The tiny little town of Lourdes in southern France has been relegated to the well-trodden path for over 150 years, ever since the Blessed Virgin Mary made an appearance! Yet many a traveler will make a beeline for the Sanctuary, bypassing the multitude of additional things to see & do in Lourdes. Now where is the fun in that?
I must admit, I have always been slightly intrigued by the most religious site in France: Lourdes. When the offer came in to go for work, I grabbed it with both hands and set out on an adventure. What I had not anticipated was the sheer variety of things to do in and around Lourdes. How did I not know this?
The dichotomy of Lourdes is what makes this tiny village well worth visiting. With a mere 14.000 inhabitants, it is positively overrun by pilgrims, up to 5 million a year. Yet these pilgrims all seem to converge around the Sanctuary. A 10-minute walk across town will see the religious fervor peel away and the hum of ordinary life set in bars, restaurants, and gregarious locals “bonjour-ing” their way around town.
Many visitors will not set foot outside of the town, entirely missing the beautiful Pyrenees, which unfurl themselves at the back of the town. Lourdes is the veritable gateway to this famous mountain range, and, as it turns out, the perfect location to use as a base for exploring them.
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The Tale Behind the Miracles at Lourdes France
The story of Lourdes begins in 1858 when a 14-year-old girl named Bernadette Soubirous experienced a series of visions of the Virgin Mary in a grotto near the Gave de Pau River. These apparitions, totaling eighteen, brought worldwide attention to the humble town and transformed it into one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Christianity.
Pilgrims journey to Lourdes seeking spiritual solace, healing, and renewal. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, encompassing the grotto, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, stands as a beacon of faith. The grotto, where Bernadette’s visions occurred, is a focal point for many, who gather to pray and touch the rock face in hopes of divine intercession.
A key feature of the pilgrimage experience is the spring water from the grotto, which is believed to have miraculous healing properties. Thousands partake in the baths filled with this water, hoping for physical and spiritual cures. We did not witness this, however we did notice a lot of people filling up jerry cans with the water to take back home.
8 Things to Do in Lourdes
1. Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
OPENING HOURS & MASSES: Check the latest hours on the official website of the Sanctuary of Lourdes
GETTING AROUND: Check out the map of the sanctuary
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is the most visited Lourdes attraction. Somehow I had always envisioned the sanctuary to be confined to the Grotto (Grotto of Massabielle), but in fact it encompasses The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Upper Basilica), the Rosary Basilica and the Basilica of St. Pius. It’s safe to state there is a lot to see.
DO NOT MISS: Aside from visiting the actual buildings, people-watching is part and parcel of visiting the Sanctuary. It seems there is an official dress code for Pilgrimage Volunteers which differs slightly per country and per parish. Some pilgrims opt to make their pilgrimage in traditional – folkloric – and while others don a brightly colored beret, alluding to the city in France they hail from. It’s a veritable feast of colors!
Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
This Basilica was consecrated in 1876 and it sits at the very top of the sanctuary, perched right atop the Grotto of Massabielle. The inside is a rather austere affair, as you walk in you will immediately see a long corridor that leads to a dimly lit crypt. The walls of the corridor are lined with plaques, known as ex voto plaques. These were donated in thanks for the spiritual favors received.
Rosary Basilica
This was my favorite of the three Basilicas. The Rosary Basilica or the lower Basilica is nestled inside the embrace of two large staircases, winding their way up to the Upper Basilica. The large Rosary squares sprawls out in front of the entrance to the Basilica.
The Basilica was consecrated in 1901 and can hold up to 1,500 worshippers, although when I walked in it felt a lot smaller, almost intimate. The interior walls are adorned with beautiful mosaics the likes of which I have only ever seen in the the churches in Palermo (Sicily)!
Grotto of Massabielle
While the basilicas dripping in gold are impressive, the real deal is the small cave atop which the Upper Basilica was built. This is the very spot where the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette.
Simply follow the long line of worshippers snaking along the sides of the Rosary Basilica, past the taps with holy water, and right up to the grotto. Pilgrims eagerly trail the edges of the walls with their hands murmuring soft words of prayers. The spring is protected by a glass sheet, surrounded by hundreds of flowers and, oddly, a bouquet of bell peppers. Did someone run out of flowers?
GOOD TO KNOW | The water from the small spring is reported to have curative properties. The spring itself is not accesible, a set of taps through which water from the spring flows is accesible 50 meters from the spring. A small glass bottle with the emblem of the Sanctuary can be purchased for €2,5 next to the taps.
