The sun was shining as we reached L'Hospitalet, the hamlet from which there is a great view, many…read moresay the best, of the medieval town, on three levels, of Rocamadour. The Chateau is on top, then the religious area and at the bottom, the housing of the workers, nowadays used as souvenir shops and artists' workshops. Rocamadour is dived into three height levels, three stages: the Chateau is on top, then the religious area and at the bottom, the housing of the workers, nowadays used as souvenir shops and artists' workshops. The bunch of chapels that make up the middle area is quite impressive. Among others, we visited Chapelle Notre-Dame where, on the altar, sits the statue of the miraculous Black Virgin and Child. It is tough on the legs around here but you may get refreshments along the way and some restaurants and bars have terraces overlooking the valley. Life is also made easier by the lifts that link the middle area with the bottom (EUR3.00 return) and with the Chateau.

Set in a gorge above the Dordogne River, Rocamadour is one of the most spectacular villages in…read moreFrance, and one of the most visited sites. It is classed as a world historical site by UNESCO. The village rises in stages up the side of the cliff. At the top of the cliff stands the château that was built in the Middle Ages. It is worth a trip, as the view from the top of the cliff is breath-taking. The village is also well known as it is an important peligrimage destination. If you have the energy, take the "grand escalier" 216 steps to the sanctuaries, including the Chapelle Notre Dame, (home to the black Madonna) the basilica St Sauveur, the St Michel chapel, the Palace of the Bishops and the three chapels.