Rocamadour

In short: Rocamadour: from Rocamadour to Chapel of the Black Madonna. Length: Place of pilgrimage, duration: 1 day. Best time: Spring to autumn.

Overview

Rocamadour in the Lot department is one of the most striking places of pilgrimage in France. The village and its chapels cling to a cliff, one above the other. In the Middle Ages it was among the important destinations of Western Christendom.

Pilgrims climb a long staircase to the Chapel of Notre-Dame with the Black Madonna, some of them on their knees according to tradition. At the top a castle stands above the valley.

Rocamadour is only a detour away from the Via Podiensis, and many pilgrims go there from Figeac or Cahors. It gets crowded in summer, so go early in the morning.

Who is this route for?

With some hiking experience this route is very manageable. Expect climbs and keep your days from getting too long.

You can find more routes under Pilgrimage routes in Europe, Pilgrimage in France, sorted by religion under Christian pilgrimage routes.