Introduction to Rocamadour

541km (336 miles) SW of Paris, 66km (41 miles) SE of Sarlat-la-Canéda, 55km (34 miles) S of Brive, 63km (39 miles) NE of Cahors

Rocamadour reached the zenith of its fame and prosperity in the 13th century. Make an effort to see it, even if it's out of your way. The setting is one of the most unusual in Europe: Towers, old buildings, and oratories rise in stages up the side of a cliff on the slope of the usually dry gorge of Alzou. The population has held steady at around 5,000 for many years.

The faithful continue to arrive today as they did more than 8 centuries ago. As a pilgrimage site, Rocamadour is billed as "the second site of France" (Mont-St-Michel ranks first). Summer visitors descend in droves, and vehicles are prohibited. Park in one of the big lots and make your way on foot.