With its fascinating history, soothing energy and invigorating atmosphere, Lourdes, the Papal pilgrimage city, is both a mythical holy place and an incomparable holiday destination to discover the Pyrenees.
If you plan to visit the region, here are 5 good reasons to pick Lourdes:
- Visit the Sanctuary, an architectural complex unique in France, to be explored regardless your quest, be it spiritual or simply to marvel.
- Discover the magnificent Pyrenees. Gavarnie, Tourmalet, Pic du Midi, Pyrenees National Park… All the unmissable sites in the Pyrenees are within an hour’s drive of Lourdes.
- Venture into the hidden Pyrenees, secret valleys with an air of a forgotten paradise, just a few minutes from Lourdes.
- Enjoy a relaxing break surrounded by mountains, lake and sea, with a wide range of services and hotels for all tastes.
- A laid-back, friendly atmosphere, characterised by simplicity and built on a long tradition of hospitality and openness.
So let’s take a closer look at each of these must-see attractions.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, perched on the rocks, the Basilica of the Rosary, resplendent with its 2,000 m2 of Byzantine mosaics, the Basilica of St. Pius X, a spectacular underground monument, the largest church in the world, the arcades inspired by Bernini’s colonnade in St. Peter’s Square in Rome, the grotto where the heart of Lourdes beats, the pools and fountains, and the chapels of light… Built over the course of just 100 years, on a vast riverside estate, the Sanctuary of Lourdes is a one-of-kind architectural complex in France.
Cirques de Gavarnie – UNESCO – Pyrenees National Park
Fifty million years ago, rainfall and glacial erosion carved out a series of unusually perfect cirques (natural amphitheatre-like valleys) in the Pyrenees. Gavarnie is one of them. It’s the best-known and most impressive too. With a diameter of 5 km, vertical walls up to 1500 m high and hundreds of waterfalls. More than just a geological wonder, the cirque’s semi-circular walls form a breath-taking and extraordinary landscape listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Tourmalet – Pic du Midi
At 2115 metres, the Col du Tourmalet is the highest road pass in the Pyrenees and the backdrop to some of the Tour de France’s most epic stages. It is dominated by the towering Pic du Midi, easily reached by all. The visit starts with a thrilling airborne ride in a cable car. At the summit, at an altitude of almost 3,000 metres, spacious terraces give you an outstanding view of the Pyrenees and the clearest starry skies in Europe.
Lourdes lake
Although best known for its Shrine, Lourdes has a superb lake, with a myriad of activities: kayaking, paddle boarding, mountain biking, golf, fishing… It is also a lovely place for lunch on a terrace along the lake shore.
Lourdes castle and the Pic du Jer funicular
Deux excursions originales à découvrir sans sortir de Lourdes. Le château fort, classé monument historique, construit sur un piton rocheux, domine la cité mariale et offre un point de vue exceptionnel sur le Sanctuaire. Héritage d’un passé médiéval, il abrite aujourd’hui le musée pyrénéen et la célèbre légende de Charlemagne. Le Pic du Jer qui surplombe également la ville de ses 1000 mètres d’altitude. Reconnaissable à sa grande croix, illuminée la nuit, on y accède grâce à un funiculaire centenaire.
Two special excursions that you can discover without leaving Lourdes. The castle, a listed historic monument, stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking Lourdes and provides an exceptional vantage point for viewing the Shrine. A legacy of the city’s medieval past, it now houses the Pyrenean Museum and the famous legend of Charlemagne. The Pic du Jer, which also dominates the town at an altitude of 1000 metres. Identifiable by its large cross, lit up at night, it is accessed by a century-old funicular.
Secret Pyrenees
The Pyrenees jealously guard their hidden treasures, cosy spots, secret valleys, perched villages, those idyllic places where life is meant to be enjoyed. Familiar mainly to seasoned visitors, these gems never cease to enchant those who take the time to get to know them. Lourdes is the starting point for several scenic outings to the undiscovered Pyrenees, where you can experience the thrill of exploring new places and meeting new people.
Cycling
Situated in the rolling foothills of the Pyrenees, at the foot of the main mountain passes, Lourdes is ideally placed for cycling and caters for all preferences. Strong climbers looking for high passes will enjoy the Tourmalet, Aubisque, Soulor, Hautacam etc. Those who prefer gentler routes can choose the foothills of the Pyrenees, between the Baronnies and the vineyards of Madiran. More leisurely riders will choose the green route. Of course, cyclists of all kinds will find quality hotels ready to cater for their needs.
Animal Park of the Pyrenees
Pyrenean chamois, roebucks, ibexes, deer, marmots, bears, wolves, lynxes, otters, foxes… more than 600 animals of 100 different species roam semi-freely in the Animal Park of the Pyrenees, located in the hills just minutes from Lourdes. The pathway through the park provides an easy way to get a closer look at all the animals and large birds of prey.
Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Basque coast
One of the favourite Sunday outings for the people of Lourdes! Leaving at 10:30 am will allow plenty of time for lunch by the ocean and an afternoon swim. Lourdes is the perfect base camp for combining mountains and seaside.
Lourdes and its surrounding area are the ideal destination for a trip focused on spirituality, art and nature. Come and discover this fascinating destination!
