gdf 2026

rocamadour
THE 2ND MOST BEAUTIFUL FRENCH
SITE CLINGS TO THE CLIFF IN FRONT
OF THE ALZOU VALLEY
The verticality of the place creates the impression that the city is reaching
the sky « the houses over the brook, the churches above the
houses, the rocks above the churches, the castle over the rocks ».
Rocamadour is known for its miracles and its countless legends.
The mummified body of Saint-Amadour was discovered there in
1166. Meeting point of Saint-Jacques de Compostelle pilgrimages,
Rocamadour used to receive penniless pilgrims who went up the
stairs on their knees and prayed on the 216 steps which lead to the
sanctuary, in order to get the protection of the Virgin. Despite its
links with the French Crown, Rocamadour wasn’t destroyed by the
Hundred Years War. The visit starting point of this outstanding city :
the Hospitalet : place where the pilgrims used to stop before going
down to Rocamadour.
From this viewpoint , the whole site can be admired. Then, in the
main street bordered with old houses, you will discover four fortified
doors : La Porte du figuier, the magnificent and sturdy Porte
Salmon topped by a high half-timbered tower, La Porte Hugon
and La Porte Basse. This fortified town used to have 11 doors ;
only 7 remain today. While visiting, you will notice splendid
13th and 15thcenturies dwellings with white-stoned walls and
roofs made of lauzes (local stone tiles), but also the abbey
palace which was Tulle bishops’ old palace. You will discover
churches, basilicas, chapels (particularly La Chapelle Notre-
Dame: Rocamadour main sanctuary). On the outside wall, you
will see a 15th century fresco depicting death. Inside, you will
see a small 12th century statue made of dark wood. It represents
the Virgin Mary with Jesus as a child on her knee. The
origin of the black colour is still unknown today. The virgin has
got gold friezes and her crown is set with precious stones. As
for Saint-Michael’s chapel, it was erected in the 12thcentury.
Rocamadour is full of surprises : this is a mythical and magic
place, take time to appreciate its magnificence.
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