Rocamadour AOP Cheese Festival

Every year at Pentecost, Rocamadour celebrates its gastronomic treasure during the Rocamadour AOP Cheese Festival. This festive event attracts thousands of visitors who come to discover the famous little Quercy goat cheese, taste local products and enjoy the entertainment in one of France's most beautiful villages.

Whether you're a food enthusiast, passionate about local produce or simply curious to discover the traditions of the Lot region, this complete guide tells you everything about the Rocamadour Cheese Festival: program, practical tips and accommodation.

Rocamadour AOP Cheese: A Gastronomic Heritage

Rocamadour cheese, also known as Cabecou de Rocamadour, is a small raw milk goat cheese that has held Protected Designation of Origin (AOP) status since 1996. Its production area extends across the Causses du Quercy, in the Lot department and parts of neighbouring departments.

Characteristics of Rocamadour

• Shape: small round disc of 6 cm diameter
• Weight: approximately 35 grams
• Ageing: minimum 6 days
• Taste: creamy and smooth, with hazelnut notes
• Milk: 100% raw goat's milk

Produced since the Middle Ages, Rocamadour was already mentioned as currency for paying dues to local lords. Today, nearly 50 farm producers and dairies continue this tradition, producing approximately 1,000 tonnes of cheese per year.

When Does the Cheese Festival Take Place?

Festival Program

The Rocamadour Cheese Festival offers a rich program of activities for all ages:

How to Taste Rocamadour Cheese?

Rocamadour can be enjoyed at different ageing stages, each offering a unique taste experience:

The 3 Ageing Stages

1. Creamy (6-10 days): Smooth texture, mild and milky taste. Ideal for beginners.
2. Soft (10-15 days): Slightly wrinkled rind, more pronounced flavour with hazelnut notes.
3. Dry (more than 15 days): Firm texture, intense and distinctive taste. For lovers of strong flavours!

Food and Wine Pairings

Rocamadour cheese pairs perfectly with:

• Dry white wines: Coteaux du Quercy, dry Bergerac
• Red wines: Cahors (Malbec) for aged cheeses
• Accompaniments: Perigord walnuts, Quercy honey, mixed salad leaves, walnut bread

A popular local recipe: warm Rocamadour on toast, briefly grilled in the oven and served on salad with crushed walnuts and a drizzle of honey.

Practical Tips for Enjoying the Festival

How to Get There?

The Cheese Festival takes place at L'Hospitalet, on the plateau above the medieval village of Rocamadour:

• By car: Free parking at L'Hospitalet (follow "Fete du Fromage" signs)
• From Toulouse: 1h45 via the A20, exit 56
• From Brive: 55 min via the D840
• From Cahors: 1h via the D653

Where to Park?

Additional car parks are set up for the event. Parking is free but spaces are limited. We recommend:

• Arriving early in the morning (before 10:30am)
• Using park-and-ride car parks with free shuttle buses
• If staying at Hotel Les Vieilles Tours, make use of our private car park just 3 minutes away by car

Where to Stay for the Cheese Festival?

The Pentecost weekend is one of the busiest periods in Rocamadour. Booking your accommodation in advance is essential.

The advantages of staying at Les Vieilles Tours during the Cheese Festival:

• Proximity: 3 min by car, 15 min walk from the village
• Free private parking: avoid the stress of finding a space
• Swimming pool: relax after a day of festivities
• Guaranteed peace: away from the tourist crowds
• Breakfast: featuring local products including... Rocamadour cheese!

Also see our complete guide: Where to stay in Rocamadour.

What Else to Do in Rocamadour?

Take advantage of your visit for the Cheese Festival to discover the treasures of Rocamadour and its region:

In Rocamadour

• The Medieval City: its narrow streets, sanctuaries and the miraculous chapel
• The Grand Staircase: 216 steps climbed on their knees by pilgrims
• Rocher des Aigles: birds of prey show in free flight
• Foret des Singes: animal park with 150 free-roaming macaques

In the Surrounding Area

Rocamadour is ideally located for exploring the Lot and Dordogne:

• Gouffre de Padirac: 15 min away, spectacular underground exploration
• Villages of Autoire, Loubressac and Carennac: 20 min away, among the Most Beautiful Villages of France
• Alzou Canyon: hike to the Saut watermill
• Sarlat and the Black Perigord: 1h away, the foie gras capital

Other Events Not to Miss

If you can't come at Pentecost, other events punctuate the year in Rocamadour:

• Les Montgolfiades (late September): dozens of hot air balloons take off above the canyon
• Rocamadour Festival (mid-August): sacred music in the sanctuaries
• Night markets (summer): every Tuesday evening at L'Hospitalet

To choose the best time according to your preferences, see our article: When is the best time to visit Rocamadour?

In Summary

The Rocamadour AOP Cheese Festival is much more than a simple market: it's a celebration of the Quercy terroir, a unique opportunity to meet passionate producers and discover one of France's most delicious cheeses.

Mark the Pentecost weekend in your diary, and remember to book your accommodation now to make the most of this gastronomic weekend in the heart of the Lot region.