- Visit one of the most stunning villages of France located in the Quercy region. Built against a cliff, the architectural organization of the village represents the French Feudal system that included three distinct orders: The Chivalry, the Clergy and the Peasants.
- As such, the bottom of the village is composed of the houses where the peasants lived. The middle of the village is where the Sanctuary is located and where the Clergy were housed. Finally, the top part of the village, at the peak of the cliff is where the Castle is located, home of the local Lord (Chivalry).
Today, the village still attracts pilgrims and visitors from all over the world and because of its location on the Way of Saint James, it is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- 09:00 AM - Meet your guide at Place Pasteur Bus Stop in Sarlat la Canéda
- 10:00 AM - Arrive in Rocamadour, walking tour of the village
- 11:00 AM - Free time for personal discovery
- 01:00 PM - Drop off in Sarlat, end of the tour
Pick up at centrally located meeting point in Sarlat
Today meet your guide at Place Pasteur bus stop and depart for your half day Rocamadour trip.
Meet your English speaking local guide, expert of Rocamadour
Today, meet your English speaking guide who is an expert of the Dordogne and who will go over the itinerary and program of this half day tour with you. Then, board your spacious, comfortable, air conditioned Mercedes minivan and begin to make your way to Rocamadour.
Rocamadour - A Picture-Perfect Visit Awaits
Depart for the pilgrimage and fortress village of Rocamadour that has attracted visitors for its setting in a gorge above a tributary of the River Dordogne. The name of the village probably originates from the association of St Amador or Amadour of whom the relics were discovered in 1166 in the heart of the sanctuary and the occitan term of rock - roca (cliff).
This beautiful village is renowned for its historical monuments and its sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which for centuries has brought pilgrims from every country, among them kings, bishops, and nobles.
Follow your guide and stroll through the streets of the medieval village. You will then reach the steps that will take you to the middle part of the village where the church square is located, Place St Amadour, surrounded by its 7 sanctuaries. The 216 or so steps that make up the Great Staircase takes visitors from the lower part of town to the religious complex. In the middle age, pilgrims would go up the steps on their knees.
Visit the Monastic buildings in the sanctuary
Upon arrival, your guide will introduce you to the sanctuary. Try and find the legendary sword of Roland, named Durandal, that is embedded in the cliff. The sword landed in Rocamadour as Roland, the nephew of Charlemagne, threw it from the battlefield so that no one would ever be able to use it again.
Once you have reached the sanctuary, visit the renowned Notre Dame Chapel, part of an extraordinary 13th-century chapel complex. Inside, your guide will certainly talk to you about the Black Madonna statue that was carved from a walnut tree in the 12th century.
Hanging from the ceiling are a number of ship models, given by thankful survivors that were saved from shipwrecks by calling upon the Black Madonna. Each time a ship was saved it is said that the miraculous bell, also located in the Chapel, would ring once.
Facing Notre Dame chapel, admire the beautiful frescoes that represent the Annunciation and Visitation and that date back to the 12th century.
Enjoy some free time for personal discovery
After the visit of the sanctuary, you will have some free time to visit on your own. If you make your way out of the sanctuary at the same level it will be possible for you to reach the Castle that is located above the Sanctuary. The Castle itself cannot be visited but it is possible to follow the ramparts for stunning views over the Alzou canyon.
