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Gare de Rocamadour - Padirac

Gare de Rocamadour - Padirac (The Rocamadour-Padirac Railway Station) is a  station located in the Lot department of southwestern France. It primarily serves the picturesque medieval village of Rocamadour, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the nearby Padirac Cave, both popular tourist destinations. The Rocamadour station was put into service in 1862 by Compagnie du chemin de fer de Paris à Orléans. The passenger building today has a central body, with two openings and a floor covered by a gable roof, with a ground floor wing with three opening and a former goods shed. The station's modest building reflects the utilitarian design typical of rural French railway stations of the late 19th century. The station played a key role in the rise of tourism in Rocamadour and Padirac. Pilgrims and travelers used the railway to visit Rocamadour, a major Christian pilgrimage site renowned for its clifftop village and religious sanctuaries. It also facilitated the transportation of local goods, including agricultural products and limestone from the region, contributing to the area's economic development. The station, like much of France's railway infrastructure, experienced disruptions during both World Wars. It was used for military logistics and saw periods of reduced civilian service. Despite its relatively small size and rural location, the station remains operational and is particularly busy during the tourist season. It serves as a critical link for visitors traveling to Rocamadour and the Padirac  Today, the station is served by TER (Transport Express Régional) trains operated by SNCF (Société nationale des chemins de fer français), connecting it to larger hubs like Brive-la-Gaillarde and Toulouse.

January 17th 2025

 

 
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