ROCAMADOUR
Built into a sheer wall of the Alzou canyon, this village has been visited by religious pilgrims since 1050 and is now one of the most popular tourist sites in France. Stop at L'Hospitalet to take photos of the village: It's quite spectacular. You cannot take your car into the village (unless you are staying in one of the hotels there), and nearby parking lots fill up very fast in summer.
There are both steps and an elevator that you can take to get up into town, and, once you're there, it's easy to get around. The small village square looks onto seven churches. The Basilique St. Saveur, the Chapelle St. Michel and the Chapelle Notre-Dame (with the famous mystical Black Virgin statue) are the best of the bunch. The castle is also a must for those who enjoy stomach-clenching vertiginous views.
The Gouffre de Padirac is another major attraction nearby. You'll descend 300 ft/90 m into this huge hole to take a guided tour of 1.5 mi/2.5 km of underground passageways and chambers. You'll see amazing natural springs and canyons and be brought back by the gondoliers who row you along the underground river. Unforgettable! 85 mi/ 140 km north of Toulouse.