Things To Do in Rocamadour

This gravity-defying village rises abruptly across the landscape. Its single street, lined with souvenir shops, runs along the side of a steep hill. It’s best seen when approached from the road coming in from the tiny village of L’Hospitalet. Once in Rocamadour, you will want to get from the lower town (Basse Ville) to the Cité Réligieuse, a cluster of chapels and churches halfway up the cliff. The main way of getting from bottom to top is a narrow street/staircase that loops and twists its way upward. Called the Chemin de la Croix, or the Stations of Christ, it was the route medieval penitents used to make their way to the sacred chapel—the most penitent did it on their knees.

For the unrepentant, and others who are loath to negotiate the town’s steep inclines, the town maintains two elevators. One goes from Basse Ville to Cité Réligieuse, midway up the rocky heights of Rocamadour. The ride costs 2.20€ one-way, 3.20€ round-trip (free age 8 and under). It can be combined with tickets from Cité Réligieuse to the panoramic medieval ramparts near the hill’s summit for 4.30€ one-way, 6.30€ round-trip. Le Petit Train de Rocamadour, a tourist train, also trundles up and down at regular intervals from April to September (10.30am-7pm), for 4€ round-trip adult and 2.50€ ages 5 to 9 (free 4 and under). It’s touristy, but it will save you legs.

For a superb view, head toward the Château de Rocamadour, on a rock spur high above the town center. You can reach it by way of Chemin de la Croix or take the elevator. It was built in the 14th century and restored by the local bishops in the 19th century. Its interior is off-limits, except for guests of the church officials who live and work here. You can, however, walk along its panoramic ramparts, which open at 8am daily year-round. Closing times vary, usually just before sunset and no later than 9pm in the summer. Admission to the ramparts costs 2€. Note: You must buy your entrance ticket at a machine; be sure to have exact change, or you will have made the trip up for nothing. If possible, try an evening visit when the crowds should have thinned a little.

A cluster of chapels and churches is the town’s religious centerpiece, visited by both casual tourists and devoted pilgrims. Site of many conversions, with mystical connotations that date to the Middle Ages, it’s accessible from the town on the Grand Escalier, a stairway of 216 steps. Climbing the weathered steps will lead you to the parvis des Eglises, place St-Amadour, with seven chapels. Volunteers conduct free tours; schedules change frequently, according to holidays and church schedules. Two to five 1-hr. tours take place each day (depending on the season); times are prominently posted at the entrance. Guided tours are also available organized by the tourist office over Easter, and July and August from 6.50€ (free for age 18 and under). The most important churches are detailed in our list.