Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Arrival in Rocamadour
By Train:
Five daily trains (transfer in Brive-la-Gaillarde) leave you 2.5 miles from the
village at an unstaffed station. It's about a €12 taxi ride to Rocamadour (see “Helpful
Hints—Taxi,” next page).
By Car:
Drivers can park above or below the town, but I prefer the upper lot, which
is easier and cheaper. From the upper town, follow
P Château
signs and drive all the way
to the western end of town until you see the
ascenseur incliné
(elevator), where the park-
ing is free. Walk or take the elevator down (see below).
To park below the town, follow signs to
La Cité
and
Parking de la Vallée
. Walk 15
minutes into La Cité Médiévale, or take the little tourist train (4/hour, €4 round-trip); then
either climb the stairs or take the elevator to the sanctuary level.
Helpful Hints
Elevators:
ForpilgrimspreferringnottoclimbthestairsorhiketheWayoftheCross,this
verticaltownhastwohandyelevators.The
ascenseurcité
(€2one-way,€3round-trip)
links the lower town with the sanctuary, and the
ascenseur incliné
(€2.50 one-way,
€4.10 round-trip) connects the church with the château and parking lot at the top. If
you buy a round-trip, keep the receipt for your return ride. Each elevator is run like
any other: on demand (push the button if no one is there). Managed by two different
companies, they're within 50 yards of one another at the sanctuary level.
Views After Dark:
If you're staying overnight, don't miss the views of a floodlit Roca-
madourfromtheoppositesideofthevalley(doablebycar,onfoot,orbytouristtrain;
see below). It's best as a half-hour (round-trip) stroll. From the town's southeast end
(Porte du Figuier), follow the quiet road down, cross the bridge, and head up the far
side of the gorge opposite the town. Leave before it gets dark, as the floodlighting is
best at twilight. Wear light-colored or reflective clothing, or take a flashlight—it's a
dark road with no shoulder. Within the town, climb the steps to just below the sanctu-
ary, and consider a drink with a view at the Hôtel Sainte Marie.
Tourist Train:
You can take the cheesy but convenient
petit train
to enjoy the view after
dark (runs evenings only), complete with 50 other travelers, a bad sound system blar-
ing worthless commentary in four languages, a flashing yellow light, and a rooftop
crimping your view (€5, 30-minute round-trip, 2 trips/evening, departures starting at
twilight—the first one is by far the best, check at the TI or call 05 65 33 67 84). Or
you can walk the same route in 30 minutes (see above), and take much better photos.
Small Grocery Store:
It's on Place de l'Europe next to the hotel Amadour, in the upper
city (open daily 8:00-20:00).