Rocamadour, Dordogne
Historical Christian Pilgimage in Lot, South-West France
In the Lot department, near to the Dordogne Valley, the Christian Pilgrim destination Rocamadour is a magical place to visit during a vacation in South West France.
It is easy to see why Rocamadour, in the Lot department in South West France is the country’s second most visited site (after the Mont St-Michel in Normandy). Rocamadour’s churches and castle cling dramatically to the face of a high rock cliff as if by some miracle; indeed it was the story of a miracle that drew thousands of pilgrims to this sacred site during the Middle Ages, including several Kings and Queens.
It is told that a local man wished to be buried under the entrance of “Our Lady’s Chapel”. While preparing his grave, workers found a perfectly preserved body, which local church dignitaries declared to be the body of Saint Amadour, a member of the entourage of Jesus, whose name was associated with the region.
Little is known with certainty about Saint Amadour, and it seems likely that the Medieval Church embellished the story in order to enhance the reputation of Rocamadour as a site of pilgrimage. However, despite the probable creativity behind the myths surrounding Rocamadour, the churches and chapels have a truly mysterious atmosphere, particularly the twelfth century Crypt of Saint Amadour. Access is down a stone staircase; the crypt is built into the rock and is a beautiful, quiet place of reflection.
The enchanting “Our Lady’s Chapel” (Chapelle Notre-Dame) contains a beautiful twelfth century statue of the Black Madonna holding the infant Jesus. Hundreds of candles are lit by the many pilgrims who still visit the town. An ancient bell, believed to date from the ninth century, hangs from the ceiling. The bell was reputed to ring of its own accord when the Madonna replied to distressed sailors’ pleas to her. Monks would dutifully note the hour and date when the bell rang, and would subsequently consult these records when the rescued sailors undertook a pilgrimage to Rocamadour in thanks.
To reach the churches and castle today you can choose between the 233 steps of the Great Staircase (which pilgrims used to climb on their knees) and the more recently installed elevators!
The D32 road from the village of Couzou offers an impressive first view of Rocamadour. There are several car parks at the base of the cliff from which the lower town is a short climb. Rocamadour is 20km West of one of France's most popular cave visits, the Gouffre de Padirac.
To relax after visiting the historical and religious sites, the main street in the lower town offers a wide range of charming boutiques, and a good selection of restaurants and hotels. For example the restaurant of “Du Lion d’Or” at the top of the main street is friendly and offers a good value menu at 13€.
