There are many good reasons that Rocamadour, an eye-catching commune of barely 600 in southwestern France, attracts more than its share of visitors. It’s a popular pilgrimage site on the St. James’ Way pilgrimage route. It’s a World Heritage Site. And the cuisine is really something special.

Rocamadour is built in a gorge overlooking a river. Churches and shrines are built into the cliff face. It’s an inspiring sight for the many pilgrims who have come here since at least the 12th century.

A steep staircase leads to the churches. Pilgrims used to climb the 216 steps on their knees to show their devotion, but today you can take a lift.

Inside one of the buildings, the Church of Notre Dame, is a black Madonna. According to the stories, this small roughly carved wooden statue has performed countless miracles, including healing the sick, punishing criminals and winning battles.

If you had come here a year ago, you might have seen a sword in a cliff. It was one of a long line of replicas of the sword Durendal, which belonged to the legendary knight Roland. Locals say the dying Roland threw Durendal hundreds of kilometers until it stuck in the cliff in Rocamadour. Unfortunately, the copy was stolen last June.

The Church of St. Sauveur is an essential visit. It is filled with paintings of famous people who have come here as pilgrims. Below the church is the tomb of St. Amadour, built into a cave.

Finally, try some Rocamadour cheese, a goat’s cheese that is famous as a soft, creamy indulgence.