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Welcome to the Sanctuary Notre-Dame of Lourdes 

Lourdes and its message

The official website of the sanctuary of our lady of lourdes.

Since the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1858, millions of people from all over the world have flocked to Lourdes every year to experience the grace of this place. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is above all the place of healing of bodies and hearts where one comes to pray humbly to the one who revealed her name to Bernadette Soubirous: “I am the Immaculate Conception”.

The Message of Lourdes, a treasure to be discovered

Coming to Lourdes for the first time means first of all looking at and discovering this place where the Virgin Mary appeared eighteen times in 1858. It means feeling the faith of the thousands of pilgrims who respond to Our Lady’s call to “come here in procession ” and observing the hope of all the sick pilgrims who come to the Grotto for a little comfort and – why not – the grace of healing. Seeing the charity of all those, volunteers and hospitallers, who come to serve others, means experiencing the Message of Lourdes in practice.

At Lourdes, the poor and the sick come first

In a society marked by individualism, Lourdes wants to respond with fraternity. To material success, Lourdes wants to respond with the price and value of poverty. To the cult of the body, Lourdes wants to respond with the dignity of all life. To mistrust, Lourdes responds with trust. To isolation and loneliness, Lourdes responds with gathering and joy.

A working community in the service of pilgrims

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is not just a historical monument that is maintained; it is a lively place that gets transformed, year after year, in order to better welcome pilgrims from all over the world and make each one discover its historical richness and the universality of its message.

Make a donation to support the mission of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes

Every day, for more than 160 years, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes has welcomed pilgrims from all over the world, especially the most fragile and suffering, so that everyone can experience the grace of Lourdes. The Sanctuary is the world’s leading network of “hospitalités” serving the sick and is supported in its mission by the Friends of Our Lady of Lourdes Community, made up of donors, benefactors, volunteers and organisers of pilgrimages to Lourdes. We are committed to use your donation concretely to allow sick people to live their pilgrimage in the best material and spiritual conditions, maintain and restore the Sanctuary’s heritage, and give pilgrims from all over the world the means to live a pilgrimage under the eyes of Our Lady of Lourdes.

The projects of the Sanctuary

Projects for the Future

Youth Village

Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Upper Basilica)

Hospitality and mission.

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Help the sanctuary, experience the lourdes pilgrimage, subscribe to the letter from the friends of lourdes.

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75% DE VOTRE DON POUR LE SANCTUAIRE DE LOURDES SONT DÉDUCTIBLES DE VOS IMPÔTS* dans la limite de 554 euros par an.

* Rehaussement de la réduction d’impôt pour les dons effectués au profit des associations cultuelles entre le 2 juin 2021 et le 31 décembre 2022 : vote définitif de la mesure dans la loi de finance rectificative n° 2021-953 du 19 juillet 2021. L’article 18 prévoit que le taux de la réduction d’impôt prévue au 1 de l’article 200 du code général des impôts est porté à 75 % pour les dons et versements, y compris l’abandon exprès de revenus ou produits, effectués entre le 2 juin 2021 et le 31 décembre 2022, au profit d’associations cultuelles ou d’établissements publics des cultes reconnus d’Alsace-Moselle. Les versements réalisés en 2021 sont retenus dans la limite de 554 euros. Pour les versements réalisés en 2022, cette limite est relevée dans la même proportion que la limite supérieure de la première tranche du barème de l’impôt sur le revenu de l’année 2021. Le montant obtenu est arrondi, s’il y a lieu, à l’euro supérieur. Il n’est pas tenu compte de ces versements pour l’application de la limite de 20 % du revenu imposable. Précision : ce plafond de 554€ est bien distinct de celui dit “amendement Coluche” qui permet de bénéficier d’une réduction à 75% pour certaines associations caritatives et humanitaires dites « organismes d’aide aux personnes en difficulté ». Il est bien possible de cumuler ces deux avantages.

10 Best Things To Do In Lourdes, France

By: Author Christine Rogador

Posted on Published: August 5, 2021  - Last updated: September 19, 2022

Are you looking for best things to do in Lourdes, France ?

In the year 1858, between the 11th of February and the 16th of July, something of massive importance took place in a little market town at the foothills of the Pyrenees, in southwestern France. 

According to believers, the Blessed Virgin Mary had appeared 18 times to a 14-year-old peasant girl called Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes.

Bernadette’s little hometown had risen to prominence soon after and she would later become a Catholic saint. The town of Lourdes in Occitanie Region has become a very significant site of pilgrimage and religious tourism since. 

Every season, about 6 million tourists and pilgrims come to Lourdes for healing and worship. However, Lourdes is not all about Saint Bernadette and the Marian apparitions. 

Things you'll find in this article

1. Enjoy an unforgettable experience exploring the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes (the Domain)

2. drink and/or bathe in the lourdes water, 3. climb the holy stairs, 4. light a candle and join a candlelit procession, 5. relive st. bernadette’s beginnings and where it all started at moulin de boly and le cachot, 6. spend a few hours at the historic château fort, 7. ride the funicular to pic du jer, 8. get friendly with the animals at la ferme du bon’air, 9. relax on the shore of the lac de lourdes.

• 10. End your day at a brasserie 

Travel Tips And Resources

Here’s a list of the 10 best things to do and see in Lourdes, whether you’re religious or not.

Top Religious Things To Do In Lourdes

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, or the Domain, lies on the banks of the river Gave de Pau. This historical site welcomes pilgrims and visitors from all over the world all year round. 

For a truly unforgettable experience of the Domain, one shouldn’t miss its main churches , especially the following:

• The Crypt

Constructed in 1866, the Crypt features enormous pillars supporting the weight of the Upper Basilica, which was built on top of it. It is accessible through a long corridor covered with ex voto plaques and an entrance with a bronze statue of St. Peter.

• The Upper Basilica

Officially the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, this Gothic church is known widely as the Upper Basilica, built in 1876 on top of the Crypt. You will get awed by its stained-glass windows depicting various events in the story of Lourdes. 

• The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary

The Domain’s third church, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, was completed in 1899 and can hold 1,500 people.

On the exterior of the dome, you will see the gilded crown and cross given by the Irish people as a gift, while on the exterior facade is a depiction of the Luminous Mysteries. 

• The Underground Basilica

The modern oval-shaped Basilica of St. Pius X is known as the Underground Basilica because it is constructed almost entirely underground. 

The largest of the Domain’s churches, the Underground Basilica can accommodate 25,000 people. It was built and completed for the centenary of the Apparitions in 1958 and features gemmail stained glass art.

In the Grotto of Massabielle in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, there’s a spring deemed holy by believers because it’s where the Lourdes water flows. 

The spring’s location was supposedly described to Bernadette Soubirous by the Blessed Virgin Mary in an apparition, with the instruction to “drink at the spring and bathe in it.” A number of believers claim to have been cured of their illnesses or diseases by doing so. 

You can ask the Lourdes authorities for a bottle of this non-liturgical holy water – free of charge. The water is tested and proven potable, so go ahead and drink!

A replica of Rome’s Scala Sancta (Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs), Lourdes’ Holy Stairs lead to the first Station of the Cross on the Hill of Espélugues. Pilgrims climb up on their knees in penance, so be prepared!

Called the Torchlight Marian Procession, this activity happens daily at 9 in the evening. The procession starts near the Grotto, continuing around the esplanade, and ending in Rosary Square.

Both must-visits in Lourdes, these two pilgrimage sites are important parts of St. Bernadette’s life. 

Moulin de Boly is the saint’s birth home where you can see authentic artifacts from the time of her birth. Just a short walk from Moulin de Boly is Le Cachot, where the first Marian apparition is said to have taken place. 

Top Non-Religious Things To Do In Lourdes

Lourdes, some say, is the place where heaven touches the earth, with the Sanctuary representing heaven and the Château Fort symbolizing the earth. 

The Château Fort, a medieval castle of Roman origins, is located at the entrance to the seven valleys of the Lavedan. 

Walk in its botanical garden, broaden your knowledge at the Museum of the Pyrenees, and be awed by the original tabernacle of St. Bernadette’s Church at the Notre Dame de Château. You will also be rewarded with the stunning views of Lourdes from up the castle. 

The Pic du Jer, a summit in the Hautes-Pyrénées, is famous for mountain biking. However, it’s a lot of fun to ride a funicular and be up there quickly. 

Experience to soar high into the fresh Pyrenean air and get a bird’s-eye view of the Sanctuary below. It’s truly breathtaking!

Perched in a serene and green setting at the foot of the Pyrenees, La Ferme du Bon’Air is a children’s farm for all the family to enjoy.

They have over 200 farm animals you can pet or feed, some of which are unusual like the sheep with 4 horns, sheep pandas, and miniature cows. 

