Blois to Rocamadour Drive: Hidden Gems & Route Guide

The drive from Blois to Rocamadour spans roughly 300 km on the A10, A85, and A20 highways. A curious fact: the royal château of Blois, where Catherine de Medici died, has a secret staircase visible from the courtyard. Starting there, you descend from the Loire Valley into the limestone causses of Quercy. The route passes through two distinct UNESCO regions: the Loire Valley and the historic town of Bourges. To optimize stops, read our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The geographical shift is dramatic. Blois sits in the fertile Loire floodplain with vineyards and sunflower fields. As you head south on A85, you cross into the Sologne region – a flat, forested area with hunting estates. After Vierzon, the topography rises into the Limousin hills, with granite outcrops and dense oak forests. Approaching Rocamadour, you enter the Causse de Gramat, a limestone plateau pitted with dry valleys and gouffres (sinkholes). The final descent into the Alzou Canyon reveals Rocamadour’s seven tiers of sanctuaries clinging to a cliff.

• Best natural stop: Pointe de l'Aiguille near Brive (panorama over the Dordogne valley).
• UNESCO sites: Loire Valley (indirectly) and the cathedral of Bourges (detour 30 min).

Local commerce: roadside stalls near Souillac sell walnuts, dried plums, and Rocamadour cheese (small goat cheese AOP). For crafts, visit the pigeonniers (dovecotes) turned art galleries in Creysse. Authentic goods to buy: Quercy saffron (expensive but prized) and Cahors wine (Malbec). The Saturday market in Brive-la-Gaillarde (old town) offers foie gras and truffle oil.

Road quality: A10/A85/A20 are excellent divided highways with shoulders, good signage, and well-lit rest areas at night. The D840 to Rocamadour is narrow but paved; watch for cyclists and hikers in summer. No toll booths after Brive. Safety tips: Mistral wind can affect high-sided vehicles on A20 near Limoges (check forecast).

• Family stop: Zoo de la Bourbansais (near Combourg, off-route but great for kids). Better along route: Parc du Thot near Rocamadour (prehistoric cave art replica).
• Pet-friendly: Aire de l'Étang de la Marzelle (rest area with fenced dog run). Many cafés in Rocamadour allow dogs on terraces.
• Fatigue management: Aire de la Vallée du Cher (A85, km 140) has shaded picnic tables. Aire de la Gartempe (A20, km 250) has benches and calm for a short nap.

Hidden off-route spots: 5 km from A20 exit 44, the village of Turenne (one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France) with a 13th-century castle ruins. Abandoned: the Château de la Grèze near Saint-Céré (unrestored, free entry).

• Rest zone: Aire de la Fontaine du Bois (A20, southbound) has clean toilets and quiet parking.
• Best sunset: Viewpoint at Chapelle Notre-Dame de l'Assomption overlooking the Alzou canyon.

Total distance: 298 km via A10 (towards Tours), then A85 towards Vierzon, and finally A20 south to Brive-la-Gaillarde, followed by D840/D809 to Rocamadour. Estimated driving time: 3 hours 15 minutes without traffic. Expect tolls around €25 for the full journey.

Fuel costs: Assuming a petrol car consuming 7.5 L/100 km and fuel price at €1.80/L, total cost ~€40. Diesel would be ~€35. Fuel stations are abundant on A20 (every 30 km), but less so on D roads near Rocamadour.

• Use cruise control on flat A10 to save fuel.
• Fill up at Leclerc or Intermarché stations for best prices.