From Les Hauts de Sauliès, explore three gems of the Lot: the Romanesque tranquility of Carennac, the medieval elegance of Martel, and the sacred majesty of Rocamadour. Between cliffs, bell towers, and golden stone alleyways, this itinerary combines unspoiled nature, living heritage, and authenticity.
- Carennac – 1 hour 10 minutes
- Martel – 23 minutes
- Rocamadour – 25 minutes
- Return to Les Hauts de Sauliès – 53 minutes
Carennac – Travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Carennac is a peaceful medieval village on the banks of the Dordogne River. Its Romanesque cloister, church, and golden stone houses exude an atmosphere of great serenity.
Saint Peter’s Church
Built in the 11th century in the heart of the Cluniac priory, the Church of Saint-Pierre de Carennac is famous for its Romanesque tympanum depicting Christ surrounded by the apostles and symbols of the evangelists. Its capitals adorned with fantastical animals and its large, uncluttered nave bear witness to the spiritual and artistic richness of the place.
Opening hours: free access
Cloister
Half Romanesque, half flamboyant Gothic, the cloister of Carennac offers a peaceful setting conducive to meditation. Its chapter house houses a 15th-century Entombment, a sculpted masterpiece of striking finesse, where religious fervor blends with artistic expression.
Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed Monday to Wednesday) – Ask for access at the tourist office.
The Dean’s Castle
Overlooking the priory, the Château des Doyens boasts elegant Renaissance architecture and a 17th-century painted ceiling. Today, it houses the Espace Patrimoine, dedicated to the history, architecture, and art of the Dordogne Valley, with permanent and temporary exhibitions. Opening hours: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed Sundays and Mondays)
Martel – Travel time: 23 min
Nicknamed the “city of seven towers,” it is a prosperous ancient merchant city. It preserves superb medieval buildings and an authentic village life.
Raymondia
Built from 1280 onwards by Bernard Raimondi, royal tax collector, the Raymondie is a vast urban palace organized around an arcaded courtyard. Converted into a town hall during the Revolution, it retains its belfry tower, symbol of seigneurial power. The Gallo-Roman museum of Uxellodunum, located on the second floor, displays the remains discovered on the site of the last battle of the Gallic Wars.
House known as Fabri
Opposite the market hall, the Duboys house, known as Fabri, is a medieval residence that was renovated during the Renaissance. It is recognizable by its windows adorned with pilasters and sculpted pediments. According to tradition, it stands on the site of the house where Henri Court-Mantel, son of Henri II Plantagenêt and Aliénor d’Aquitaine, died in 1183.
Saint-Maur Church
With its fortified bell tower dating from the 16th century, Saint-Maur Church bears witness to the transition from Romanesque to Southern Gothic architecture. All that remains of the Romanesque building is a 12th-century tympanum depicting the Parousia and the Last Judgment. The interior, with its ribbed vaulting and tiercerons, features a 16th-century stained-glass window illuminating the choir.
Rocamadour – Travel time: 25 min
Perched on a vertiginous cliff, Rocamadour is a sacred and spectacular place.
For centuries, pilgrims and travelers have come here seeking inspiration, contemplation, and wonder.
📖 Visitor’s Guide
Sanctuary forecourt
Facing the cliff, the forecourt of the Rocamadour sanctuary impresses with the prowess of its medieval builders, who knew how to make the most of a limited space. Once a pilgrims’ cemetery, this forecourt has been enriched over the centuries with chapels and buildings, forming a striking architectural ensemble today.
Lower Church of Saint-Amadour (known as the crypt)
Built at the end of the 12th century, Saint-Amadour Church housed the relics of the saint venerated by pilgrims. A masterpiece of balance, it rests on the cliff and supports the basilica above thanks to a ribbed vault, a transition between Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
Basilica of Saint-Sauveur
The largest building in the sanctuary and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Basilica of Saint-Sauveur towers above the crypt. Its two naves and Gothic pillars reflect the desire to expand the space in the cliff to accommodate the crowds of pilgrims who came to pray over the relics of Saint Amadour.
Chapel of Our Lady
The heart of the pilgrimage, the Chapel of Our Lady of Rocamadour, rebuilt in the 15th century after a landslide, houses the Black Madonna, an object of devotion for centuries. Built between the basilica and the cliff blackened by candles, it remains the mystical symbol of the sanctuary.
Way of the Cross
On the way back up to the castle, the Way of the Cross winds its way through the vegetation, punctuated by sculpted stations depicting the Passion of Christ. Spectacular views of the valley and the town open up as you approach the Jerusalem Cross, a viewpoint overlooking Rocamadour.
Castle
Dominating the town from the top of the cliff, Rocamadour Castle offers breathtaking views of the Alzou Canyon and the sanctuary. For a few euros, you can access its panoramic ramparts, the final stop on a spectacular tour—the real highlight of Rocamadour.
Return to Les Hauts de Sauliès – Travel time: 53 min
If you still have some time and energy left, you can take a short detour to the Fortified Mill of Cougnaguet, built in the 14th century and still in operation today.
Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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