11 Things To Do In Rocamadour, France

Are you looking for the best things to do in Rocamadour, France?

Rocamadour is a village in the Occitanie Lot department, near the eastern border of Dordogne. Every year, more than a million tourists and pilgrims visit Rocamadour, which is located in the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park.

This village dates back to prehistoric times,but is well known as a medieval pilgrimage destination due to the first church built here in the middle of the 12th century.

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Rocamadour may be situated in an area filled with breathtakingly magnificent scenery and villages, yet it still stands out. It’s like a real-life Game of Thrones town, and it’s more than just a pilgrimage destination.

11 Things To Do In Rocamadour, France

If you’re planning a trip to this Occitanie village soon, check out our guide to the best things to do in Rocamadour.

1. Stroll the main village of Rocamadour

One of the best things to do in Rocamadour is to stroll in the main village, with its stone cottages, arched stone gates, and view of the gorge above. The majority of the buildings have been converted into stores and restaurants.

Although there is some nice old-fashioned boutique amid the businesses, they are primarily geared toward visitors. Rocamadour’s main street is pedestrian-friendly so it’s ideal for walks especially in the morning before it gets crowded. 

2. Climb Le Grand Escalier/The Grand Staircase

The grand staircase, an iconic Rocamadour structure, is the main entrance to the Sanctuary and one strenuous yet worthy thing to do in Rocamadour.

With 216 steps, it’s safe to say that this staircase serves more than one purpose. It was utilized by pilgrims as a road of penance for voluntary and compelled penitents from the beginning.

For many pilgrims to the Sanctuaire, the ascent on knees, accompanied by a “Hail Mary” for each step, is still practiced today.

3. Tour the Sanctuaire

The Sanctuaire is where the majority of the churches are congregated and one of the top attractions in Rocamadour. It’s just next to the Rocamadour Valley, and it’s reached through the Grand Staircase.

The Sanctuaire consists of seven stunning chapels constructed into the rock face and encircling a central courtyard from the 12th to 14th centuries.

Pilgrims cycled between the churches, as evidenced by worn stones. The mysterious Vierge Noire (Black Virgin) is housed in the Chapelle Notre Dame, which is the highlight.

Please dress appropriately for this area, as well as the rest of Rocamadour as the village is considered a sacred site. 

4. Stop by Basilique Saint-Sauveur

If you’re short on time and won’t be able to tour all of the Sanctuaries’ churches, start with the largest, the Basilique Saint-Sauveur. This is the parish church of Rocamadour, which has been greeting pilgrims since the thirteenth century.

From the 11th to the 13th centuries, the Basilique St-Sauveur was built against the cliff in the Romanesque-Gothic style.

Paintings and inscriptions commemorate celebrity visits, notably Philippe the Handsome, at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5. Try some local food in Rocamadour

Take a stroll down the main street once you’ve explored the pilgrimage sites. It is densely packed with cafes, restaurants, and unique boutiques.

Rocamadour cheese, which goes well with bread and salads, Quency lamb and walnut dishes, foie gras, and truffle are some of the best local foods to try. They are best paired with wine from Cabors or pastis for dessert. 

6. Meet the Black Virgin at Notre-Dame chapel

If you don’t have much time to explore the Sanctuaire, the Notre Dame chapel is easily the best thing to see in Rocamadour. Pilgrims from all over the world have flocked to the shrine for nearly a thousand years to see the Black Virgin. 

The Vierge Noire attracted believers from all over Europe in the Middle Ages after being carved out of walnut in the 12th century.

When the Virgin performed a miracle anywhere in the world, the 9th-century iron bell above it is reported to have rung on its own.

7. See the Saint-Amadour crypt

The sites where the first hermit, St Amadour, is claimed to be buried and where Roland’s legendary sword, Durandal, is said to be placed in the wall are just outside the Notre Dame chapel.

The crypt was constructed in the 12th century to expand the terrace in a pure Romanesque design. The upper church is built on top of it. The relics of Saint Amadour were on display there without deterioration for 400 years, until the religious wars.

8. Walk Around the Ramparts

The Rocamadour château is a complex of 14th-century protecting fortifications with spectacular views of the valley, perched on top of the village.

This spot, which is positioned at the highest point in Rocamadour, also offers a spectacular view over the entire Rocamadour area.

Before heading here, make sure you have precise change because the machine that operates the entrance requires it.

9. Visit Maison des Abeilles

The ‘Maison des Abeilles,’ or Bee House, is also in Rocamadour, where you can learn about beekeeping’s historical significance in the region.

Observe the complex lives of honey bees via a bay window in perfect safety. l, where there is a permanent bee show.

You may also check out their projection room (25-minute film), entertaining activities,  visual animations on-screen, and exhibition of historic beehives.

At the exit, enjoy a free taste of more than 140 beehives and nut goods at the shop “le Quercy gingerbread.”

10. See Rocamadour from L’Hospitalet

L’Hospitalet offers the best panoramic views of Rocamadour. This is the pilgrims’ ultimate destination and a fantastic spot to enjoy sprawling views of the village and surrounding areas.

The view from this part, which is a short distance east of the main village, is possibly the most popular of the numerous lovely views of Rocamadour from just outside the settlement.

A modest 13th-century chapel and the remains of the old medieval hospital that gave the hamlet its name may also be found in L’Hospitalet.

11. Explore Grotte Prehistorique des Merveilles

Make the most of your visit to Rocamadour by visiting one of its stunning natural features. 

The caves at ‘Grotte Prehistorique des Merveilles,’ which are also practically within the village, are popular for both the rock formations and the 20,000-year-old cave paintings they contain (entrance 100 meters from the Rocamadour tourist office).

From April to November, these are open from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., 14 a.m. to 17 a.m., and 9.30 a.m. to 19 a.m. in July and August. It takes roughly 40 minutes to complete the tour.

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