Rocamadour France

Day 36 Tuesday 9 June 2026

Today we drove out of the Lot Valley and then along Cele Valley, stopping to visit Cabrerets (2013,2014). Further on we turned north heading up to Rocamadour (previously visited in our first year in 2013). From here we made our way to Gourdon for our overnight stay.

As it drizzles on Bluey we drove out of Bouzies and over the narrow bridge with no problems. We drove past the turn off to the base of yesterday’s village of St Cirq Lapopie to get a photo from river level.

We then doubled back to drive along the pretty Cele Valley. Our first stop was at the small village of Cabrerets, which we had fond memories from 2013 and 2014 when we had stopped for lunch. Today we had breakfast in Bluey then went for a walk around. 

The forever popular Joan d’Arc

No need for traffic management .. just use a cone 

We got a photo of the ruins of the troglodyte castle of the Devil, clinging to the cliff, which is one of the oldest constructions of the Lot Middle Ages.

At the end of our explorations we popped in at the Boulangerie for our baguette and a couple of little treats.

You can buy bit off the huge loaf €5/kg

It was a beautiful drive along the Cele River with pretty villages and farm land.

About half way along we turned north to make our way to Rocamadour. The last time we had visited in 2013, all the parking was free and was basically a free for all.. things have changed…  we make our way to parking #2 and get our €8/12hr ticket.

This sacred town and important pilgrimage site, is perched on the side of a limestone cliff and is called the vertical village as it is built in a series of stages on the clifftop, hanging 150m over the Alzou canyon. 

From Rocamadour’s stunning castle, built to defend the village’s Sanctuary in the Middle Ages and sitting proudly at the top of the village, we walked the gently sloping track along the Way of the Cross.

Backed against the cliffs the Sanctuary is made up of 8 chapels which are  built around a central courtyard. The Chapelle Notre Dame and the Vierge Noire statue are the highlight of any visitor’s trip. Carved from the wood of a walnut tree in the 12th century, the Black Madonna has ever since drawn worshippers from all over Europe in search of  miracles.

No cash… no problems..

Chapel dedicated to Rugby!

From the sanctuary we walked down the steps into the only street which is bustling with shops with the typical souvenirs and restaurants on each side as we made our way up to the high town.

As we walked back to Bluey we took in the views from the different lookouts.

Then we were off to Gourdon, our overnight spot. The town originated during the Middle Ages and thus has the characteristic narrow streets and some authentic buildings. It was built on a hill that is 300 metres high and perfect for a fortress, which was later developed into a castle. Through the years people built houses around the castle, thus creating Gourdon. In the 16th century there was a period of great prosperity thanks to the weavers and the cloth traders. The castle was destroyed by the English in the 17th century. Sadly the remains of the castle are barely visible.

Alot going on with the church building

A surprising a big apse with a huge baptismal bath..

Medieval doorways

Hidden gardens

107km today