Rocamadour

Rocamadour is a charming, authentic village perched on a cliffside in the Lot department of the Occitanie region. With its stunning rustic landmarks, Rocamadour is a must-visit destination especially as it’s located just a short distance from Camping L’Eau Vive. Discover all the essentials about Rocamadour, including its fascinating history and much more.

Discovering Rocamadour

Rocamadour is located in the southern heart of France. The village is renowned for its stunning surroundings and its authentic charm. It truly feels like a place straight out of a distant historical tale.

The most popular attractions in Rocamadour include:

• La Forêt des Singes: 'The Monkey Forest' a zoological park home to over 150 Barbary macaques.

• Le Rocher des Aigles : a bird park offering a spectacular falconry display ;

• Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Rocamadour: a stunning cliffside sanctuary, a true relic of the past. ;
• Grotte des Merveilles: a cave featuring remarkable prehistoric paintings ;
• Grotte de Linars: a Bronze Age shelter ;
• The Alzou Canyon: a dramatic natural gorge
• Gouffre du Saut de la Pucelle: where the beautiful Rignac stream disappears underground ;
• Hameau de l’Hospitalet: ruins of an old hospital that once served as a resting place for travellers and pilgrims;

This list is far from exhaustive, Rocamadour has much more to reveal. Whether you're an adventurer or a pilgrim, the village offers countless discoveries.

History of Rocamadour

Rocamadour is one of France’s richest sites in terms of prehistoric caves, which contributes greatly to its popularity. History enthusiasts will be captivated, and those seeking authenticity and originality will feel right at home.

Known in part for its many religious landmarks, Rocamadour saw several sanctuaries rebuilt in the early 19th century due to severe deterioration. The restoration was long and meticulous, but successfully revived the village’s historic charm.

Religious Tourism in Rocamadour

For believers and pilgrims, Rocamadour is a prime destination for spiritual travel. With its many sanctuaries and churches, the village and its surroundings offer a profound experience for those seeking faith or rediscovery.

• The Pilgrimage to Rocamadour

The pilgrimage to Rocamadour is famous for its challenging final ordeal. This includes climbing the 216 steps to the religious citadel—on one’s knees. It’s a test not suited for everyone, but it powerfully reinforces the deeply religious nature of Rocamadour.

The pilgrimage also draws many visitors due to the miracles attributed to the Black Madonna, historical events deeply rooted in local beliefs.

How to get to Rocamadour from Camping L’Eau Vive?

Camping L’Eau Vive is located right in the heart of the village of Carennac, not far from Rocamadour. The distance between the two sites is 21.3 km, which translates to: :

• roughly 30 minutes by car ;
• 4 hours and 5 minutes on foot ;
• 1 hour and 20 minutes by bicycle via the D840.