If you come in the spring or the summer, you can have a picnic at La Ferme du Bon’Air. Otherwise, the farm has a café where you can sit and enjoy lunch with your company.

Lac de Lourdes is a glacial lake situated in the surroundings of this famous pilgrimage town. It’s a nice trip away from the crowds of Lourdes itself. 

Walk around the lake, have a picnic, try the canoes, or just about anything while also getting back to nature. There’s a local restaurant nearby for refreshments after walking. 

Lac de Lourdes can be reached via bus service from Lourdes town.

10. End your day at a brasserie  

After a day’s exploration and activities, find a brasserie (brewery) for an authentic Occitan dinner and cocktail. 

There are a number of brasseries in Lourdes with several on boulevard de la Grotte alone. Pizza lovers will also enjoy making their own pizza at pizzerias scattered all over – with vegan options.

Travel Insurance: I never leave home without travel insurance. My personal opinion is if you can afford to travel, you can afford to buy a travel insurance. All things can happen while on the road and you can never be too sure. And it's something that you'll be glad to have when you need it. For my preferred travel insurance, I use Safety Wing .

What To Wear: If you want some ideas on what to pack for France, check out this packing list guide for France .

Where To Stay: I personally use Booking.com for all my accommodations. Check out for their latest deals here .

Reading Resources: Check out our best reading resources here .

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.

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What to do in Lourdes?

A spiritual mecca, Lourdes welcomes more than 3.5 million visitors a year from all over the world to its sanctuary of Notre-Dame de Lourdes. Situated at the foot of the Pyrenees, in the Occitanie region of France, the Marian city is also a popular destination for nature lovers and gourmets. Discover our selection of unmissable visits.

Visits not to be missed

• The Sanctuary of Notre-Dame de Lourdes Every year, millions of pilgrims from all over the world come to the Grotto of Massabielle, one of the 22 sites of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. It is here that the young Bernadette Soubirous is said to have seen the Virgin Mary 18 times in 1858. Covering an area of 52 hectares, the sanctuary has many places of worship to discover, including three basilicas: the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the oldest, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary in Romanesque-Byzantine style, and the underground Basilica of Saint Pius X. The faithful can then follow one of the two Stations of the Cross, decorated with cast-iron or marble statues, before taking a dip in the sanctuary's pools, where they can immerse themselves in the 12°C water from the nearby spring, discovered in the Grotto of the Apparitions.
• The fortified castle and its Pyrenean museum An impregnable fortress for more than ten centuries, the Lourdes Castle, listed as a National Monument, dominates the town on its rocky spur and houses the Pyrenees Museum, a "Musée de France" with the most important collections on the history of the Pyrenees. The visit ends in the botanical garden, full of aromatic and medicinal plants.
• Les Halles de Lourdes (Lourdes covered market) With its typical late 19th century metal architecture, the Halles de Lourdes attracts the eye of the curious, while its interior pleases the taste buds of gourmets: Pyrenean trout, Bigorre black pork, duck, Pyrenean tomme cheese, cakes on a spit... It's all the flavours of the Southwest that emanate from the stands. A concentrate of local gastronomy, served on a platter every day from April to October.
• Lake of Lourdes A morning jog, an introduction to fishing, a walk or cycle ride, stand-up paddle boarding - Lake Lourdes offers a wide range of activities just a few kilometres from the town centre. Away from the 50-hectare lake, you'll discover a peat bog which is home to rare or endangered species such as the fadet des laiches (a butterfly) and the droséra (a carnivorous plant).
• The Pic du Jer At an altitude of 900 metres, the Pic du Jer offers one of the best views of Lourdes and the Pyrenees. Accessible by funicular from the town centre, the summit is the starting point for many hiking, mountain biking and running routes. You can also visit the caves and discover the flowers and aromatic plants on the botanical trail.
• Hautacam Mountain Resort Less than 30 kilometres from Lourdes, at an altitude of 1509 metres, the Hautacam resort is ideal for year-round activities . Downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoe trekking, dog sleigh rides, inflatable buoy rides in winter, tobogganing , llama rides, electric scooter rides the rest of the year...
• And also : Other sites to discover around Lourdes include the Pic du Midi and its observatory at 2,877 metres, the Pont d'Espagne and its spectacular waterfall in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park and the Cirque de Gavarnie , a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Discover a beautiful lake at the end of a hike in the Pyrénées

Must-see experiences in Lourdes

• Take part in the torchlight procession . A moment of communion and meditation starting from the Grotto of the Apparitions, the torchlight procession is a unique experience for pilgrims and visitors to Lourdes. Accompanied by songs and prayers, it takes place every evening from April to the end of October.
• Discover local know-how The town of Lourdes is a highly spiritual place, and has developed a number of skills linked to its shrine, including the production of religious statuettes, medals, candles and jewellery made from blown glass filled with Lourdes water. Several workshops are open to visitors. On the outskirts of the town, you can also discover the various stages in the making of garments from Pyrenean wool (jackets and dressing gowns, plaids and blankets, berets, slippers and scarves, jumpers, etc.).
• Taste the specialities of the Pyrenees . There's nothing like a stroll through the stalls at Les Halles de Lourdes to soak up the specialities of the Pyrenees . Barèges-Gavarnie mutton, Ossau Iraty, Pyrenean blueberry pies... For those with a sweet tooth, you can visit the confectioners in Gaves to taste the fruit-flavoured cailloux de Lourdes or the Pailhasson chocolate factory, the oldest in France.

Voir cette publication sur Instagram Une publication partagée par #TourismeLourdes (@tourismelourdes)

Discover the wines of the south-west To accompany the products and specialities of the Pyrenees, the restaurants of Lourdes offer regional wines, Madiran and Jurançon, which was used to baptise the future King of France Henri IV... Full-bodied red for the former, dry or sweet white for the latter, wine lovers will be tempted by a tasting session (in moderation) directly with a winegrower or in a cooperative cellar.

Cycling with the family on the Voie verte des Gaves . The Lourdes region is a fantastic playground for cycling enthusiasts . Built on a former railway line, the Voie verte du Gave de Pau is a 17km riverside itinerary that is both bucolic and practical, as it takes in a number of sites to visit, including Lourdes Castle, the Pyrenees Wildlife Park and the Pic de Jer. Along the way, audio signposts tell you more about the history of the valley, its famous people and the local cuisine.

Step into the shoes of a Tour de France rider Tourmalet, Aspin, Aubisque... Many of the Pyrenean peaks that have made the Tour de France legend are just a few pedals away from the centre of Lourdes, provided you're a cyclist with experience of 10% gradients and endless hairpin bends... There are several possible routes, including a 100km loop around the Tourmalet via La Mongie, unless you want to climb the Col d'Aspin and the Hourquette d'Ancizan... For breathtaking views of the Pyrenees, including the Pic du Midi, visitors can hire a car and take the iconic route des cols .

Walking around the mountain lakes With over 2,500 mountain lakes , the Pyrenees have no shortage of places to relax and cool off after a family hike, while admiring the magnificent mountain scenery: Lac de Gaube, accessible by chairlift from Cauterets or on the GR10 from Pont d'Espagne, Lac d'Isaby, located at the top of the Hautacam resort, Lac de Suyen, in the Pyrenees National Park, or Lac d'Artouste, accessible after an hour's ride on the little train.

Try ziplining in the Gorges de Sia With 16 ziplines, 11 via ferrata and 4 Nepalese bridges over a distance of 2 kilometres, the Luz Tyroline acrobatic course at Luz Saint-Sauveur, near Lourdes, is quite simply the longest in France. It's an unusual way to discover the Sia Gorges, with its waterfalls, turquoise waters and lush vegetation.

Observe the flora and fauna in the regional nature reserve of the Pibeste-Aoulhet massif. Overlooking the town of Lourdes, the Pibeste-Aoulhet massif is home to one of the largest nature reserves in mainland France (5,100 hectares). With a pair of binoculars, it's not unusual to spot diurnal birds of prey (Egyptian vulture, griffon vulture, bearded vulture) or, if you're lucky, protected mammals such as the isard or the Corsican mouflon. The many forests of the massif are home to more than 850 species of plants, including the iris.

Good to know : Getting to Lourdes by train

The train is the most practical and environmentally-friendly way of getting to Lourdes from Paris, thanks to the high-speed line departing from Montparnasse station. Once there, the urban transport network is free for holders of the Lourdes Pyrénées City Card (External link) , which gives access to over ten tourist sites.

Find out more: Visit Lourdes (External link) Staying in Occitania (External link)

Also read: Cycling the mythical route des cols in the Pyrenees A lake at the end of the hike in the Pyrenees

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Welcome to the Sanctuaire of Lourdes

Experience the Lourdes pilgrimage

Day pilgrims.

