What does Rocamadour mean in English?

The town below the complex of monastic buildings and pilgrimage churches, traditionally dependent on the pilgrimage site and now on the tourist trade, lies near the river on the lowest slopes; it gives its name to Rocamadour, a small goat’s-milk cheese that was awarded AOC status in 1996. …

How old is Rocamadour?

A thousand years of History In 1166, an incorruptible body was found buried where the Sanctuary now lays. This discovery propelled Rocamadour to become one of the 4 most important pilgrimage sites in medieval Christiandom, attracting Kings and paupers alike.

Is Rocamadour worth visiting?

Rocamadour is one of France’s most important tourist destinations. Rocamadour has several highlights well worth exploring, although it is the ‘village as a perfect unity’ which is really the big attraction. The village clings to the cliff side above the river Alzou and is so picture perfect it is quite breathtaking.

Why was Rocamadour built?

The pilgrimage site became one of the four holy places of Christendom along with Jerusalem, Rome and Santiago de Compostela. Géraud d’Escorailles, abbot of Saint-Martin of Tulle, built a sanctuary on the site in 1152 to welcome the crowds of pilgrims. In fact the fame of Rocamadour spread in the Christendom from 1166.

How do I get to Rocamadour?

Getting There — The best way to reach Rocamadour is by car. From Bordeaux, travel east along A89 autoroute to Brive-la-Gaillarde, then take the A20 to exit 54 toward Gramat. Then continue on D840 and take the D673 south to Rocamadour.

How do I get to Rocamadour from Paris?

Fly Paris Orly to Limoges, train

1. Fly from Paris Orly (ORY) to Limoges (LIG)
2. Take the train from Limoges Bénédictins to Brive-la-Gaillarde.
3. Take the train from Brive-la-Gaillarde to Rocamadour – Padirac.

Where is the Dordogne Valley in France?

The Dordogne is located in South–West France, between the Aquitaine Basin and Massif Central. With its 9,060 square kilometres, Dordogne is the third largest département (county) in France.

What is Rocamadour known for?

Famous for its sanctuaries and more especially for its Black Virgin, Rocamadour attracts every year a large number of visitors and pilgrims. Moreover, the village of Rocamadour is the second most visited attraction in France after Mont-Saint-Michel!

Why is Dordogne famous?

The Dordogne is renowned for its love of food and drink – and boasts a long culinary heritage and a fabulous gastronomic heritage. The Dordogne is also known as the foie gras, duck and truffle capital of France.

What is the main town of the Dordogne?

Sarlat
The department can perhaps best be considered as having three ‘principal towns’ – Bergerac in the south-west, Sarlat in the south-east, and Perigueux further north.

Why is Dordogne so popular with Brits?

Historically called Périgord, the Dordogne is popular for many good reasons: lashings of the plus beaux villages de France (most beautiful villages in France), diverse natural landscapes from gorges and rocky plateaux to caves, medieval churches and renaissance buildings.

Is the Dordogne near the sea?

Even though the Dordogne is only few hours drive from the coast, its rather large supply of beach and water activities generously compensate for the region’s inland position. The rivers, lakes and waterfalls are some of the cleanest in Europe with reliably warm water especially in July and August.