Lourdes archivos - VOLARE MAGAZINE

From the Giro to the Tour and La Vuelta: three legendary races that are also a different way to discover mountains, villages, lakes and landscapes to enjoy with or without a bike.

Europe’s Grand Tours —the Giro d’Italia, the Tour de France and La Vuelta a España— are much more than sporting competitions: they are moving maps that cross some of the continent’s most spectacular landscapes every year.

Watching them live is a thrilling experience, but their routes also inspire getaways outside of the race dates. A weekend in the Dolomites, a route through the French Pyrenees or a few days between Asturias, the Basque Country and Andalusia can become the perfect trip for anyone who loves cycling, nature, characterful villages and panoramic roads.

Giro d’Italia: Dolomites, lakes and Alpine villages

The Giro d’Italia, the famous Corsa Rosa, is one of the most beloved races on the cycling calendar. In 2026 it takes place from 8 to 31 May, with 21 stages and a 3,468-kilometre route. The edition starts in Bulgaria and finishes in Rome, but its most travel-inspiring section for lovers of Italian landscapes is in the north.

What makes the Giro special is its mix of epic challenge and beauty. It is a race of tough mountain passes, Alpine villages, narrow roads and picture-postcard finishes. In a single edition it can move from coast to inland valleys, from historic cities to demanding summits, from the lakes of the north to the mountains that have shaped part of its legend. In 2026, the route includes Alpine stages such as Aosta-Pila, Cassano d’Adda-Andalo, Feltre-Alleghe and Gemona del Friuli-Piancavallo, perfect for imagining a journey through valleys, lakes and mountain passes.

A Giro-inspired getaway: a weekend between lake and Dolomites

A great way to experience the spirit of the Giro without having to coincide with the race is to plan a getaway between Verbania, Lake Maggiore and the mountains of northern Italy. Friday can begin with a lakeside walk among gardens, historic villas and small landing stages. On Saturday, the route can continue towards the Alpine valleys, with stops in mountain villages and at natural viewpoints. Travellers bringing a bike should choose sections suited to their fitness level: you do not need to climb a legendary pass to enjoy Italy’s cycling scenery.

Another, more mountainous option is to use the area around Feltre and Alleghe, in the Dolomites, as a reference point. It is an ideal trip for a long weekend: scenic roads, Alpine lakes, trails, terraces with views and villages where cycling is part of the landscape. In spring and summer, you can combine an easy bike ride with walks, local gastronomy and visits to small mountain towns. The closest airport to Feltre is Venice.

Tour de France: Alps, Pyrenees and the legend of the yellow jersey

The Tour de France is the world’s great benchmark for stage racing. In 2026 it takes place from 4 to 26 July, starting in Barcelona and finishing in Paris. The route covers 3,333 kilometres and will feature 21 stages: 7 flat, 4 hilly, 8 mountain stages, one team time trial and one individual time trial.

monumento tour de france biciclette Col d'Aubisque in Francia

The 2026 edition will be especially interesting for mountain travel. The Tour will pass through the Pyrenees, the Massif Central, the Vosges, the Jura and the Alps. Its mountain-top finishes include Gavarnie-Gèdre, Plateau de Solaison, Orcières-Merlette and Alpe d’Huez, which appears twice on the route. The highest point of the race will be the Col du Galibier, at 2,642 metres.

What makes the Tour unique is its ability to turn a road into a myth. Climbs such as Alpe d’Huez, Galibier and the Pyrenean passes are not only sporting stages: they are pilgrimage sites for amateur cyclists, active travellers and lovers of high-mountain landscapes.

A Tour-inspired getaway: a weekend in the French Pyrenees

For a first getaway inspired by the Tour, the French Pyrenees are a perfect choice. The area around Pau, Lourdes, Gavarnie and the nearby valleys combines cycling, nature and charming villages. Friday can be devoted to arriving calmly and strolling through Pau or Lourdes. On Saturday, the day can focus on a route towards Gavarnie, famous for its glacial cirque and the mountain atmosphere that surrounds it. Trained cyclists will find a genuine challenge on the nearby passes; those who prefer a calmer ride can enjoy trails, viewpoints and panoramic roads at an unhurried pace.

Read also: Great reasons to visit Lourdes

Another possibility is to travel to the French Alps and use the area around Bourg-d’Oisans, closely linked to Alpe d’Huez, as a base. You do not need to cycle up its 21 bends to feel the atmosphere of the Tour: simply explore the villages in the valley, head to the viewpoints and discover how a climb can become part of sporting history.

La Vuelta a España: tough mountain passes, changing landscapes and unpredictable finales

La Vuelta a España has a personality all of its own: it is often explosive, mountainous and full of stages where the landscape changes quickly. In 2026 it takes place from 22 August to 13 September, with 21 stages and 3,275 kilometres. The route starts in Monaco, crosses southern France and Andorra, and then enters Spain with stages in Catalonia, the Valencian Community, Murcia and Andalusia, before finishing in Granada.