Allowing everyone to discover or rediscover the beauty and simplicity of this place of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary and her message of peace, comfort and hope which is so relevant today. ______________

Coming to Lourdes

Further information on the Lourdes Tourist Office website ______________

Accommodation / Meals

Tarbes-Lourdes International Airport (TLP) is located fifteen minutes from the Sanctuary. Lourdes is also accessible from Pau airport (PUF, 45 km away) and Toulouse-Blagnac airport (TLS, 180 km away).

You can reach Lourdes by train, departing from the main cities of France. When you arrive at Lourdes station, you will find city buses that will take you to the Sanctuary.

You can get to Lourdes by car, via the A64 motorway from Toulouse or the A65 from Bordeaux. Several parking areas are available in the city.

Praying to Our Lady of Lourdes

Entrust your prayer to the “chapelains”.

Prayer intentions received today

Candles lit today

Offering of Masses received today

News from the Sanctuary

Find information about the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes ______________

Come to Lourdes and become a “Pilgrim for a day”

• 8 April 2024

Venez à Lourdes et devenez « Pèlerin d’un jour ». Les activités proposées par le Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Lourdes pour la saison 2024.

Living the Easter season in Lourdes

• 1 April 2024

The Easter celebrations in Lourdes began on Palm Sunday, when Jesus entered Jerusalem as King of Peace, and continued through Holy Week: Maundy Thursday (institution of the Eucharist), Good Friday (the Passion) and Holy Saturday with the Easter Vigil leading … Continued

The statue of the Virgin of Lourdes is 160 years old

• 28 March 2024

The Virgin appeared to Bernadette eighteen times in 1858. In 1863, the sculptor Joseph Fabisch was chosen to create the statue of the Virgin.

Celebrate Easter with the colours of the HCPT pilgrimage

From 30th March to 7th April, the joyful HCPT pilgrimage (Handicapped Children Pilgrimage Trust, an English-speaking association supporting sick or disabled children on pilgrimage), recognisable by its caps and hats decorated with all sorts of accessories, will be spreading its … Continued

“I am the Immaculate Conception”

• 22 March 2024

In Lourdes, on 25th March 1858, the Lady said her name The feast of the Annunciation is celebrated on 25th March, nine months before 25th December, the date of Christ’s birth. In Lourdes, we also celebrate an event in the … Continued

“The Sanctuary of Lourdes: a house of prayer”

• 18 March 2024

The Holy Father addressed the second international meeting of rectors and shrine employees on the theme of “The Sanctuary: a house of prayer”, focusing his speech on adoration in shrines, places of consolation and hope for all pilgrims who visit … Continued

The Lourdes pilgrimage

Join a pilgrimage near me ______________

Young people in Lourdes

The Young People’s Pastoral Care team at the Sanctuary gives advice and helps develop a programme for your pilgrimage. ______________

Serving in Lourdes

The Lourdes Apparitions

Discover the history and the message of Lourdes ______________

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Must-see attractions in Lourdes

Sanctuaires Notre Dame de Lourdes

The spiritual centre of Lourdes is the subterranean grotto where Bernadette Soubirous is believed to have experienced her visions in 1858. From the Porte…

Château Fort

Lourdes’ imposing castle stands on a sheer hill just behind the town. There’s been a stronghold here since Roman times, but the present building combines…

Panoramic views of Lourdes and the central Pyrenees are on offer from this rocky outcrop just outside town. There are two routes to the top: a punishing…

In 1857 Bernadette Soubirous’ family fell on hard times and were forced to move to this dingy former prison, where they lived communally in a room…

Grottes de Bétharram

Grottes de Bétharram is a network of subterranean caverns that has been carved out from the limestone, glittering with impressive formations of…

Grotte de Massabielle

Underneath the soaring spires of the Basilique Supérieure is the fabled Grotte de Massabielle, where people queue for hours to enter and take a blessed…

Moulin de Boly

Bernadette was born in this millhouse on 7 January 1844, one year after the marriage of her parents Louise Castérot and François Soubirous. She lived here…

Porte St-Michel

This gate into the sanctuary is the first you'll reach when approaching from across the river (where you'll find the majority of lodging and dining…

Maison Paternelle de Ste-Bernadette

After Bernadette Soubirous experienced her visions, Lourdes’ abbot bought this house for her family. It’s still run by her descendants, and has a…

Porte St-Joseph

By evening or early morning (when the Porte St-Michel is closed), this is the most convenient access to the sanctuary.

Porte de la Crypte

Connects the Basilique Supérieure with the Chemin de Croix (Way of the Cross).

Basilique Notre-Dame-du-Rosaire

The lower of Lourdes' two basilicas has magnificent gilded mosaics.

Basilique Supérieure

The upper basilica in the sanctuary has a soaring Gothic design.

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Lourdes

Things to do in lourdes, explore popular experiences, tours in and around lourdes.

If Our Lady of Lourdes was told to me ... guided tour for your tribe!

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Private guided tours of Lourdes

Gastronomic tour in Lourdes

Marian Route: Lourdes, Montserrat & Meritxell

Private tour of Lourdes and the three sacred temples

Private Guided History tour of Lourdes

Lourdes Sanctuary Private Tour & Hotel Pickup from San Sebastian

Half-day sailing on the Gave de Pau

Private sightseeing tours.

Top Attractions in Lourdes

Other Top Attractions around Lourdes

Cultural & Theme Tours

Walking & Biking Tours

Tours & sightseeing, what travellers are saying.

• Sanctuaire Notre Dame de Lourdes
• Grotte de Massabielle
• Chateau Fort of Lourdes
• Le Via Crucis/ Way of the Cross/ Chemin de Croix
• Voie Verte des Gaves
• Lac de Lourdes
• Pic de Beout
• Lourdes Sanctuary Private Tour & Hotel Pickup from San Sebastian
• Lourdes Sanctuary and castle small group tour, lunch included
• Basilique de l’Immaculee Conception
• Basilique Notre-Dame du Rosaire
• Le Petit Lourdes

Lourdes, one of the Great Religious Centres of France

Virgin Mary Sightings, Lourdes Pilgrimages and Lourdes Hotels

Lourdes, France is a bustling Pyrenean town, best known for famous Virgin Mary sightings, a phenomenon that is central to several other great cities and attractions.

Lourdes is the second most popular tourism city in all of France, attracting over seven million pilgrims annually from throughout the globe to the cave where a peasant girl had several Virgin Mary sightings.

Although Lourdes' spiritual atmosphere is tainted by numerous shops selling tacky religious trinkets (think framed, velvet Jesus art and pink plastic rosaries), even an atheist could appreciate the splendor of the enormous Basilica of the Rosary. It was built in response to the hordes that began to descend on the city after the Virgin Mary sightings, and is an amazing example of architecture.

The city is also in a prime location. The Pyrenees are steps away to the south, and Spain is close by. It is the perfect destination for the adventure traveler, with numerous outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and more close by. The Pyrenean cities of Pau and Tarbes are a few minutes away. The charming small spa village of Argeles-Gazost is about a 15-minute drive away, and it also features a casino.

Virgin Mary Sightings in Lourdes

In 1858, Lourdes went from being a small village in the Pyrenees to a global attraction. This was when the peasant girl, Bernadette Soubirous, had a life-altering visit to a cave with her siblings to gather wood. According to accounts, "Lifting her head, she saw, in the crevice of the rock, a young girl, surrounded by light, who looked at her and smiled."

This was the first of eighteen visions Bernadette claims to have had of the Virgin Mary. Bernadette eventually became a nun in Nevers. Today, the cave is just at the base of the basilica. Streams of believers, many in wheelchairs or even rolled in on gurneys, swarm the cave where Bernadette had her visions for a taste of the water from the spring there and with hopes for a miracle.

Lourdes Attractions

• The primary Lourdes attractions are the cave where the sightings occured and the Basilica of the Rosary built to watch over it. It is free to enter, and it is a must-see. This Romanesque style cathedral is one of the largest in all the world.
• Scale the massive winding ramp to the basilica, turn around and look straight ahead and you will see it: Lourdes' castle and Pyrenean Museum . If it weren't overshadowed by the basicila and the Virgin Mary sightings, this would surely be the city's top attraction. Although it dates back to Roman times, very little remains from that era. Primarily, it is a fascinating gothic fortified chateau. It also is home to a wonderful museum detailing life in the Pyrenees.
• The House of Bernadette Soubirous' parents features a mill, kitchen, Bernadette's bedroom, photographs and other memorabilia of the childhood life of Lourdes most famous daughter.

