Rocamadour, France

Rocamadour, about 100 miles north of Toulouse, is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike. The spectacular natural and religious site perched high on a rocky plateau receives 1.5 million visitors each year.

For pilgrims, Rocamadour's importance lies with the Shrine of Our Lady of Rocamadour, a complex of religious structures centered on a miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary and the tomb of an ancient saint.

Tourists come to Rocamadour for its religious interest, historical significance, beautiful architecture, and most of all, for the spectacular views: Rocamadour is situated atop a rocky plateau overlooking the Alzou Valley.

What to See

Rocamadour's Cité Religieuse, a cluster of chapels and churches high on a rocky plateau, attracts casual tourists and devoted pilgrims alike. It includes a charming pedestrian precinct with plenty of souvenir shops, a château that once protected the sanctuary, and seven chapels.

The sacred site is accessible from the town via the Grand Escalier, a stairway of 216 weathered steps. Even today, devout pilgrims make the climb on their knees in penance. Along the way are 14 Stations of the Cross culminating in the Cross of Jerusalem at the top. There is also an elevator from the lower town (Basse Ville).

Backed against the cliff, the Basilique St-Sauveur was built in the Romanesque-Gothic style from the 11th to the 13th centuries. It's decorated with paintings and inscriptions recalling visits of celebrated persons, including Philippe the Handsome.

The Chapelle de Notre-Dame is immediately adjacent to the Basilique St-Saveur. Above the door leading to the chapel is an iron sword that, according to legend, belonged to Roland. Inside, the chapel is devoted almost exclusively to the venerated Black Madonna statue.

The 12th-century Romanesque Chapelle St-Michel is sheltered by an overhanging rock; inside are well-preserved frescoes dating from the 12th century. The chapel received many 19th-century additions and alterations.

The Chapelle Miraculeuse contains the Tomb of St. Amadour, who is said to have carved out an hermitage in the rock. Hanging from the roof is one of the oldest known clocks, which dates to the 8th century.