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Cite de Rocamadour

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Occitanie

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Cite de Rocamadour

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About Cite de Rocamadour

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The Vertiginous City Suspended Between Heaven and Earth Clinging to a sheer cliff 120 meters above the Alzou canyon, the town of Rocamadour defies gravity and is one of the most iconic sites in Occitanie. A major stop on the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago), this medieval village is explored in stages, symbolizing the spiritual ascent of pilgrims. From the lower village to the castle crowning the cliff, its winding alleyways and stone houses seem sculpted from the rock itself. The beating heart of the site is the Sanctuary, a complex of seven churches and chapels accessible via the Grand Staircase of 216 steps. It is here that the famous Black Madonna, venerated for over a millennium, rests. Beyond its religious significance, Rocamadour captivates with its vertical architecture and breathtaking panoramas of the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park. Whether it is to admire the prowess of the builders, explore its medieval legends or simply marvel at the sunset setting the limestone ablaze, Rocamadour remains a visual and historical experience of rare intensity.

Tip for an even more exceptional visit.

For a smart visit to the Cité de Rocamadour, the trick is to bypass the exhausting climb up the Grand Staircase by starting at the top. Park in the Château car park: you'll first enjoy a breathtaking view from the ramparts before leisurely descending the shaded Stations of the Cross path to the sanctuary. Once inside the sacred enclosure, don't just look for the Black Madonna; seek out the sword Durandal, embedded in the rock above the entrance to the Notre-Dame chapel. The real secret to escaping the crowds while still getting the best photo? Take the Corniche des Esclargies path (the "Photographer's Corner") or head to the hot air balloon launch site at L'Hospitalet: it's from there that the citadel reveals its full verticality, suspended above the Alzou canyon. For a truly unique experience, venture to the Grotte des Merveilles (Cave of Wonders) located on the plateau: less well-known than Padirac, it conceals authentic cave paintings dating back 20,000 years. Finally, if you walk down to the main shopping street, look for the hidden passageways that lead to terraced gardens for a moment of peace and quiet away from the souvenir shops.