Transportation to Lourdes

One way or another, if you are coming from the U.S., you will need to pass through Paris en route to Lourdes. There are connecting flights through Paris to the Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrenees International Airport .

You can also fly into Paris, and then use a France Rail Pass to reach Lourdes or visit any number of other destinations during your visit.

Lourdes Hotels

There are a dizzying number of lodging options for such a small town, but you can use that to your advantage. You can camp for a few euros or stay in four-star accommodations for big money.

• The Best Western Hotel Christina is blessed with a fabulous location a short walk to the sanctuary and grotto, as well as the train station.

Day trips from Lourdes

• Argeles-Gazost, just a few minutes from Lourdes. This is a charming small village with a quaint street lined with boutiques and cafes, as well as a casino and thermal spa.
• Pau , about a 45-minute drive away. This is a fascinating Pyrenees foothill city, birthplace of King Henry IV. To this day, you can visit Pau Chateau, where he was born, and the famous tortoise-shell cradle he slept in.
• Tarbes, a 20-minute drive from Lourdes. This city is suprisingly large considering its rural Pyrenees location.
• Zaragoza , about a four-hour drive from Lourdes. Although it's a bit of a stretch to call this a day-trip (it would be one long day), there was also a Virgin Mary sighting here that pre-dates the Lourdes sightings by centuries. This is another popular pilgrimage city.

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The second Catholic pilgrimage site in the world after Rome, the town of Lourdes became famous after the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous at various times between 11 February and 16 July 1858. Today, the sanctuaries of Lourdes located on the banks of the Gave de Pau river attract millions of visitors and pilgrims each year. The key sites of the Religious Town (Cité Religieuse) are the Rosary Esplanade (Esplanade du Rosaire) – dominated by the neo-Byzantine Our Lady's Basilica (Basilique Notre-Dame), the Crypt and the Immaculate Conception Basilica (Basilique de l'Immaculée Conception) – the famous miraculous grotto where the Virgin appeared on 18 occasions, the underground St Pius X Basilica (Basilique Saint-Pie X), the Espace Sainte-Bernadette pilgrimage centre and the Way of the Cross (Chemin de Croix) and its 15 stations. The entire place is imbued with a very special spiritual and mystical atmosphere.

Also worth a visit in Lourdes is the fortified castle overlooking the town. Inside, the Pyrenean Museum (Musée Pyrénéen) houses collections of objects and art relating to the history of the Pyrenees mountains . The castle ramparts offer a beautiful view over the sanctuaries and the Pyrenees.

Additional information Lourdes

Lourdes attracts millions of visitors and pilgrims from all over the world every year. A spiritual journey? Better than that: the discovery of a unique place in the world that you must have seen once in your life. In this small town, in 1858, a young girl named Bernadette met the Virgin in a Grotto near the river. We come here to caress the rock of the Grotto, place a candle, drink the water from the fountains, simple gestures within everyone's reach. But the most popular moment remains the torchlight procession which sets the city ablaze every evening, from April to October.

Ideally located at the foot of the Pyrenees, Lourdes also attracts with its proximity to the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, the Pyrenees National Park , the Cirque de Gavarnie. Take a breath of fresh air while strolling in the mountains. Immerse yourself in a preserved and authentic environment. Recharge yourself with positive energies. You can finally disconnect from everyday life or take a break.

This multifaceted city will not leave you indifferent.

Things to see and do

• Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes.
• Fortified castle and its Pyrenean museum.
• Pic du Jer funicular.
• Tourist routes.
• Little Train.
• Small Museum Lourdes.
• Museum of Lourdes.
• Bon Air Farm.
• House of Knowledge of Seismic Risk.

Leisure activities

Places of interest, events and festivities.

• The anniversary of the appearances of Lourdes, every February 11.
• The New Feasts of Saint Peter (June 29 to July 14).

Visits, leisure and activities nearby

• Circus of Gavarnie classified by UNESCO.
• Pic du Midi de Bigorre.
• Cauterets and the Pont d'Espagne.
• Mountain Luge - Hautacam station.
• Hautes-Pyrénées Sport Nature Base.

Restaurants

Bed & breakfasts

Vacation rentals

Related articles Lourdes

15 Things To Know Before Visiting Lourdes, France

Lourdes is a lesser-known town in France that offers just as much to tourists, and this is what travelers should know about when booking a trip there.

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What visitors should know before visiting Lourdes

France is a favorite destination of travelers worldwide but many people instantly think of Paris or the French Riviera when visiting the country. Although those are mandatory destinations for first-time visitors, travelers can expand their itinerary to other romantic and historic locations within the country.

Lourdes, France, is a popular destination for Catholics, as the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to a local woman in 1858. Located within the Pyrenees Mountains, the region is also popular among hikers . The city is famous for its reportedly miraculous healing water and religious buildings, but visiting Lourdes is more than a religious experience, but is an immersion in history.

UPDATE: 2023/07/09 17:54 EST BY LUANA FERREIRA

Visiting Lourdes, France, is a once in a lifetime experience for Catholics and history fans. This article has been updated with information about the best time to visit and Basilica of St. Pius, the world's largest underground Basilica.

17 Best time To Visit Lourdes

The best time to visit Lourdes depends on what travelers are seeking. The peak pilgrimage season from April to October is ideal for attending religious processions, and a chance to witness the Sanctuary at its busiest. During this time, the weather is generally pleasant, with mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).

However, travelers looking for an affordable and less crowded experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (January to March). During those months, the accommodation prices are more affordable and the city tends to be less crowded.

16 Transport In Lourdes

Lourdes is a region that can be accessed using four modes of transport. That is by plane, train, car or bus. For a car, the place is connected to several highways that also link to major cities such as Pau, Toulouse, and Tarbes. The entire region has good national roads and enough parking lots.

A tourist can also opt to get in using the bus service. The MonCitybus is the most popular network. For the trains, the TGV train connects to several stations, and it is easy to access other areas of the country. One can also take a train to neighboring European countries such as the Czech Republic, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland.

Just 14 kilometers to the north there is Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrenees making transport by air easy for tourists.

15 It Has The World’s Underground Basilica

Wandering the streets of Lourdes is an unforgettable experience, but the city’s underground also features some landmarks. The Basilica of St. Pius X is a massive religious building within the Boulevard Père.

This architectural marvel was completed in 1958 and can accommodate up to 25,000 worshipers. Masses are held regularly, allowing visitors to partake in a spiritual service within this awe-inspiring setting. It is advisable to check the schedule for mass times, as they may vary. Due to its significance and popularity, the Underground Basilica attracts a considerable number of pilgrims and visitors, particularly during peak pilgrimage seasons. Arriving early is recommended to secure a seat for the mass.

14 The Sanctuary Of Our Lady Of Lourdes

The Sanctuary of our lady of Lourdes is one of the most significant places a tourist should know about before visiting Lourdes. For a tourist who is interested in visiting a religious tourist destination in Lourdes, then this is a must-do. It is also called the Grotto, and it is a site remembered as where young Miss Soubirous saw the first of her Virgin Mary visions.

It is a church that has been there for several years and remains a tourist attraction.

Related: A Tour Of The Most Beautiful Villages In France

13 Several Religious Events

Lourdes is a religious city. As a result, there are many religious activities and centers one will find in this area. For a traveler who is a catholic, there are many churches within the city for one to attend masses. One of the most known locations to take such masses is the Sanctuary Complex and the masses are in different languages.

However, other events take place at different times such as the Torchlight Procession and International Mass.

12 Chateau Fort Is A Major Non-Religious Attraction

Not everything in Lourdes is all about religion. As a result, it is easy for a tourist to enjoy other attractions. One of them is the Chateau Fort . It is located on top of a rocky hill on the edge of Lourdes city. The fortress receives several visitors per year.

As people walk up to the fort, there are many things to enjoy, one of them being the amazing views and sceneries. However, one can opt to take a lift.

Related: Top 10 Places To Visit In The South Of France

11 Trip To Pic du Jer Offers Great Views Of The City

For a traveler looking for a way to see the entire views of towns such as Tarbes, taking a trip to Pic du Jer is a good option. One looking for fascinating views of Lourdes should take this journey up to Pyrennes. It is a trip that takes up to three hours to complete. However, the experience is worth it.

Tourists enjoy taking the road on a 100-year-old railway. The railway itself makes the journey great. The old tracks plus the splendid views offer the last experience.

10 The Best Market Is Les Halles

Les Halles is a huge covered market with many people in Lourdes. It is a good option for tourists as well. The major commodities in the market are vegetables and fruits. During the weekends one can get the best treats. Another special thing about the Les Halles market is the local produce of spreads, cheese, and condiments. One can also get various kinds of pickles and honey.

