Rocamadour

Built into limestone cliffs, with its medieval houses clinging precariously overlooking the gorge of the River Alzou, Rocamadour is a major pilgrimage site. The town is famed for being the site where the body of St Amadour was discovered near the town’s chapel in 1166, an event which led to a succession of miracles in the town. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the town ranks behind Rome, Jerusalem and Santiago de Compostela as a pilgrimage site. Visitors to the town can climb the Grand Escalier (Great Ladder) to the 12th-century Cité Religeuse (Religious City) at the top, which consists of seven chapels. Visitors can also climb the Chemin de Croix (Way of the Cross) for exceptional views of the Dordogne from the ramparts of the 14th-century château. Other attractions nearby include the Rocher des Aigles birds of prey conservation centre, the Forêt des Singes monkey sanctuary and the Grottes de Lacave underground caves.
Air: Bordeaux Airport, Toulouse International Airport. Rail: Train: The four levels of the city are connected by a small train and a lift. Road: Bus: Public services. Taxis: Available to take visitors from Rocamadour-Padirac Station. Car: Well signposted from all directions. A winding road leads from the village at the base of the hill to the top.