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The village is a pedestrian-only. At night, take Petit
Train de Nuit, a train that winds through the village, stopping to view
the beautifully lighted castle and shrines. The 30 minute train ride leaves
from Porte du Figuier and the commentary is in English (and other languages). |
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From the town, climb up 223 steps of the Great Stairway to the religious city midway, and the castle at the top. (Or, you can take
two elevators). On the stairway, you'll be following the path of the medieval
pilgrims, many of whom went up the steps on their knees. |
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In the Chapelle Notre Dame you'll see the poignant statue of the Black Virgin. Don't miss the battered sword, stuck
above the doorway to the chapel. According to legend, this is Roland's
sword, Durandel. In the famous poem, Song of Roland, when Roland is
stuck in the Pyrenees, about to die fighting the Saracens, the Archangel
Michael takes his sword and tosses it far away, where it sticks in the cliffs
of Rocamadour. |
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At the top of the cliffs, go out to the ramparts
of the fort that once guarded the religious city for a stunning prospect
of valley. |
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Hiking, biking and horse riding –
Stop at the tourist office for guides to four different nature hikes around Rocamadour. You can rent bikes at the train station in Rocamadour.
There is horse riding for kids at the Ferme Equestre de Lagardelle
and Poney Club, Bournerie. |
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Euro Mini Land (Feerie du Rail), L'Hospitalet – This 45 minute show is a wonderful miniature world fantasy –
trains whiz through a tiny countryside populated with people, castles, roads,
mountains and valleys, animated with a light show and robotics. |