Basilica of St. Pius
I am not entirely sure how, but we managed to completely miss out on visiting this third Basilica. This most likely has to do with the fact that it is not located right next to the cave or the Upper and Lower Basilicas. This particular Basilica is right behind the information center. It was consecrated in 1958 for the centenary of the Miracles of Lourdes France.
WHAT TO EXPECT | The Sanctuary and surrounding streets are bursting with pilgrims of all ages, sporting different colored berets and merrily singing at the top of their lungs. Stores are festooned with lights, brimming with statues of the Virgin Mary in every size and endless supplies of jerry cans emblazoned with the symbol of the Lourdes Sanctuary. It tends to get very, very busy
2. Witness the torchlight procession
As the sun starts to set on our first evening in Lourdes, I saunter over to the sanctuary to take some pictures at sunset, only to be met with a veritable flood of people and … security guards at the gates checking my backpack. It turns out I had inadvertently stumbled upon the torchlight procession.
Held from April to October, the procession begins at 09.00 pm, with thousands of pilgrims gathering at the Rosary Basilica, each holding a lit candle. Participants walk together, reciting the Rosary and singing hymns in various languages. The procession commemorates the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous, emphasizing themes of peace, hope, and healing. The route starts and ends at the Rosary Basilica.
Having grown up in Belgium, the concept of religious gathers and processions is somewhat foreign. So I stayed, and simply watched as wave after wave of pilgrims passed me by. Young, old, various ethnicities, all bound together by their belief and singing their hearts out. It was an impressive sight to behold I have to admit!
PRACTICAL INFORMATION: Takes place daily from the 25th of March to the 1st of November at 09.00 p.m
BEST VANTAGE POINT: If you do not want to participate but would like to simply watch, make a beeline for the upper sanctuary and watch from the terrace overlooking the Rosary Square.
DURATION: Takes between 1hour and 1h30
GOOD TO KNOW | Our hotel was located a few minutes walk from the Sanctuary. While the procession only takes 90 minutes, the songs of pilgrims can be heard for many hours afterward as they are sung in the streets around the Sanctuary. Keep this in mind when booking your hotel!
3. Visit the Château Fort Musée Pyrénéen Lourdes
Visiting Hours: Daily 10.00 am to 05.00 pm
Entrance Fee: €7.5
Few places in the world can boast having a castle smack in the center of town. Perched on a rocky outcrop with 360° views over Lourdes lies the Château Fort Musée Pyrénéen. A historic fortress with origins dating back to Roman times.
As far as things to see in Lourdes go, this museum should be at the top of your list! The current medieval fort served as a military stronghold and a defensive castle thanks to its strategic location. These days it is a museum dedicated to the cultural heritage of the Pyrenees.
Weather permitting, allot a bit of time to chill out in the botanical gardens. Unfortunately, when we went it was gray and raining. I can however perfectly imagine a scenery where its a nice sunny day and you sit underneath the canopy, reading a book and looking out over the town.
GOOD TO KNOW | The entrance to the museum is from the bottom of the outcrop. An elevator brings you all the way to the top. I would highly recommend walking down as it gives you the opportunity to see the perfectly preserved drawbridge!
PHOTOGRAPHY TIP | The ramparts offer an amazing view over the Sanctuary. I bought along my 300 mm zoom-lens and managed to capture some pretty epic shots from here.
4. Head up Pic du Jer
Operating Hours: Daily 09.30 am to 07.00 pm
Entrance Fee: Return tickets cost €13.5, purchase at the start of the funicular
Rising to a height of 948 meters, the Pic du Jer in Lourdes offers breathtaking panoramic views over not just Lourdes but also the surrounding Pyrenees. The easiest way up is by hopping into a vintage-looking funicular, which has been around since 1900. The route, thankfully not the physical carriage itself!
When we were traveling to Lourdes, France decided to throw us a couple of torrential rainstorms. So we ended up gliding up with the funicular not once, but twice! Totally worth it as the ride up offers such beautiful views and there are actually an array of things to do, aside from taking in the views.
WHAT TO DO | Visit the baby cave right opposite the exit of the funicular, hike up to the summit (a quick 15-minute walk), or have a drink and nibble on something small at the little eatery next to the funicular called Le Haut de Lourdes
GOOD TO KNOW | The start of the funicular is about 2,6 km from the Sanctuary. There are a number of options to get there from Lourdes. We opted to cycle, alternatively, you can take the city bus line 4 or the tourist train which runs every 20 minutes from Palm Sunday through to October 31st. More info to be found on the official website of Pic du Jer.