The traditional foods and food supplies in the market give visitors a great treat of European culture.

9 Grottes de Betharram Is A Must visit

Grottes de Betharram is one of the most visited natural features in Lourdes. The feature is located just 20 minutes west of the city. It is a labyrinth full of magical limestone caves that run under the foothills of the Pyrenees. The area comprises several levels that were formed due to millions of years of water erosion.

The system here is vas such that it allows navigation by small electric trains and boats. A day in this place will offer a tourist a chance to appreciate and enjoy nature.

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8 Visit Le Cachot

Le Cachot holds a lot of history about the Soubirous family. It is one of the oldest features that carry the history of the family and this one is a place where the family was imprisoned for several years. The place is so unique that it attracts thousands of people every year.

With the prison having rooms as small as 16m2, it raises many questions about the life of people who were imprisoned there.

7 A Challenge To Climb The Holy Stairs

The name may be the Holy Stairs but they are not the normal stairs. Instead, the place is climbed by kneeling. It is made up of 28 stairs and they represent the step difference between pilates and Jesus that was climbed before his death.

Travelers who are into religious attractions will find meaning and a lot of sense in climbing the place. One can join local religious people in the climb.

6 Le Petit Train Goes Around Lourdes

Lourdes is a city with many attractions and one may want to move around and see all the attractions. Taking a ride on the Le Petit is the best option for this. Although it is a small train, there are comfortable seats and tourists can see all over the town and many things found there. It is a ride that takes 45 minutes and one can witness monumental places and iconic destinations from the comfort of a moving train.

5 Lourdes Is One Of The Top Christian Pilgrimage Sites

Lourdes is the top-visited pilgrimage site in France and one of the top pilgrimage sites in the Christian world. It receives around 6 million pilgrims every year who come ot venerate the site. The story of Lourdes started in 1858 when Bernadette Soubirous is said to have witnessed a beautiful apparition in the small village.

The story goes that he saw a vision of Our Lady surrounded by a brilliant light. Learn more about the history and story of the sight on Marian Pilgrimages . Lourdes can be a part of a greater pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago .

Related: Ireland's Traditional Pilgrimage Hikes Are Both Beautiful And Symbolic

4 Touch The Rock

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes has been built over the site. It has been expanded gradually and now covers 50 hectares. Pilgrims queue to the spot where the Virgin Mary is set to have appeared. What they do is go single file to touch the rock lightly with their fingertips.

They also see the water of the grotto from the spring and pray. Whether one is religious, spiritual, or just looking for something to see and do. Join the queue and touch the fabled rock. Learn more about what to do when visiting the sanctuary on the Lourdes website .

3 There's Also Excitement To Be Lived Nearby

Surrounded by the great beauty of the Pyrenees, activities keep going after leaving the city's perimeter. From hikes along gorgeous trails, to even more extreme options like parachuting down through the mountains and into the meadows. The Lac de Lourdes is also open for any fishing enthusiasts to try their luck at catching one of the many species that swim around the area. And golfers will get an absolute kick out of the golf club surrounded by the beautiful landscape that Lourdes has to offer.

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2 Explore The Gastronomic Side Of Lourdes

Just like any other place in France, the cuisine of Lourdes makes itself stand out. From freshly made cheese to cozy coffee shops for a quick dessert along the way, there's always somewhere to satisfy a sudden hunger when visiting Lourdes. And the town even has its own set of traditional French dishes for foodies to enjoy , such as the Pyrenean lamb, trouts caught right on Lac de Lourdes, and a special type of pastry made from corn flour.

1 It's Like Lourdes, But Smaller

For those who would prefer to stroll around a much smaller version of the town as if they were giants, Le Petit Lourdes is a unique museum that holds a smaller version of old downtown Lourdes. Complete with depictions of buildings from the 19th century, river canals, bridges, and even one of the town's most famous grottoes with a tine statue of the virgin. This is a fantastic way of somewhat experiencing the town's past when it was first built, as long as having to use a magnifying glass to appreciate all the details isn't a huge problem.

NEXT: Road Trip France: Getting From Paris To Mont St. Michel, And What To See Along The Way

Your guide to visiting Lourdes: Everything you need to know

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Planning a holiday can be time consuming and at times confusing. I have created this guide about Lourdes to help you prepare for your trip to this historic town. My first visit to Lourdes was back in 2013 when I came to the Pyrenees on a cycling holiday. I am now lucky to call this part of France home and Lourdes is somewhere I visit on a weekly basis to shop or grab a coffee. Whether you are coming on a pilgrimage to visit the famous grotto, for health purposes, or to enjoy the stunning mountains this guide will help you prepare for your visit.

Lourdes is located in the southwest of France in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains. It is one of the most important religious sites in the world and over 5 million pilgrims visit each year. The main tourist season runs from Easter to October and July and August are the busiest months. Over the winter months, many hotels, and businesses close, and while it is still possible to visit Lourdes at this time of the year, your accommodation choices will be reduced.

While most visitors to Lourdes are coming as pilgrims to experience the Sanctuary of our Lady of Lourdes, it is also a great base for other activities in the Pyrenees . There is a range of activities within the town itself, but it is also a great base for those who wish to explore the Pyrenees mountains and everything they have to offer. Most of the major attractions within the Pyrenees National Park are within a 1-hour drive of Lourdes. There are also options to catch a bus to some destinations in the park.

How to get to Lourdes

Lourdes is easily accessible by road, rail, and air giving you plenty of options to get here. I would advise booking well in advance as trains and planes do sell out given the popularity of Lourdes as a tourism destination. On more than one occasion our plans for a weekend away from Lourdes have been stopped due to a lack of availability on the trains.

If you are planning to drive to Lourdes you will most likely arrive via the A64 which is the main Autoroute that runs from Toulouse to Bayonne. Lourdes itself is located 18km south of the A64 and is nice and easy to get to and the turnoff is well signposted. The driving distance from Toulouse airport is 180km, from Bordeaux airport 255km, and from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport 855km as a guide.

If you plan to hire a car while you are visiting Lourdes you can do so at the Lourdes Airport or at the train station in town. I generally hire cars from the airport as not all rental car companies operate from the station. As a tip also, we find that car hire from Toulouse airport can be significantly cheaper than Lourdes. While this option is not feasible for everyone it is something to keep in mind.

The SNCF train station in Lourdes is located a short walk from the city centre and there are plenty of trains on a daily basis in both directions. From Lourdes, you can catch direct trains to Bordeaux, Toulouse, and Paris with stops at smaller towns along the way on TGV, Intercite, and TER services. We have a separate guide to the French rail network if you would like more information about trains in France.

For direct travel to and from Paris, you can choose either the high-speed TGV service via Bordeaux to Paris Montparnasse station or the overnight service via Toulouse to Paris Austerlitz station. There are 4 TGV services a day with travel times of 4 hours 50 minutes and 1 overnight service that takes 10 hours. I have used both services and would recommend either, it really depends on what suits your travel plans best.

Lourdes has an airport that is located 17km to the north of the city that is serviced by bus or taxi if you do not have a car. There are two main airlines operating regular passenger service from the airport, Volotea, and Ryanair. Volotea offers daily flights to Paris Orly airport and twice weekly flights to Naples, Venice, Palermo, Rome, and Catania. Ryanair offers flights to London Stanstead, Dublin, Milan, Malta, and Rome. Schedules vary based on the season so double-check with the airlines. The major car rental companies operate from the airport.

Pau airport is located 54km from Lourdes and offers daily flights to Paris Charles de Gaulle on Air France and Paris Orly on Transavia. There are no direct shuttle or bus services from Pau Airport to Lourdes. You can catch a bus from the airport into Pau and from there catch a train to Lourdes. The major car rental companies are located at the airport if you wish to rent a car.

The closest major international airport to Lourdes is Toulouse Blagnac, a distance of 180km by car. You can catch a train from Lourdes to Toulouse Matabiau station and from there catch either a bus or the tram to the airport. The bus to the airport leaves from the train station whereas you will need to catch the Metro to link up with the tram service. I recommend allowing 2 hours to get to Toulouse airport from Lourdes by car and 4 hours by rail.

Getting around Lourdes

Lourdes is not a large city and if you don’t mind walking a bit you will be able to access most attractions on foot. There are some steep hills and streets to negotiate at times. For those who aren’t keen to walk, there are local buses that run regularly throughout the day to take you around town There is also a small tourist train that operates during the tourist season that takes you between the major attractions. If you wish to travel to some of the towns and villages surrounding Lourdes there are bus services available if you don’t have your own transport.

