by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 5/17/2025
Rocamadour had been one of our destination targets since the very first trip planning sessions, as it represents one of the more unusual sites we'd ever seen or read about. The images we had seen of the buildings on the side & top of that cliff were amazing and we were really looking forward to visiting there. The drive from Sarlat to Rocamadour is via country roads/back roads that are narrow with lots of curves. The distance was only 51 kilometers however the roads were challenging to the point where it took 1.5 hours to arrive.
Rocamadour, often referred to as a "Vertical Village," is a breathtaking medieval town perched precariously on the side of a sheer limestone cliff (390 feet) in southwestern France. This unique and enchanting destination is a place of profound religious significance and natural beauty. Rocamadour owes its origin to St. Amadour who (according to tradition) chose this place as a hermitage for his devotions to the Virgin Mary.
At the heart of Rocamadour is the Sanctuary of Rocamadour, a complex of religious buildings that have drawn pilgrims for centuries. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the Church of Notre Dame (built in 1479) contains the wooden figure of the Black Madonna - reputed to have been carved by St. Amadour himself.
Pilgrims were expected to climb the Grand Escalier on their knees, a steep flight of 216 steps, as an act of penance, seeking solace, and hoping for miracles. As reports of miracles happening at Rocamadour spread throughout Europe, visitors began to arrive looking for their own miracle. King Henry Plantagenet came to find a miraculous cure. St. Louis IX of France followed in the next century and Rocamadour became an important pilgrimage destination.
The town's architecture is a remarkable sight, with its ancient buildings seemingly stacked on top of each other along the cliffside. The charming medieval streets are lined with shops selling local handicrafts, goat cheese, and other regional specialties.
Rocamadour's unique blend of spirituality, history, and natural grandeur makes it an unforgettable destination for travelers seeking a profound and visually stunning experience in the heart of France.
Rocamadour is classed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO as part of the St James' Way pilgrimage route.
Rocamadour boasts a rich history dating back over a thousand years. Its story intertwines with legends of miraculous happenings and the rise of religious pilgrimage.
According to legend, Rocamadour's name originates from Saint Amadour, a hermit who sought refuge in the region during the 1st century AD. He is said to have carved a small chapel into the limestone cliffs where he lived out his days in prayer and contemplation. After his death, the site became a place of pilgrimage.
In the 12th century, Rocamadour became a significant pilgrimage destination during the Middle Ages, attracting pilgrims from across Europe. The village's religious significance was further elevated with the discovery of the purported remains of Saint Amadour, which were found perfectly preserved within the cliffs.
During the Hundred Years' War in the 14th and 15th centuries, Rocamadour suffered damage but managed to survive, retaining its allure as a place of spiritual devotion. Its strategic location along the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela ensured its continued importance.
Rocamadour experienced periods of decline and revival throughout the centuries, but its spiritual significance endured. In the 19th century, the village underwent restoration efforts, preserving its medieval character and attracting tourists fascinated by its blend of religious and architectural heritage.
You could consider driving, or taking a train;
The first column below ("All Trip Destinations") lists all of our major trip destinations (for this trip) and the next four columns list each of our trip "basecamps" and then a list of what we explored from that basecamp. Each destination name is linked to it's page - so all you need to do is click that name.
NOTE: The Trip Itinerary & Overview Page is where you should start your viewing.
The following list contains links to all of our other French Destinations & Information Pages, click any link to go to that page.
Note: All images featured on this page are the exclusive property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC, unless otherwise stated. When images from external sources are used, full credit is given to the original creator, along with a link to the specified license or usage terms. We are committed to respecting copyright and intellectual property rights, ensuring that all third-party images are properly attributed. If you have any questions regarding image ownership or usage rights, please feel free to contact us.
To review any of our content, make suggestions and/or comments, please click the "About" menu link at the top of this page. You will find our "Contact Us" link on that drop-down menu.