5. Go paddleboarding on the Lac de Lourdes
When looking up things to do in Lourdes I bet you did not expect to find this neat activity. Located a mere 3 kilometers from the town center, the Lac de Lourdes is a pristine glacial lake surrounded by soaring mountains. The water is super calm and when we went at the end of June it was warm enough to even go for a swim!
We did not swim however, and opted to glide through the water on a paddle board. It was my very first time atop a paddleboard, and considering my utter lack of balance I was weary, to say the least. But there was zero cause for worry, after a quick introduction session I was off on my merry way and spent the next few hours splashing around the make.
Park your car or bike at the ample parking right in front of the lake and turn left as you reach the lake. Here you will find a small cabin that rents paddle boards and kayaks by the hour. They also offer rafting excursions although these need to be booked in advance. Find more info on the official O2 Lourdes website.
FOODIE TIP | L’Embarcadère is a small brasserie on the shore of the lake. Grab a drink or a bite to eat before heading out for an adventure-filled day. Vegetarian options are available (although limited).
6. Buy fresh produce at the Lourdes Market
Opening Hours Inside Market: Daily 07.00 am to 01.00 pm (November to March the market is closed on Sunday)
Another of the much lesser known, though equally worthwhile Lourdes attractions is the daily fresh produce market held in the beautiful 19th-century iron wrought Halles de Lourdes. There is no better place to try a few of the local specialties including a host of fresh cheeses, the gâteau à la broche, and locally brewed beers.
The lively market inside the Halles is held daily, but once a week, on Saturday, the market sprawl is extended to also encompass the large parking in front on the Halles. Small local producers flock to the town to sell their wares. Everything from fruits, vegetables, fresh bread, and jams to a small selection of clothing can be purchased.
My absolute favorite part of perusing the market is tasting what is on offer and chatting with locals. And Lourdes Market rose to the challenge. With their delightful local twang, big smiles, local producers and a never-ending supply of products to taste, this was quite possibly one of the most welcoming markets I visited in France.
GOOD WEATHER TIP | We ended up buying a bunch of ingrediënts and headed for a picnic in the surrounding mountains. Type in “Mousque” on Google Maps and it will lead you to a viewpoint with sprawling views of the area and a few well-placed picnic benches.
7. Walk the way of Bernadette
As we traipse through the little town of Lourdes I cannot help but notice the large orange-sized circles on the floor. In fact it seems that most of the well-known places to visit in Lourdes are joined together along what is known as the Chemin de Bernadette or the way of Bernadette.
The route starts at the Boly Mill, Bernadette’s childhood home, and winds through town to the Cachot, a former prison where her impoverished family lived during the apparitions. The next stop is the famous Grotto of Massabielle and of course the rest of the sanctuary itself. Along the way, informational plaques provide insights into Bernadette’s experiences and the significance of each location.
8. Rent a bike and head into the mountains
I concluded my trip to Lourdes by renting a mountain bike! Lourdes is nestled at the gateway of the Pyrenees meaning endless possibilities for cruising on two wheels, with the most dramatic backdrops. Over 22 well-indicated cycling trials depart from the town of Lourdes ranging from easy peasy (Circuit Vert) to holy shit that’s hardcore (Descent Pic du Jer).
PRACTICAL | I rented an electric mountain bike from Bike&Py. Prices start at €35 for a half-day rental.
CIRCUITS | Run through the various routes on the official Lourdes Tourism Website. Here you will find the GPX coordinates that can easily be downloaded to your phone.
Places to See around Lourdes
1. Grottes de Bétharram
Opening Hours: Differ per season. Check the latest hours on the website of the Grottes de Bétharram
Entrance Fee: €17 for adults; €12 for children
The Grottes de Bétharram is located 13 km (8 mi) from Lourdes and takes 15 minutes to get to by car. They are amongst the most impressive and extensive cave systems in the Pyrenees. These stunning limestone caves are comprised of a series of spectacular chambers that can be visited on a 90-minute guided tour.
When we visited at the end of June there were very few other visitors. However, our guide told us that July and August sometimes see up to 4000 visitors a day. The entrance tickets include the bus to the caves, the guided tour, and the small boat ride on the underground river.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION | Make sure to wear comfortable shoes when exploring the caves. The ground is oftentimes not even and can be a bit slippery. The inside temperature of the cave is 14°C / 57°F so make sure to bring a jacket.
