious, especially the Scandinavian-inspired one and the salted caramel. Although it could have been a tourist trap, since it’s in the main area and crêpes aren’t local, this one stood out. So, we decided to take a chance, and we were pleasantly surprised. We really enjoyed our time there.
Local Food in Rocamadour
As for local food, Rocamadour is famous for its rocamadour cheese, a small, round, creamy goat’s cheese. We highly recommend visiting a nearby farm to try it, avoid tourist traps, and see how the cheese is made. You can also meet the goats, which makes the experience even better.
Dairy Farms Nearby
- La Borie d’Imbert (available free tours and goat milking).
- Ferme Lacoste (high quality cheeses)
- Ferme de Michaubas (fair prices for good quality cheese and friendly staff)
- Les Fermiers du Rocamadour (wide selection of high quality cheeses)
Also, keep an eye out for black truffles, walnuts, and duck products. These include walnut cakes, walnut oil, foie gras, and duck confit, which is duck legs slowly cooked in their own fat. These foods are very popular and local to the Dordogne region, and since the areas sit next to each other, they share much of the same cuisine.
Where to Stay in Rocamadour
Budget-friendly stays…
Medium budget stays…
Luxury stays…
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If you’re looking for more ideas on where to go in France, make sure to check out our blog post “8Top French HolidayDestinations” for some seriously beautiful spots. Or, if you’re more of a road trip type of traveler, check out our post TOP 7 EPIC FRENCHROAD TRIPS you can do in under 10 days. And if the south of France is on your list, don’t miss our full French RivieraRoadTrip, packed with dreamy stops and practical tips. Traveling on a budget? We’ve got you covered. Head over to our Top Budget TravelHacks to learn how to plan the trip of your dreams without spending a fortune.
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