Read update
- 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
What visitors should know before visiting Lourdes
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.