2. Pic du Midi de Bigorre
Opening Hours: Daily 09.30 am to 05.30 pm
Entrance Fee: €34 Return Trip Cable Car; €6 Planetarium, €6 Observatory Dome
The Pic du Midi is about 50 kilometers (31 mi) from Lourdes and requires a one-hour drive to get to. The route there is extraordinarily scenic as you wind through mountains, past gushing waterfalls and storybook villages. We ended up taking about two hours to complete the drive because we kept pulling over to take pictures.
We headed up to the Pic du Midi Observatory which is located at the very summit of the Pic du Midi at a staggering 2,877 meters. The observatory was inaugurated as early as 1882! The observatory gained prominence in the mid-20th century for its detailed mapping of the Moon’s surface, contributing significantly to the Apollo missions.
I could not believe it when I checked my watch and we had spent 2 hours inside the observatory. There is a surprising amount of things to do at the top. Browse through the museum dedicated to the history of the observatory (free), watch the show about our solar system in the planetarium (€6), and learn about the powerful telescope in the Observatory Dome (€6).
EATING & DRINKING | There is both a panoramic restaurant serving a set menu and a small snacking area serving a selection of drinks available inside the observatory.
FUN FACT | You can actually spend the night on the Pic du Midi and do some prime stargazing! Booking needs to be done on the Pic du Midi website directly.
Where to Stay in Lourdes
RECOMMENDATION: CAMPING DE LA FORET
Located a little outside of the center of Lourdes lies a welcoming camping ground that has a set of very cool tree houses. The perfect option if you are visiting with the family! A direct bus connects the camping with Lourdes. We stayed here for one night!
GREAT LOCATION: HOTEL MERCURE IMPERIAL
Hôtel Mercure Impérial is conveniently located between the Sanctuary and the Castle. It has on-site parking, comfortable beds, and a nice breakfast spread. We stayed here for 2 nights.
LUXURY PICK: GRAND HOTEL GALLIA & SPA
We had dinner in this hotel and it looked absolutely stunning! Located a stone’s throw away from the Lourdes Sanctuary. Guests particularly love the location, the very friendly staff, and the excellent breakfast buffet.
Practical Tips for Visiting Lourdes
Where is Lourdes in France
Lourdes is located in the southwestern part of France, nestled at the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains in the Hautes-Pyrénées department. It is approximately 170 kilometers from the Atlantic coast and close to the border with Spain.
How to get to Lourdes
TRAIN | Lourdes is reachable by train from Paris Montparnasse via high-speed train or via the Paris Austerlitz station if you want to take the night train. Check routes and book the cheapest tickets via Omio.
FLY | Lourdes has a direct airport (Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport) which is connected to a select number of locations inside of Europe (including Brussels, London, Palermo and Rome). From the airport grab a shuttle bus which takes you to the centre of Lourdes in 25 minutes.
How long do you need to visit Lourdes
Lourdes itself can be visited in one day if you plan it out well. However, I highly recommend staying a little longer and exploring the areas around Lourdes. We ended up staying 4 days.
Vegetarian Friendly Restaurants in Lourdes
The cuisine in this part of France is traditionally very meat and cheese-heavy. Most restaurants will have at least one vegetarian option, although it might simply be a goat cheese salad. The below selection does have a slightly wider selection of vegetarian options to try from.
PALACIO RESTAURANT: Without a doubt the best restaurant we ate in during our stay in Lourdes. Serves local cuisine, with a twist. Do not let the gently fading decor fool you, the finger-licking food is made using seasonal and locally sourced ingrediënts.
ALEXANDRA BY LE BON SENS: A cute restaurant serving regional dishes using fresh, locally sourced produce.
RESTAURANT BELLE EPOQUE: Located inside the Grand Hotel Gallia in a sublime Belle Epoque setting (hence the name). Come for the decor and the friendly service.
RESTAURANT LUNG TA TIBETAN RESTAURANT: If you are looking for a more exotic cuisine then pop into Lung Ta for a taste of delicious Tibetan food. Has ample vegetarian options on the menu.
MORE TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR VISITING FRANCE
South West France: One-week Nouvelle Aquitaine Guide
South West France: A full guide to Rocamadour
South West France: Must visit castles in Dordogne
South West France: Prettiest villages in Dordogne to visit
South West France: An in-depth guide to beautiful Brantôme
South West France: An guide to visiting Saint-Cirq Lapopie
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