Lourdes is a small town located in the foothills of the Pyrenees in the Occitanie region, in south-west of France. Prior to the mid-19th century, the town was best known for the Château Fort de Lourdes, a fortified castle that has risen from a rocky escarpment at its center.
In 1858 Lourdes rose to prominence in France and abroad due to the Marian apparitions claimed to have been seen by the peasant girl Bernadette Soubirous. Shortly thereafter the city with the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes became one of the world’s most important sites of pilgrimage and religious tourism.
How to get there
Many specialized travel agencies offer package tours which includes coach transport, city tour and accommodation from several destinations. If you plan to travel on your own arrangements, the most convenient ways to arrive to Lourdes is either by train or flight according to your departures location.
By Plane:
| Tarbes-Lourdes | 12 Km |
| Pau | 54 Km |
| Toulouse-Blagnac | 178 Km |
| Biarritz | 157 Km |
By Train:
Lourdes train station is just a few hundred metres from the town centre. Several trains travel to Lourdes, including TGV service from Paris and many trains to and from Pau, Biarritz, and Toulouse.
Local Attractions
Sanctuaire Notre Dame de Lourdes
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is the area of ground surrounding the Catholic shrine (Grotto) to Our Lady of Lourdes. The Sanctuary is a destination for pilgrimage; sick pilgrims are reputed to be miraculously healed by Lourdes water. The Sanctuary includes the Grotto itself, the nearby taps which dispense the Lourdes water, and the offices of the Lourdes Medical Bureau, as well as several churches and basilicas.
Basilique Saint-Pie X
The Basilica of Saint Pius X, is a large church and minor basilica, located in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. The Basilica of St. Pius X was completed in 1958 in anticipation of the enormous crowds expected in Lourdes for the centenary of the Apparitions. A modern, concrete building, it is almost entirely underground..
Le Via Crucis or Path of the Cross
Stunning real size images showing the journey of Jesus carrying the cross from Praetorium to Calvary.
Chateau Fort of Lourdes
The well preserved castle itself is the best place to have a nice view of the city imposing Sanctuary.
Musée Pyrénéen
The Pyrenean Museum of Lourdes is a museum dedicated to the Pyrenees in all their aspects, installed since 1921 in the castle of Lourdes (Hautes-Pyrénées).
Pic du Jer
The peak of Jer is a summit of the Hautes-Pyrénées, located at an altitude of 951 meters. To reach the top, where you can find a unique stunning viewpoint of Lourdes and surroundings, you can take a hundred-year-old funicular. This without any doubt is one of the must see places.
Lac de Lourdes
The lake of Lourdes with a surface of 52 ha for an altitude of 422 meters is located 3km away from town center in the direction of Pau. During the summer, watersport activities, such a Kayak and Cannoning are available to those nature lovers. Food outlets, picnic area and kids playground are also available for the entire family.
Le Petit Lourdes
Built in 1954, the Petit Lourdes will show you the history of Lourdes since 1858, following Bernadette paths. Here you can see the reproduction of old wood houses, windmills beautifully surrounded by flower gardens.
MUTHU HÔTEL DES AMBASSADEURS
The Muthu Hôtel des Ambassadeurs, is located in the central heart of Lourdes with one of the best locations and views to the Sanctuary. The hotel is currently under a complete renovation to offer our guest the most comfortable stay in Lourdes.
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