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Following in the footsteps of Saint Amadour
The Chemin d’Amadour stretches for 500 kilometers, covering 21 stages, with daily distances ranging from 11 to 32 km. This route traces a historical journey believed to have been taken by Amadour and his wife Veronica from Palestine in the 1st century AD. The path is rich with legends, significant heritage sites, and breathtaking landscapes.
If you do not wish to complete the whole journey, there are eight convenient stopping points, supplemented by trains and regional bus services. The entire length is clearly marked and navigates through paths, greenways, and less-traveled roads. When including detours to some landmark sites or train stations, the total length is nearer to 600 km.
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The Route to Rocamadour
The route passes through historic centres such as Bordeaux, Bergerac, and Sarlat, in turn competing against the allure of bastide towns, local wine estates, castles, medieval towns, and multiple villages recognised as the “Most Beautiful Villages in France“.
The Chemin d’Amadour features an environment of stunning natural beauty as well as deep historical and cultural significance, some of which are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Walking the Chemin d’Amadour also offers travellers a journey of self-discovery, providing a profound experience that helps reconnect with the essentials of life.
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The legend
According to legend, Amadour and his wife Veronica were witnesses to the pivotal events of Jesus Christ’s life. They lived in Jerusalem, attended the Last Supper, and witnessed the trial and crucifixion. Among the significant acts, saint Veronica is remembered for wiping Jesus’ face with a cloth, capturing the imprint, in an act that immortalised her in Christian history.
After experiencing the death and resurrection of Jesus, their faith emboldened them to preach the Gospel. Facing persecution, they left Palestine for France, where they landed near Bordeaux and established the first Marian shrine in Soulac-sur-Mer, honoring Mary, who had once hosted them in Jerusalem.
Their evangelistic mission extended throughout the region, marked by miraculous healings and conversions, expanding their influence far beyond local borders. Veronica’s life ended in Soulac around the year 70, and she was buried there.
Amadour continued his missionary efforts further inland and ultimately chose a life of asceticism as a hermit in Rocamadour, devoting himself to spirituality, solitude and simplicity.
The city of Rocamadour, deriving its name from “the rock of Amadour“, became a pilgrimage site in 1138 when an perfectly intact corpse, believed to be Amadour’s, was discovered holding the statue of the Black Madonna. This statue, known for miracles, continues to be venerated in the Sanctuary of Rocamadour today.
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The journey from Soulac-sur-Mer to Rocamadour
Why tackle the trail from Soulac to Rocamadour? For the sheer beauty of the landscapes, the incredible cultural and architectural heritage as well as the stories and legends spread along the way.
It all started with Amadour and his wife Veronica, who landed near what is now Soulac-sur-Mer. When he became a widower, Amadour started walking East, spreading the good word, until he settled as a hermit in the place now known as Rocamadour.
The hike is divided into 21 stages. Here are some of the areas you will walk through on this unique journey of inner peace and discovery:
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The Gironde Estuary: the largest in Europe
From the coastal town of Soulac, the path first takes you through the Médoc Regional Nature Park along the Gironde estuary, threading through some of the world’s most renowned vineyards to reach Bordeaux—a UNESCO World Heritage city.
The journey continues through the verdant Entre-Deux-Mers and the first bastides along the way: Créon, Sauveterre-de-Guyenne and Monségur. Their medieval arcades are alive with shops, craft workshops and art galleries.
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From Duras to Eymet: vineyards and fortified towns
The trail then leads from the historic Château de Duras through the vineyards to the Dropt Valley. You are now entering the Dordogne Valley with its rolling hills and historic sites along the river banks.
The bastide town of Eymet and the village of Issigeac rival each other in charm. Loved by the Brits, Eymet is a picturesque medieval bastide built on a grid-like shape with a central square. Issigeac stands apart from the local bastides with its round shape and intertwining alleyways.
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From Bergerac to Sarlat: charming villages and UNESCO sites
Moving east from Bergerac, the route passes through villages and landmarks that form part of the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela, such as the church of Saint-Avit-Sénieur and Cadouin Abbey, both UNESCO sites. The journey through the Dordogne Valley features stunning villages and castles such as Castelnaud.
A junction on the route invites you to take a detour via the vineyards of Monbazillac to the town of Bergerac. Barges on the river tell the story of a time when the region’s wines were transported down the Dordogne to Bordeaux. Continuing eastwards, you can explore two sites listed by UNESCO: the church of Saint-Avit-Sénieur and the abbey of Cadouin.
The Dordogne Valley has also been classified as a Biosphere Reserve. This environmental heritage provides a lush green backdrop to the hilltop villages and castles of Belvès and Beynac. You should then take the opportunity to stop over in Sarlat, the picture-perfect heart of the Périgord Noir, featuring the best-preserved medieval centre in Europe.
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Further East into the Quercy Regional Nature Park to Rocamadour
Continuing in the Lot part of the Dordogne Valley, you will encounter the majestic scenery of the Ouysse Valley and the dramatic landscapes of the Causses du Quercy Nature Park.
The path takes you past incredible caves, limestone plateaus and impressive cliffs, leading up to Rocamadour. The end of your journey will leave you in awe as you finally see the sacred city, seemingly suspended between Heaven and Earth.
For detailed information about the hike, including maps, length of each stage, places to visit, where to sleep and practical info about bus/train links, click here: https://www.chemin-amadour.fr/
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