The town clinging to its cliff and the river flowing 103 metres underground: the Lot's two great sites, 30 minutes from the villa.
Rocamadour and the Gouffre de Padirac, a vast chasm with an underground river, are the two most visited sites in the Lot, and Souillac is one of the best bases for exploring them: about 30 minutes' drive to one, 35 to the other.
They can be combined in a single day, but each deserves time. Here is what to see and how to plan your visit.
Built in tiers into the cliff face, some 120 metres above the Alzou canyon, Rocamadour has been a major place of pilgrimage since the Middle Ages and a historic stop on the Way of St James to Santiago de Compostela. The Basilica of Saint-Sauveur and the crypt of Saint-Amadour are UNESCO World Heritage listed on that account.
The visit works from the bottom up: the medieval town and its shopping street, then the sanctuaries, then the château crowning the rock.
The 216 steps of the Grand Escalier (Great Stairway) lead from the town up to the sanctuaries, where the Chapelle Notre-Dame houses a 12th-century Black Madonna.
To avoid the climb, a lift links the town to the sanctuaries, and an inclined lift links the sanctuaries to the château car park (both charged).
At the top of the rock, the rampart walk (charged) offers a plunging view over the town and the canyon.
The classic view of Rocamadour and the Alzou canyon, at the entrance to the village of L'Hospitalet: the photograph not to miss, best in the late afternoon.
Two animal parks close by, perfect with children: free-flight birds of prey displays on one side, free-roaming macaques on the other.
Le Rocher des Aigles opens from April to September, tickets on site only.
Rocher des Aigles (opens in a new tab)A huge shaft open to the sky, then a descent to 103 metres underground to reach an underground river, explored by boat with a boatman guide. The route, about 2 km there and back, leads to monumental chambers and lakes of astonishingly clear water.
The visit takes about 1 hr 30. The descent is by stairs or lifts; there are then about 70 steps down to the water. It is 13 °C all year round.
Buy your tickets online in advance, which is strongly recommended in summer. Pushchairs are not allowed; a baby carrier is advised.
Official website (opens in a new tab)The two sites are close to each other. In summer, book a morning slot at Padirac, then head to Rocamadour for the afternoon and early evening, when the light is at its finest from L'Hospitalet.
In July and August, crowds peak around 15 August. Arrive early, or choose a Saturday for Rocamadour, often quieter as it is changeover day for holidaymakers.
Information checked on 15 Oct 2026. Opening hours and access conditions change with the seasons: check each site's official website before setting off.
Your base
A 4-bedroom villa for 8 guests with a private pool and enclosed garden in Souillac: the town centre on foot, and every outing in this guide within a day trip by car.