Rocamadour History

According to legend, Rocamadour is named after Saint Amadour (or Amator), the tax collector of Jericho mentioned in Luke 19:1-10 and husband of St. Veronica, who wiped Jesus' face on the way to Calvary. Persecuted in Palestine, St. Amadour and Veronica crossed the sea, guided by an angel to land in Aquitaine. They met Bishop St. Martial, a disciple of Christ preaching in south-west Gaul. After witnessing the martyrdoms of St. Peter and St. Paul in Rome, Amadour returned to France. Following his wife’s death, he withdrew to a wild spot in Quercy, carved a hermitage in the rock, built a chapel in honour of the Blessed Virgin, and died nearby.

This legend has sparked controversy and debate among scholars, but historical records confirm Rocamadour's importance. It was first mentioned in texts by Pope Gregory VII as one of the four major pilgrimage sites of the Middle Ages, alongside Rome, Jerusalem and Compostela. In 1160, construction of the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna began; tradition holds that the statue was carved by St. Amadour himself. The miraculous discovery in 1166 of St. Amadour's perfectly preserved body drew thousands of pilgrims. The 13th century marked Rocamadour’s golden age, with kings, queens and nobility making the pilgrimage. In 1470, a catastrophic rock slide crushed Notre Dame Church, which was later rebuilt. During the religious wars, Huguenots burned St. Amadour’s body in 1562, and the town began a long decline. After the French Revolution in the late 18th century, Rocamadour lay in ruins and was largely deserted. Restored in modern times, Rocamadour is now the spiritual centre of the diocese of Cahors, a key stop on the pilgrim route, and one of France’s most visited tourist destinations. Rocamadour is also renowned for its AOC-protected goat cheese, produced in the surrounding countryside.

Rocamadour The Town

Rocamadour is a stunning medieval town that dramatically cascades down a sheer cliff high above the Alzou Valley. The vertical layout is one of the most iconic sights in France, with houses, chapels and sanctuaries clinging to the rock face in a seemingly impossible arrangement. The town is divided into three levels: the upper plateau with the château, the middle sanctuaries with religious buildings, and the lower village along the Alzou River. The dramatic setting, combined with its spiritual and historical importance, makes Rocamadour one of the most photographed and visited sites in the country.

The streets are lined with stone houses, shops selling local goat cheese and religious souvenirs, and cafés offering views of the valley below. The entire town is pedestrianised in the centre, creating a peaceful, timeless atmosphere despite the large number of visitors.

Why visit? The breathtaking cliffside location, medieval architecture and spiritual atmosphere create an unforgettable experience – a true marvel of human devotion and engineering.

Highlights:

• Dramatic cliffside setting above the Alzou Valley
• Vertical town layout with three levels
• Medieval streets and stone houses
• Panoramic viewpoints from the château and sanctuaries

Rocamadour Sanctuaries

The Sanctuaries are a remarkable series of 12th- to 14th-century chapels, churches and religious buildings set halfway down the cliff. This sacred complex is the spiritual heart of Rocamadour and the main destination for pilgrims. The famous Grand Escalier (Grand Stairway) consists of 216 steps that pilgrims traditionally climb on their knees as an act of penance and devotion. An elevator is also available for visitors who prefer not to use the stairs. The Sanctuaries include multiple chapels, a basilica and other sacred structures, each contributing to the profound spiritual atmosphere of Rocamadour.

The site has been a place of pilgrimage since the Middle Ages, attracting kings, queens and ordinary faithful seeking miracles and spiritual renewal. The Sanctuaries remain a living centre of faith today.

Why visit? The dramatic stairway, concentration of sacred buildings and profound spiritual atmosphere make the Sanctuaries one of the most moving pilgrimage experiences in Europe.

Highlights:

• 12th- to 14th-century religious buildings
• 216 steps of the Grand Escalier (pilgrims climb on knees)
• Elevator access available
• Centre of the medieval pilgrimage route

Rocamadour Black Madonna (Vierge Noire)

The famous Black Madonna is one of the two most venerated relics in Rocamadour. This ancient statue of the Virgin Mary is housed in the Chapelle Notre Dame, part of the Sanctuaries complex. It is a focal point for pilgrims and visitors seeking spiritual solace and is considered one of the most important Marian images in France. The statue has long been associated with miracles and draws thousands of devotees annually. Many pilgrims leave ex-votos (votive offerings) as thanks for answered prayers.

Why visit? The Black Madonna is a symbol of deep devotion and a major pilgrimage draw – many visitors report profound emotional and spiritual experiences here.

Highlights:

• Ancient Black Madonna statue
• Housed in Chapelle Notre Dame
• Key relic of the Sanctuaries
• Major pilgrimage focus

Rocamadour Chapelle Miraculeuse

The Chapelle Miraculeuse contains the Tomb of St. Amadour, said to have carved out a hermitage in the rock. Hanging from the roof is one of the oldest known clocks in existence, dating to the 8th century. The chapel is a place of quiet reflection and devotion within the Sanctuaries, offering a serene space amid the town's dramatic setting. Pilgrims often pause here to pray and reflect on the legend of St. Amadour.

Why visit? The tomb of the legendary saint and the ancient clock provide a tangible link to medieval spirituality and craftsmanship in a serene setting.

Highlights:

• Tomb of St. Amadour
• 8th-century clock hanging from roof
• Part of the Sanctuaries complex
• Place of quiet devotion

Rocamadour Basilique St-Sauveur

The Basilique St-Sauveur was built in Romanesque-Gothic style from the 11th to 13th centuries. It is decorated with paintings and inscriptions recalling visits of celebrated persons, including Philippe the Handsome (Philip the Fair), highlighting its importance to royalty and nobility throughout the centuries. The basilica remains a key part of the Sanctuaries complex and is still used for worship and concerts.

Why visit? A magnificent example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture with historical inscriptions and royal connections – a testament to Rocamadour’s medieval prestige.

Highlights:

• Romanesque-Gothic architecture
• Paintings and historical inscriptions
• 11th- to 13th-century construction
• Royal and noble connections

Rocamadour Chapelle St-Michel

A 12th-century Romanesque chapel sheltered by an overhanging rock. Inside are well-preserved 12th-century frescoes depicting biblical scenes. In the courtyard outside stands a broken sword said to be a fragment of Durandal, the legendary sword wielded by Roland, one of Charlemagne’s greatest warriors. The chapel is a beautiful example of early Romanesque art and legend.

Why visit? The frescoes and legendary Durandal sword connect the chapel to medieval legend, early Christian art and the epic tradition of Charlemagne.

Highlights:

• 12th-century Romanesque chapel
• Well-preserved frescoes
• Fragment of Durandal sword
• Sheltered by overhanging rock

Rocamadour Grottes des Merveilles – Caves of Wonder

An impressive natural cave featuring stalactites, stalagmites and other remarkable rock formations. The Grottes des Merveilles offer a beautiful underground experience that complements Rocamadour’s spiritual and architectural wonders. Guided tours reveal the intricate geological beauty of the cave system, with lighting that highlights the delicate formations.

Why visit? Provides a stunning natural contrast to the medieval sanctuaries above – a peaceful, awe-inspiring journey through geological time near the town.

Highlights:

• Stalactites and stalagmites
• Guided cave tours
• Remarkable rock formations
• Located near Rocamadour