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Rocamadour Description: Built into limestone cliffs, with its medieval houses clinging precariously overlooking the gorge of the River Alzou, Rocamadour is a major pilgrimage site, home to an ancient oratory which was dedicated to the Virgin Mary some time before the tenth century. The town is famed for being the site where the body of St Amadour, who is believed to actually be Zacchaeus of the gospel, was discovered near the town’s chapel in 1166, an event which led to a succession of miracles in the town. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the town ranks behind Rome, Jerusalem and Santiago de Compostela as a pilgrimage site. Visitors to the town can climb the Grand Escalier (Great Ladder) to the 12th-century Cité Religeuse (Religious City) at the top, which consists of seven chapels; the most important of these is the Chapelle Notre-Dame, which sits on top of the Crypte St Amadour. Other highlights include the Musée d’Art Sacrée (Museum of Sacred Art), which houses many relics, paintings and statues, the Chapelle St Michel and the Basilique St Sauveur. Visitors can also climb the Chemin de Croix (Way of the Cross) and see exceptional views of the Dordogne from the ramparts of the 14th-century château at the top. Other attractions nearby include the Rocher des Aigles birds of prey conservation centre, the Forêt des Singes monkey sanctuary and the Grottes de Lacave underground caves. Contact Addresses: Office de Tourisme de Rocamadour, 46500 Rocamadour, France Tel: (05) 6533 2200. Fax: (05) 6533 2201. E-mail: rocamadour@wanadoo.fr Website: www.rocamadour.com Transportation: Air: Bordeaux Airport, Toulouse International Airport. Rail: Train: The four levels of the city are connected by a small train and a lift. Road: Bus: Buses to St Denis Près Martel (from Brive and Sarlat). Taxis: Available to take visitors from Rocamadour-Padirac Station. Car: N140, N89, D32 and D36 (from the west); N20, D23 and D36 (from the south); N20, A20, N140, D32 and D36 (from the north); A75, N89, N20, A20, N140, D32 and D36 (from the east). A winding road leads from the village at the base of the hill to the top. Opening Times: Rocamadour: Daily 24 hours. Cité Religeuse: Mon-Fri 0830-1200 and 1400-1700 (Apr-Jun and Sep); Mon-Sat 0830-1700 (Jul-Aug). Forêt des Singes: Tues-Sun 0930-1830 (Sep-Jun); daily 0900-2000 (Jul-Aug). Grottes de Lacave: Daily 1000-1200 and 1300-1800 (Apr-Jun and Sep); daily 1000-1900 (Jul-Aug); Mon-Sat 1300-1700, 1000-1200 and Sun 1300-1700 (Oct-Nov). Musée d’Art Sacrée: Daily 1000-1200 and 1400-1700 (Mar-Jun and Oct); daily 0930-1830 (Jul-Aug); daily 0930-1200 and 1400-1730 (Oct). Rocher des Aigles: Mon-Sat 1400-1600, Sun 1400-1700 (Apr-Jun and Sep); daily 1400-1700 (Jul-Aug); Mon-Sat 1500 only, Sun 1500-1600 (Oct-Nov). Opening times vary for other attractions in Rocamadour according to the day of the week and season; visitors are advised to check with the Office du Tourisme de Rocamadour for further details. Admission Fees: Rocamadour: Free. Cité Religeuse: EUR5/FFr33 (adult), EUR3/FFr20 (child). Forêt des Singes: EUR6.5/FFr43 (adult), EUR4/FFr26 (child). Grottes de Lacave: EUR6.8/FFr45 (adult), EUR4.6/FFr30 (child). Musée d’Art Sacrée: EUR4.6/FFr30 (adult), EUR2.6/FFr17 (child). Rocher des Aigles: EUR6.4/FFr42 (adult), EUR4.1/FFr27 (child). 
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