Le rocher des aigles

Le Rocher des Aigles is a bird-of-prey park perched on a rocky cliff above the Alzou valley in Rocamadour, where trained falconers stage daily free-flight shows with eagles, vultures and falcons.

What is Le Rocher des Aigles?

The park was founded in 1977 by Raphaël Arnaud, who was joined in 1980 by Dominique Maylin. Their original goal was to raise public awareness of raptor conservation, using proceeds from the flight shows to fund breeding programs and the monitoring of peregrine falcon nesting sites in the Lot department, which were being heavily poached at the time. The venture became a limited company in 1989, and since 2010 it has held the status of an "Ecoparc," an ecology education centre built around hands-on encounters with birds of prey and parrots.

Which birds live at the park?

Several hundred birds spanning dozens of species call the park home: eagles, sea eagles, vultures, condors, falcons, kites and owls fly alongside macaws and cockatoos. The birds move freely around the grounds, and during the shows they sweep low over the audience — the main reason the site draws so many visitors to Rocamadour.

What happens during a show?

Two to four flight demonstrations take place each day, led by trained falconers. Visitors watch from open ground as each species displays its natural hunting and flying behaviour, from the slow, soaring glide of vultures and eagles to the sharp, fast stoop of a falcon. Because the park sits on an exposed cliff edge overlooking the valley, the birds ride the same updrafts they would use in the wild, which makes the display feel closer to nature than a typical captive show.

Does the park also work in bird conservation?

Yes. Since 1986 the park has run a care centre for injured birds of prey, treating and rehabilitating them before releasing them back into the wild under the supervision of the French national wildlife agency, ONCFS. That conservation work, alongside its breeding programme, has made Le Rocher des Aigles one of the leading raptor centres in Europe, not just a tourist attraction.

Where exactly is it located?

The park sits in the heart of the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park, on an arid limestone plateau above Rocamadour, the village famous for its cliffside pilgrimage sanctuary. Le Rocher des Aigles occupies the opposite side of the valley, giving visitors a sweeping view over Rocamadour itself while they watch the birds fly.

When can you visit?

The park is open every day, including public holidays, from 1 April to 30 September. Outside this window it is closed to visitors, so it's worth checking dates before planning a trip to Rocamadour in the off-season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the birds free-flying during the show? Yes — eagles, vultures, falcons and the other raptors fly untethered, exactly as they would in the wild. Falconers guide their flight paths using lures and training rather than restraints.

How long should I plan for a visit? The show itself lasts around thirty to forty minutes, but allow more time to walk through the enclosures between performances and take in the cliff-edge viewpoint over the valley.

Is it suitable for children? Yes, the flight shows are a family-friendly activity — children can watch falcons, eagles and parrots up close, and reduced-price tickets are available for younger visitors.

Can I combine it with the rest of Rocamadour? Easily. Le Rocher des Aigles sits right next to the sanctuary and old town, so a raptor show pairs naturally with a walk through Rocamadour's cliffside streets on the same day.