The TLP Mobilities website has all the information you need about bus services within Lourdes as well as buses to the airport and Tarbes. Tickets can be bought onboard from the driver or at the Lourdes Tourist Information Center. You can use a credit/debit card to purchase a ticket on the bus but we have found it does not always work, especially if you have an international card, so have some cash handy.

For bus services into the mountains, you will find information on the liO Occitane website . From Lourdes, you can travel on the 962 bus to Bagneres de Bigorre or the 965 bus which travels to Cauterets, Luz Saint Saveur, or Gavarnie. Purchase tickets onboard. You will need cash to purchase your tickets and they cost €2 regardless of your destination. I catch these buses regularly and find them to be a great service to help you get around.

Accommodation options in Lourdes

As you would expect from a town that hosts over 5 million visitors annually, there is no shortage of accommodation options for you to choose from. As an interesting fact, Lourdes boasts over 270 hotels making it second to Paris for most hotels per square kilometre in France. Whether you want a luxury 5-star property or a cheap budget hotel there will be something to suit your style and budget. Prices per night start at €35 for a budget hotel and increase to over €200 per night for a luxury hotel.

If hotels are not your thing you can consider one of the many campgrounds in and around Lourdes. Here you can pitch your own tent, park your camper van or rent one of the onsite cabins or vans. If you prefer a house or apartment you will also find plenty of properties ranging in price and style on sites such as Airbnb.

Eating and drinking in Lourdes

There are five supermarkets in Lourdes, E.Leclerc, Carrefour (2), Lidl, and Netto with E.Leclerc being the largest. Supermarkets in France are typically open 8:30 am – 8 pm Monday to Saturday and 8:30 am – 12:30 pm Sunday. Carrefour City is a smaller supermarket in the centre of Lourdes. Its opening times are longer being 7 am – 9 pm Monday to Saturday and 8 am – 8 pm on Sunday. This is handy if you don’t get to the larger supermarkets before they close.

Les Halles is the fresh food and vegetable market in Lourdes. It is open Monday through Saturday and is worth a visit to sample some of the local produce. You can purchase fruit, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and bread. I highly recommend the boulangerie located inside Les Halles, their croissants are some of the best I have ever tasted.

Lourdes boasts over 100 restaurants and cafes serving a wide variety of cuisines for those who wish to eat out. There is something to suit all budgets so everyone should find something that suits their taste and budget.

When to visit Lourdes

Based on my experience I think the best time to visit Lourdes are the months of May and September. During these months there are fewer people visiting making for a more pleasant experience. July and August are the busiest months and I suggest avoiding these months if you are not a fan of large crowds and your holiday schedule allows it. The months of November to April are considered the off-season and many hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, cafes, and attractions take the opportunity for a break and close.

Things to do in Lourdes

While the majority of visitors to Lourdes come on pilgrimage to visit the Sanctuary of our Lady of Lourdes and the cave where Mary appeared to Bernadette, there are plenty of other things to keep you busy during your stay. Lourdes is a great base for a range of activities including cycling, mountain biking, hiking, and sightseeing in the beautiful Pyrenees. I have put together two separate articles with things to do in and around Lourdes. The first article focuses on things to do in Lourdes itself and the second article focuses on day trips from Lourdes to the surrounding area.

How many days do you need in Lourdes?

How long you stay in Lourdes will depend on what you wish to see and do while you visit. If your plan is to visit the Sanctuary of our Lady of Lourdes only, then you can easily complete this within a day. This will give you time to see the various places of worship, attend one of the daily ceremonies and wander through the surrounding streets. If you would like to see some of the other attractions within the town I would suggest a minimum of 3 days. This will give you time to explore the main attractions, but also time to relax and enjoy the area without having to rush.

Amenities and services

Lourdes is the main centre for the mountains and surrounding towns and villages so you will find a range of amenities and medical services should you require them. This includes a hospital, doctors, dentists, chemists, petrol stations, mechanics, banks, outdoor stores, and hardware stores. If you can’t find what you are looking for in Lourdes, Tarbes is a much larger city and is only 23km by car. Tarbes is also serviced by train and bus from Lourdes.

More information about visiting the Pyrenees

If you are visiting the Pyrenees for the first time we have you covered with additional information. Start with our How to Get to the Pyrenees page that goes into a bit more detail on the options for travel to the Pyrenees generally. Our Things to Do in the Pyrenees expands on the information already provided on this page with a range of attractions a bit further, but still doable, from Lourdes.

The Top Things to See and Do in Lourdes

When in the mid-1800s the Virgin Mary appeared to a young peasant girl named Bernadette Soubirous, the fortunes of Lourdes changed spectacularly overnight. This small town in the Pyrenean foothills soon became one of the world’s most frequently visited pilgrimage sites, and today Lourdes attracts some six million visitors a year who come in search of physical healing and spiritual salvation. Here are the essential things to see and do in Lourdes.

1. the sanctuary of our lady of lourdes.

No visit to Lourdes would be complete without a visit to the site that kickstarted religious tourism in the town. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, also known as the grotto, is the site at which the young Miss Soubirous experienced the first of her 18 visions of the Virgin Mary. During her ninth encounter with the holy apparition, Soubirous was supposedly instructed to wash in the grotto and today visitors wait in line for the opportunity to take a dip in its freezing waters.

2. Château Fort

Historical Landmark

The 1,000-year-old Château Fort de Lourdes (Fortress of Lourdes) is the town’s only major secular attraction, balancing atop a rocky outcrop on the edge of the city. Never conquered in its history, it is home to the Musée Pyrénéen, a museum of regional artefacts and art. Gaze upon reconstructions of domestic interiors and learn about festive costumes and beliefs unique to the area. The ascent to the fort is a short yet steep walk whilst the views out over the city and beyond to the Pyrenees are a glittering reward. Those who find this a daunting prospect can take the lift for free.

3. Pic du Jer

Natural Feature

Overshadowing Lourdes, this jagged outcrop rises to 1,000m and offers exquisite views of the town and beyond. You’ll need roughly three hours – and plenty of bottled water – to reach the summit on foot. Failing that, the 120-year-old funicular offers a scenic trip that takes just 15-minutes. Disembarking at the top, you’ll find a restaurant as well as trails leading to various viewpoints and caves. The Pic du Jer is also a magnificent sight from below at night, crowned with its giant illuminated cross.

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5. Moulin de Boly

The Moulin de Boly – the birthplace of Bernadette Soubirous, in the heart of Lourdes – was originally a water mill where the girl spent her first 10 years. Renovated in 2012, the site is now a museum featuring a bedroom, kitchen and watermill. Informative tours are available, providing more detail on the simple lives led by peasant families at the time and for pilgrims, it reveals a more intimate portrayal of Bernadette’s early life.

6. La Ferme du Bon’Air

For a break from sites of religious interest, this farm offers a fun and intriguing alternative surrounded by lush greenery. Meet and pet locally reared animals including ponies, guinea pigs and more. There are plenty of picnic areas for a leisurely lunch and if you’re visiting the town with young children, this farm provides a welcome diversion from the slew of historic sites.

7. La Source

Pilgrims come to this spring to collect Lourdes’ fabled water. The custom has its origins in the story of the Virgin Mary’s apparition to Bernadette, in which the girl was instructed to go to the source. It is important to point out that Lourdes water is not classed as holy water, as it has not been blessed by a priest. Nevertheless, there have been countless anecdotes of pilgrims finding themselves cured of various diseases and afflictions after drinking it.

8. The Holy Stairs

Architectural Landmark

These replicate the marble originals in Rome ’s Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta) which, Catholic tradition holds, belonged to Pontius Pilate’s praetorium in Jerusalem, and were relocated in the fourth century CE by the mother of Roman Emperor Constantine. The Lourdes steps lead to the first Station of the Cross on the Hill of Espélugues. Pilgrims often negotiate the 28 steps on their knees in penance to Christ, who climbed the Scala Sancta to appear before Pontius Pilate for sentencing to death by crucifixion.

9. Candlelit procession

As part of a tradition that began in 1872, from April to the end of October, every night at 9pm, the Marian Torchlight Procession travels from the prairie to The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. Pilgrims join the march, bearing candles and torches as well as statues of the Virgin Mary. The walk takes about 90 minutes before blessings are dispensed by a priest.

10. Chemin de Croix

Completed in 1912 after 13 years of considered construction, The Way of the Cross is an integral part of a pilgrimage to Lourdes: a winding route navigating the wooded hill of Espélugues for 1.5 kilometers. Along it, 115 lifesize iron figures depict, in vignettes, the 14 devotions, or specific events that made up Jesus’s last day on earth: these, the Stations of the Cross, invite you to pause, contemplate and perhaps take a photo. (For the more physically challenged, there is a separate and more easily accessible route.) At the tranquil summit you can lie back on the grass, catch your breath and contemplate the horizon, as Pyrenean peaks fade to infinity.

