Rocamadour is a beautiful village located in the Lot department of southwestern France. It is a popular destination for tourists due to its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and religious significance. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about Rocamadour, including how to get there, its history, geography, where to sleep, and what to see.
Getting to Rocamadour
The easiest way to get to Rocamadour is by car. The village is located near the A20 motorway, which connects Paris to Toulouse. If you are coming from Paris, it will take you around 5 hours to reach Rocamadour. The village is also accessible by train, with the nearest train station located in nearby Gramat. From Gramat, you can take a taxi or a bus to Rocamadour.
History
The history of Rocamadour dates back to the 12th century when a hermit named Amadour settled in a cave in the cliff face.
According to legend, Amadour discovered a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary and Child in the cave, which became known as the Black Madonna. The statue quickly became a site of pilgrimage, and a chapel was built on the site to house it.
Over the centuries, Rocamadour grew in importance, and a series of churches and chapels were built into the cliff face. The village became a popular destination for pilgrims, and it was said that a visit to Rocamadour was equal to a trip to Rome in terms of religious significance.
Today, Rocamadour is still an important site of pilgrimage, and the village attracts visitors from all over the world.
Geography
Racamadour is located in the Lot department of southwestern France, near the Dordogne river. The village is situated on the side of a cliff, and many of its buildings are built into the rock face.
The village is divided into three sections: the lower town, the middle town, and the upper town.
The lower town is home to the main entrance to the village, as well as a number of shops, restaurants, and hotels.
The middle town is where you will find the majority of the religious buildings, including the Black Madonna chapel.
The upper town is home to the castle, which offers stunning views over the surrounding countryside.
Where to Sleep
There are a number of accommodation options in Rocamadour, ranging from hotels to guesthouses to campsites. If you are looking for a luxury experience, there are a number of high-end hotels in the village, including the Hôtel du Château and the Hôtel Les Esclargies. If you are traveling on a budget, there are also a number of more affordable options, including the Hôtel Les Vieilles Tours and the Hôtel Le Belvédère.
What to See
There is plenty to see and do in Rocamadour, whether you are interested in history, religion, or nature. Here are a few of the top attractions:
1. The Black Madonna chapel: This is the site where the wooden statue of the Virgin Mary and Child was discovered by Amadour. The chapel is located in the middle town and is a popular site of pilgrimage.
2. The castle: Located in the upper town, the castle offers stunning views over the surrounding countryside. The castle was originally built in the 12th century but has been extensively restored over the years.
3. The Monkey Forest: If you are traveling with kids, the Monkey Forest is a must-see. The forest is home to a number of different species of monkeys, including macaques and lemurs.
4. The Gouffre de Padirac: Located just outside of Rocamadour, the Gouffre de Padirac is a stunning underground cave system that is open to visitors.
