The 5 must-see sites in Rocamadour

For your next vacation, stay in France and plan a visit to Rocamadour, an emblematic town in the Dordogne valley.

Take the time to visit an ancient pilgrimage site and many natural attractions, and enjoy a wide range of family activities.

During your stay in this town in the Lot region, enjoy quality accommodation and a memorable vacation at Slow Village. Let yourself be seduced by local tourism and the charms of the campsite through its nature activities and friendly atmosphere. From your eco-responsible campsite, take the opportunity to visit Rocamadour 's 5 must-see sites, including one of the Dordogne castles.

If you want to fully discover the beauty of Rocamadour, there are three sites you should visit on foot. First, there's the famous Chapelle Notre-Dame, reached by a 216-step zigzag staircase. Next, you can explore the Château de Rocamadour, perched on a cliff above the town. Finally, don't miss the Grotte des Merveilles, where you can admire incredible rock formations and prehistoric cave paintings. Walking through the town, you can also admire the traditional stone houses and breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Notre Dame chapel in the medieval town

A true cultural landmark of the town, the Notre-Dame de Rocamadour chapel is recognized as a historic monument in France. During your visit to Rocamadour, you won't want to miss this architectural feat. It is the religious town's most imposing edifice, towering 150 metres above the Alzou valley.

Dating back to the 12ᵉ century and once used for pilgrimage, this sanctuary is made up of 8 buildings and almost seems to cling by its foundations to the cliff. You can visit this holy place and discover its mythical statue of the Black Madonna, made entirely of wood. This sculpture was once adorned with precious metals and gems, which have since disappeared due to wear and tear or looting.

The Cave of Wonders

One of the Lot department's natural treasures is the Grotte des Merveilles. This is the only cave open to tourists, although the town of Rocamadour has a handful of caves. Here you can admire the works of art of Cro-Magnon man, dating back 20,000 years. Among many others, you'll find cave paintings depicting various forms (hands, animals...).

During your guided tour, you can also appreciate the geological works sculpted by Mother Nature. These include concretions (stalactites, stalagmites and columns) and gours (natural water basins carved out of the rock).

The Grotte des Merveilles is open to visitors to the Dordogne Valley and Sarlat from April and closes in November each year. For young and old alike, let yourself be amazed by this nugget of local tourism with the most authentic testimony to history during your stay.

The emblematic Château de Rocamadour

If you continue up this Dordogne valley, once you've passed the sanctuary, your path will lead you to the Château de Rocamadour. It, too, overlooks the Alzou valley and offers incomparable views. Although it doesn't have anelevator, you should know that this little exercise invites you to discover a historical heritage that's well worth the detour: a castle with its impressive ramparts dating back to the 14ᵉ century.

Today, the château is home to volunteers, priests, seminarians and tourists. In fact, the building itself has been converted into a hotel for tourists. This exceptional site offers a panoramic view when you come to Rocamadour. And if you're a keen photographer, this is an address well worth a visit during your stay in the Dordogne.

If you're looking to discover the natural beauty of the Lot, there are two other sites to explore near Rocamadour that won't disappoint. The Parc naturel régional des Causses du Quercy is a true gem of nature, with its limestone landscapes, caves and crystal-clear rivers. You can also visit the famous Gouffre de Padirac, a spectacular underground cave with an underground lake and unique rock formations. Both sites offer an unforgettable experience for lovers of nature and extraordinary landscapes.

Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park

Located just a few kilometers from the Dordogne valley, the Causses du Quercy regional nature park was created in 1999. The park covers 185,000 hectares and encompasses a total of 95 communes. This nature reserve in the Lot region boasts an exceptional geological heritage. Its landscapes range from gently trickling valleys to emblematic Causses oak forests.

The nature reserve label obtained by the park highlights a heritage preservation and restoration project. A little anecdote: the logo of the Parc des Causses du Quercy is inspired by a hand drawn on one of the walls of the Pech Merle cave. This green space is a must-see destination if you want to visit Rocamadour.

Le Gouffre de Padirac

In the north of the Lot département, not far from the town of Rocamadour, lies another wonder: the Gouffre de Padirac. This cavity measures 35 metres in diameter and is the result of natural phenomena. Nevertheless, at one time, many legends circulated about the origin of this chasm, including the theory of divine intervention.

First explored in 1898, the Gouffre de Padirac was officially inaugurated in 1899. This exploration must be on your list of destinations for your trip to Rocamadour. Immerse yourself in the heart of the Dordogne Valley and let yourself be transported on a multi-stage guided tour.

Around Rocamadour, you'll also find plenty of villages to visit, testifying to the rich heritage of Occitanie and France. And if you want to recharge your batteries after a busy day, Slow Village Saint-Cybranet invites you to its campsite near Rocamadour.