11. Lourdes baths

Architectural Landmark, Spa

In the grounds of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, a natural spring emerges in the Grotto of Massabielle. The baths created around this spring have been a pilgrimage site for Catholic worshippers since the 1800s. Supposedly, the spring was revealed by an apparition of the Virgin Mary, who described its location to Bernadette Soubirous. What flows from the spring is considered to be a form of holy water that some claim possesses various healing properties.

12. Les Halles

At this huge covered market – the culinary heart of Lourdes – people shop for fresh fruit and vegetables as well as specialty ingredients and weekend treats. Expect locally produced cheeses, spreads and condiments as well different kinds of honey, pickles and preserves stacked temptingly on top of one another. While you’re browsing, make sure to try the traditional local pastry gâteau à la broche , cake cooked on a spit in front of an open fire, thought to have been brought to France by Napoleonic soldiers returning from battle in eastern Europe.

13. Grottes de Bétharram

Just a 20-minute drive west of the city is this labyrinth of magical limestone caves, running beneath the foothills of the Pyrenees. Comprising several levels they are the result of water erosion over millions of years. The system is so vast that part of it can be navigated by boat and part by a small electric train, introduced in the 1970s. You’ll see otherworldly rock formations as well as stalactites and stalagmites that cast eerily shaped shadows.

Alex Allen contributed additional reporting to this article.

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Places to Stay

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THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Lourdes

Things to do in lourdes, explore popular experiences, tours in and around lourdes.

If Our Lady of Lourdes was told to me ... guided tour for your tribe!

Lourdes, Guided Walking Tour in the Sanctuary

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• Sanctuaire Notre Dame de Lourdes
• Grotte de Massabielle
• Chateau Fort of Lourdes
• Le Via Crucis/ Way of the Cross/ Chemin de Croix
• Voie Verte des Gaves
• Lac de Lourdes
• Pic de Beout
• Lourdes Sanctuary Private Tour & Hotel Pickup from San Sebastian
• Lourdes Sanctuary and castle small group tour, lunch included
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Lourdes travel guide

Visit Lourdes (Occitanie, France)

Lourdes is a town in the Hautes-Pyrenees department, 45 kilometres south-east of Pau . I hardly need explain the attraction of Lourdes. In 1858 in a cave near the town - the Grotte de Massabielle - the Virgin Mary appeared several times to a local girl, Bernadette.

From this beginning a substantial pilgrimage destination has arisen, a substantial industry has flourished based on these pilgrims, and many millions of visitors descend on the town each year.

Explore Lourdes

Lourdes is one of France's leading tourist resorts, and with over 220 hotels it boasts the largest number of hotels of any town in France outside of Paris , occupied by a massive 5 million visitors each year.

France This Way review: the descriptions of a visit to Lourdes below are a combination of contributions from more than one visitor, so you can see that Lourdes has a different impact on different people.

To many visitors it is a town offering a glimmer of hope, while to others Lourdes is simply a crowded resort. In truth of course it is both - the sanctuary and grotte area of Lourdes is a calm, restful environment where the faithful gather, while the town outside the sanctuary is crowded with tacky gift shops and cheap restaurants. If you can enjoy one and ignore the other a visit can be very pleasant!

The sanctuary at Lourdes

This part of Lourdes, with the church, chapel, crypt and grotte, is across the bridge from the town centre and surrounded by quite extensive gardens. The buildings themselves are attractive enough, mostly dating from the late 19th century. The Basilica of Saint Pius X is the largest of churches, able to accommodate over 25,000 people. It’s an awe inspiring place and a 'must see' on your places to visit.

The grotte where Bernadette appeared is just below the basilica towards the river and now contains a statue of the saint. There are also places where you can drink water from the spring.

Also within the sanctuary area (just beyond the grotte) is an extensive 'candle burning' area. To the front of the basilica there are several trees hung with rosaries left by visitors - these get sent around the world to related Christian communities at the end of each year.

General information

For visitors looking for a spiritual experience there are masses offered in over 22 languages, at all times of the day and night: the tourist office in Lourdes will give you all the information you need.

For the curious or those seeking a cure it is a good idea to get the program of masses, or like me you’ll walk in at a crucial moment with children running amok and heads will turn, as you rapidly seek your excuses in any language before sneaking out tail between legs.

With countless churches burning over 750 tonnes of candles each year, nine museums and far too many souvenir shops, Lourdes tries to combine an important historical value with a great deal of plastic tat.

When Bernadette Soubirous had her Apparitions, very little thought was given to the fact that this beautiful valley town, would be impregnated by concrete over-development, and less thought was given to the fact that the sick and wounded would end up visiting this place as their last resort… as the narrow pavements, and steep hills aren’t overly conducive to wheelchair travel.

In the town of Lourdes itself you can see the house where Bernadette was born and also the house where her father lived. These are among the most interesting houses in the town.

A handy way to get around is by using the tourist train. This covers 7.5 kilometres and the trip lasts about 45 minutes: it offers you the chance to see the Cité Mariale, the old quarters, the upper town and its historic buildings. You can hop on and off the train at various intervals throughout the journey.

A walk up towards the forest and you’ll see where Bernadette gathered dead wood in her pre-apparition days: there are a wide range of marked walks with information, children’s play areas, an exercise course and even a picnic area.

Le Pic du Jer has a large cross and can be accessed by the chair lift reaching the summit which is approx 1,000 metres high in only 6 minutes. The ascent is stunning, taking you through the pine trees and offering magnificent views over Lourdes, Pau, Tarbes and of course… the Pyrenees. It’s well worth a trip.

All in all… Lourdes is a place to say you’ve visited, there is something for everyone, but the commercialisation spoils the spiritual meaning

Attractions nearby

Set in the stunning backdrop of the Pyrenees there are many reasons to visit Lourdes, if not for just for the holy benefits then certainly for the astounding scenery and endless activities here and amazing excursions in to the Pyrenees.

Only minutes from the town centre is an amazing lake, formed from a glacier, it’s one of the largest in the Pyrenees spanning over 55 hectares.

You can also escape from the hassle of Lourdes with an array of fishing and water sports including sailing, rowing, pedalos, mountain-biking, horse riding, and Lourdes is a fabulous spot to picnic with many “tourist orientated” restaurants which are best avoided as they charge tourist prices too! The south bank of the lake also offers an 18 hole golf – course.

For historical value, a trip to the Mauvezin Castle (a medieval fortress) built between the 11th and 14th centuries by the counts of Bigorre and completed by Gaston Fébus and Jean de Grailly is well worth your time.

The castle is a great place to visit for those with children With a magnificent views you’ll see the Pic du Midi, and enjoy an amazing view of the Pyrenees along with the 37-metre-high keep houses. There’s also an archaeological museum, with various exhibitions, a gun room and reconstructions of historical scenes.

You can find more travel ideas in the Hautes-Pyrenees guide and the Midi-Pyrenees guide .

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Map of lourdes and places nearby, visit near lourdes with france this way reviews.

Saint-Savin

It is the abbey church in Saint-Savin, and the surrounding countryside, that make a visit recommended

The substantial gardens of Jardin Massey are the main place of interest in the centre of Tarbes

Luz-Saint-Sauveur

The pleasant town of Luz-Saint-Sauveur is well placed to explore some lovely Pyreneean mountain scenery

Col du Tourmalet

The Col du Tourmalet is a mountain pass in the Pyrenees, famous because the Tour de France passes here very often

Col d'Aubisque

The Col d'Aubisque is a beautiful mountain pass with views of numerous high mountains in the Pyrenees

Gourette s a small ski station on the route to the Col d'Aubisque near Eaux-Bonnes

... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Hautes-Pyrenees

Address: Lourdes, Argelès-Gazost, Midi-Pyrenees, 65100, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 43.095, longitude -0.0267

Plan your visit to Lourdes, Hautes-Pyrenees

Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby.

