Padirac and Rocamadour: a perfect day in the Lot
How to combine France's greatest cave with its most dramatic clifftop village.
The two great sights of the Lot lie only about 15 km apart, and together they make one of the finest days in south-west France — an underground river cave in the morning and a clifftop pilgrimage village in the afternoon, or the reverse.
Timing the two
Padirac and Rocamadour are roughly 20 minutes apart by car. Book your timed Padirac slot for the morning, allow about two hours on site, then drive to Rocamadour for lunch and the afternoon — or flip the order if your Padirac slot is later.
Both are busy in summer, so an early Padirac slot leaves the rest of the day relaxed.
Making the most of it
Rocamadour clings to a cliff above the Alzou gorge and is best seen on foot; wear comfortable shoes, as it is steep. Padirac is cool underground, so carry a light jacket for the cave and you'll be comfortable in both.
This pairing is why so many visitors base themselves for a couple of nights in the Lot or the nearby Dordogne.
Frequently asked
How far is Rocamadour from Padirac?
About 15 km, roughly 20 minutes by car.
Which should I do first?
Whichever fits your timed Padirac slot — book Padirac for the morning and do Rocamadour after, or the reverse.