Rocamadour

Our final stop on our return home from our superb time in France in June was at Rocamadour. 

We actually stayed at L'Hospitalet which is just outside the stunning cliff side village; stunning views from our hotel which is the same level at Rocamadour's chateau. Our visit began by taking the old pilgrim road down into Rocamadour village. Our hotel is on the far right of our photo, you can see the steep road down to the house on the left.

The cliffs were formed by the course of the River Alzou and Rocamadour was built on their steep sides. It has three parts: the village on the lowest, the chateau at the top and the church in-between. 

The main roadof the village, lined with medieval houses, is Rue de la Couronnerie with fortified gateways at each end: Porte du Figuier and Porte Salmon.

Above the village is the religious centre of Rocamadour, it has been and still is a destination for pilgrims and lies on the route to Santiago de Campostela.

The Grand Escalier leads from the village to the Sanctuary, the central square surrounded by eight religious buildings. This steep stairway has 216 steps which pilgrims climbed on their knees.

The first chapel was built in 1105 and the first miracle announced in 1148, this lead to the arrival of many pilgrims.

It's quite a small area with the churches built alongside each other. The Palais des Eveques (Palace of the Bishops), the basilica Saint-Sauveur, Saint Michel chapel and the Chapelle Notre Dame are all stunning. The Black Madonna, a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary and child, draws many visitors as it is believed she has magical healing powers.

The Chateau of Rocamadour is reached by a winding path which has a Station of the Cross at each turn. Although a beautiful location Rocamadour is a place for religious focus, a couple in front of us knelt at every station to pray.

Our stay ended with a superb night ride on the petit train, a holiday highlight for me. From L'Hospitalet just outside our hotel the train took the steep road down into Rocamadour village and along the cobbled streets. It then crossed the river and ascended the road opposite before turning round and stopping (in the middle of the road) for us to get out and admire the view of Rocamadour lit up, it was beautiful.

Rocamadour is one of the must see placed in France, I'm so glad we have and we certainly will again.