• Ourdis-Cotdoussan église St Jacques (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (7 km)
• Grottes de Betharram: site of natural beauty (14 km)
• Grottes de Médous: site of natural beauty (16 km)
• Marshall Foch house: national monument (17 km)
• Jardin Massey: remarkable garden (18 km)
• Tarbes : ville fleurie 4* (19 km)
• Zoo d'Asson: zoo or wildlife park (20 km)
• Col du Tourmalet : site of natural beauty (25 km)
• Cirque du Lys: site of natural beauty (26 km)
• Cirque du Litor: site of natural beauty (26 km)
• Col d'Aubisque: site of natural beauty (29 km)
• Pont d'Espagne: site of natural beauty (29 km)

Market days in Lourdes, France

Regular market(s) are held in Lourdes each Wednesday & Tuesday & Thursday all day & Saturday all day & Monday & Friday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)

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Les premières nuits glaciales de l’année n’enlèvent en rien la grâce du Sanctuaire. Un lieu simple, qui ravive les cœurs et les rassemble, tous unis en cette foi unique et partagée 🙏 📷 ©Photo SNDL / Pierre Vincent tourismelourdes #Lourdes #Sanctuaire #Vierge #Marie #night #nuit #grace #prayer #faith

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Les couleurs flamboyantes de l’automne réchauffent les cœurs des pèlerins au crépuscule des jours toujours plus courts. Un décor chaleureux, reflet de la ferveur de l’été passé à Lourdes et d’une saison des pèlerinages inoubliable 🙏🍂 📷 ©Photo SNDL / Pierre Vincent tourismelourdes #lourdes #sanctuairedelourdes #pelerin #pilgrimage #pilgrim #viergemarie #automne #autumn

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The lapping of the water against the rocks, the cool wind at the end of the day, the song of the birds going to bed, the warm colors of the sunset. A set of sensations that brings calm and serenity. Don't forget to look at my website https://marinaardillonphotography.myportfolio.com/ And if you want one of my images hanging on your wall, check out my online store https://marinaardillonphotography.picfair.com/ For any special request, don't hesitate, contact me. #discoverearth #jpeuxpasjaipyrenees #immensity #jaw_dropping_shots #naturephotography #hautespyrenees #exploretocreate #wonderful_places #sunlightphotography #jeudelumiere #jpeuxpasjaisunset #coucherdesoleil #sunsetphotographer #tourismelourdes #ig_lourdes #lourdestourisme #lourdes #lacdelourdes #lake #panorama_photo

La Vierge Marie « avait une rose jaune sur chaque pied, couleur de la chaine de son chapelet ». Pour le 8 décembre, offrez une rose à l’Immaculée Conception. 🌹 Nous la déposerons pour vous à la Grotte. 🙏 ©Photo SNDL / Pierre Vincent #viergemarie #virgenmaría #virginmary #lourdes #sanctuairedelourdes #foi #prière #faith #prayers🙏 #8décembre #immaculateconception #pèlerin #pèlerinage #pilgrims #pilgrimage

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Tourism in Lourdes

Hotels in lourdes.

Lourdes is a world-renowned centre of spirituality whose Sanctuary are visited by 5 million visitors each year coming from more than 140 countries, from all continents, to share histories, encounters or even emotions. It is the town with the second largest number of hotels in France .

At first a place of fraternity and spirituality, the Marian city is also a natural paradise, a departure point for numerous walks, an authentic and noble country, discreet and intimate where shivering meets mere contemplation.

Far beyond the breathtaking landscapes, the city owns that extra touch of charm one cannot find elsewhere.

Lourdes, one of the Great Sites of Midi-Pyrénées is a little mountain town with everything to compete with the best. Coming here is like escaping one’s daily life, making a trip within the trip, a destination to keep in memory for a long time.

Free and original routes will immerge you into the discovery of a heritage, of exceptional fauna and flora , told by impassioned and generous men and women.

A place of an out of ages beauty with its benevolent landscapes, its quiet back roads, its castle standing like a fortress and the warm welcoming of its inhabitants, Lourdes invites you to experience a great trip to the luxury of simplicity.

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Top things to do

The sanctuary our lady of lourdes.

Since the apparitions in the Massabielle grotto in 1858, the Sanctuary, which are open all year, have received ever-growing numbers of pilgrims and visitors of all nationalities and confessions. During the pilgrimage season, which runs from April to October, visitors can take part in grand celebrations as well as the emotional torchlight procession every evening at 9 pm.

The Fortified Castle and its pyrenean museum

With a history dating back a thousand years, this large stone edifice invites you on a trip through time. The fort’s architectural defences are wellpreserved and from its ramparts visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the town, the Sanctuary and Pyrenees. A museum tells the story of Pyrenean history and culture. In addition, take the time to relax in the botanical gardens.

The Pic du Jer and its funicular

The Pic du Jer, overlooking the city, offers a unique belvedere with a breath¬taking view at 360° over Lourdes, Tarbes, Pau, the Argelès-Gazost valley and the Pyrenean summits. With a one hundred years old and totally charming funicular, inaugurated in 1900, one can climb up to the summits to be in harmony with an XXL nature. The most wonderful panoramic view of the Pyrenees from Lourdes at 1 000 meters high!

The other toutirst activities

Lourdes offers a range of museums which are sure to catch your attention: history of our town through its old trades, waxworks of historical figures, animated crèches and a miniature representation of our town. On board the little tourist train or just on foot, don’t hesitate to discover all these sites, which are all equally fascinating.

The Great Sites Midi-Pyrénées

Lourdes, one of the Great Sites of Midi-Pyrénées is a little mountain town with everything to compete with the best. Come and discover the other Greats Sites in the High Pyrenees: the Pic du Midi de Bigorre at 2,877 metres, the Cirque de Gavarnie listed as a UNESCO world heritage site and Cauterets-Pont d'Espagne with the National Park a preserved nature and its numerous waterfalls.

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• Best Time to Visit Lourdes
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• Midi-Pyrenees
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Best Things To Do in Lourdes, France

Are you looking for what to do in Lourdes?

PLACES TO SEE

• Sanctuaires Notre Dame de Lourdes: This is also known as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France and is considered as the spiritual place of Lourdes because of the myth that says that in 1858 Virgin Mary appeared in front of a 14 year old girl. Moreover, the story surrounding the Lourdes water was that it used to cure sick pilgrims who took a dip into it has also played an important role in making this tourist attraction so popular in Lourdes.
• Chateau-fort de Sedan and it Pyreneen Museum: It is a thousand year old castle of Lourdes, situated at the top of a rocky cliff offering a great view of the Marian Sanctuary and the Pyrenees. History says that the castle worked as a strong defense for its neighbors where people could take refuge within its walls at the time of attack. Today, it is considered as the national monument and it also house the MuseePyreneen (Museum of the Pyrenees).
• Grotte de Massabielle (The Grotto of Massabielle): Bordered by the Gave de Pau in the north and the Rock of Massabielle towers in the south, the Grotto de Massabielle (the Shrine) is located right at the center of the Sanctuary. This place is popular tourist attraction of Lourdes because of the story says that it is this place where Virgin Mary appeared infront of Bernadette Soubirous in 1858.
• La Cachot: It is a tiny jail room where Bernadette and her family were forced to take refuge in 1857 when her family faced hard times. It was during her stay in this jail when Bernadette came across the Grotte de Massabielle while collecting firewood in the outside.
• Pic du Jer: Pic du Jer is a summit, located 950m above the city. It is said to be the best location to get 360° panoramic view of Lourdes, Pau and its surrounding. It is easily recognizable at night because of the big cross that lits up at night.
• Basilica of the Immaculate Conception: It is also known as Upper Basilica, is said to be the earliest Basilica of Lourdes and considered as the most important place for pilgrimage of the Hautes-Pyrenees.

THINGS TO DO

• If you are visiting Pic du Jer, make sure you ride the funicular. It’s a small railway that has been operating since 1900. It helps you to reach the top of the mountain easily. Else, hiking is another option to reach the top.
• After reaching the top, go for mountain biking within the woods. Make sure you don’t miss out these activities in your ‘things to do’ list.
• Don’t miss out the Grottos at the top of Pic du Jer. It is said to be the highest grottos of France. Other than this, enjoy the wild life at the top of the summit. 

Below we have a list of things to do in Lourdes and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Lourdes getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Lourdes with confidence.

• Things to do with Family & Kids in Lourdes
• Leisure Activities in Lourdes
• Entertainment Activities in Lourdes
• Historical Places in Lourdes
• Museums in Lourdes
• Art & Cultural Attractions in Lourdes

Tourist Attractions in Lourdes

Here is the list of things to do in Lourdes and tourist attractions in city.

Sanctuairesnotre Dame De Lourdes

Religious Site

Chateau-fort De Lourdes And The MuseePyreneen

Museum, Castle, Historical Site

Pic Du Jer Funicular

Maison Paternelle De Sainte- Bernadette-Moulin De Boly

Musee De Cire De Lourdes

Le Petit Lourdes

Les Halles De Lourdes

Outdoors, Landmark, Food And Drinks, Market

Basilique De L'Immaculee-Conception De Lourdes

Church, Religious Site

Musee Sainte-bernadette

Musee Christi

Grotte De Massabielle

L'egliseparoissiale Du Sacre-coeur

Musee De Lourdes

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On what basis do you refer to the events at Lourdes as a "myth". Why should I pay to visit a "myth"?

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