But how can such a city exist in real life? That’s the question you might ask yourself when visiting this majestic,picturesque medieval village. But Rocamadour does exist. Perched on the edge of a cliff in the heart of the Alzou valley in the Lot department, the village offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. No wonder this village perched 150 metres high was voted France’s most beautiful village in 2023. Let’s take a look at this astonishing village, just 5 hours from Paris!
Rocamadour: the most beautiful village in France
With its fortified ramparts, its castle suspended 150 meters high, and its huge staircase carved out of stone, Rocamadour is a magical place. In its typical cobbled streets, you’ll discover seven absolutely sublime churches and chapels, well known to pilgrims from all over the world who come here to meditate. It’s worth noting that the village is one of the key stages on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site, the town offers a unique panoramic view over the entire Dordogne valley. It’s almost like being in the heart of Minas Tirith, in The Lord of the Rings.
What to do in France’s most beautiful village?
There are a thousand and one ways to enjoy Rocamadour. As well as organizing your own walks around the town to discover its nooks and crannies, there are two major events not to be missed: the Montgolfiades at the end of September, where you can admire multicolored hot-air balloons soaring through the heart of the valley. And the Festival de Musique Sacrée, the must-see event of the summer. You’ll hear melodious music echoing throughout the city for several days. Enough to send shivers down your spine!
The wildlife is equally rich: all year round, you can admire eagles nesting on the cliffside or monkeys (yes, yes) making their home in the heart of the forest. An exceptional village to visit at least once in your life.
📍 Distance: approx. 5 hours from Paris, Gare d’Austerlitz