Vuelta a España a su paso por San Vicente de la Barquera, Cantabria

The 2026 edition includes 6 mountain stages, 4 medium-mountain stages, 4 flat stages, 4 hilly stages, one hilly stage with a summit finish and 2 individual time trials. Key points include Font Romeu, Andorra la Vella, Aramón Valdelinares, Alto de Aitana, Calar Alto, Sierra de La Pandera, Peñas Blancas and Collado del Alguacil, before the finish in Granada.

Although the exact route changes every year, La Vuelta is often strongly associated with places of powerful character: the green landscapes of Asturias, the intense roads of the Basque Country, the northern passes and the high-mountain scenery of the south, such as Sierra Nevada. Its appeal lies in that variety: in just a few days, the race can move from Atlantic coasts to arid sierras, from mining villages to monumental cities, from impossible slopes to urban finishes.

A La Vuelta-inspired getaway: Granada and Sierra Nevada

For a trip inspired by La Vuelta, Granada and Sierra Nevada are a safe bet.

The weekend plan can begin on Friday afternoon in Granada, with a walk through the Albaicín quarter and views of the Alhambra from one of its viewpoints. On Saturday, the getaway can head towards Sierra Nevada: travellers with a bike will find demanding roads and long climbs, while those looking for a more relaxed day out can go up by car, take a walking route or enjoy the villages of the Alpujarra. Sunday is for returning to Granada, visiting the city at a slower pace and ending the trip with tapas, viewpoints and Andalusian atmosphere.

For those looking for a completely different landscape, another possible getaway is inspired by northern Spain: Asturias or the Basque Country. In Asturias, the trip can combine coast, mountains and rural villages; in the Basque Country, scenic roads, gastronomy and cities such as Bilbao or San Sebastián. These are perfect destinations for understanding why La Vuelta is not just a race of mountain passes, but also a way to discover the diversity of Spain.

Tips for travelling in the footsteps of a Grand Tour

Travelling during the race has a special charm: atmosphere on the roads, decorated villages, fans waiting for the peloton and an energy that is hard to find at other sporting events. But it also requires organisation. You need to check road closures, book accommodation in advance and choose carefully where to watch the cyclists pass.

Outside the official dates, the experience is calmer and more flexible. You can drive along part of the stages, cycle certain sections, stop in villages that flash past on television during the race and spend more time eating well, walking and enjoying the landscape. It is a good option for travellers who want to be inspired by cycling without depending on the calendar or the crowds.

For a weekend getaway, the ideal approach is to choose one specific area and avoid trying to cover too much:

in the Giro, a lake and an Alpine valley;
in the Tour, a mountain pass or a Pyrenean valley;
in La Vuelta, a sierra, a base city and a panoramic route.

That way, the trip keeps the best of cycling: the thrill of the road, but also the pleasure of stopping.

Three races, three ways of looking at Europe

The Giro d’Italia invites you to travel through an Italy of elegant mountains, peaceful lakes and villages where the bicycle is part of local culture. The Tour de France opens the door to the grand landscapes of the Alps and the Pyrenees, with roads that are living sporting history. La Vuelta a España offers a journey that is more changeable, intense and surprising, between the green north, southern sierras and cities full of character.

Following the Grand Tours does not necessarily mean cycling for hours or seeing every stage. It can simply mean choosing a destination with a cycling story, taking a panoramic road, sitting on a mountain terrace or discovering a village that appears on television for just a few seconds every summer.

Lourdes is an unexpectedly romantic destination: a city where calmness, spirituality, nature and emotion blend together gently.

Beyond its religious significance, Lourdes is an ideal place for couples looking for a serene, introspective and authentic getaway, with riverside strolls, mountain vistas and moments of silence that speak volumes.

Valentine’s Day here is not about grand gestures, but about complicity: sharing a landscape, a long conversation or a tranquil sunset facing the Pyrenees.

Wandering without a destination: the beauty of simplicity

One of the best ways for couples to enjoy Lourdes is simply to walk. The Gave de Pau river, which runs through the city, creates a natural axis perfect for leisurely strolls, hand in hand, listening to the sound of the water and allowing time to stretch.

As evening falls, the light becomes particularly beautiful and transforms the city into an almost cinematic setting. The route from the city centre to the Sanctuary reveals peaceful corners, small bridges and open views of the mountains without the need to enter the Sanctuary itself. It is a simple, free and deeply romantic plan.

The Sanctuary at dusk: shared silence

Even for those who are not travelling for religious reasons, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is well worth a visit at dusk. Once the groups have dispersed and the lighting highlights the architecture, the atmosphere becomes intimate and serene.

Sharing this moment as a couple — in silence, without photos, without rushing — is an emotionally powerful experience. It is not about faith, but about presence: being together in a place filled with symbolism, allowing each person to interpret it in their own way.

A viewpoint for two: Lourdes from above

Climbing up to the Pic du Jer is one of the most romantic plans in the area. It can easily be reached by funicular railway, making it an accessible excursion even in winter.

From above, Lourdes appears small and welcoming, surrounded by the Pyrenees. On clear days, the panorama opens up spectacularly. It is the perfect place to pause, share a photo, or simply sit together and contemplate the horizon. It’s a classic that never disappoints for a couples’ getaway.

Wellbeing, Pyrenean style

Love also means taking care of yourself, and Lourdes is the perfect place to experience the Pyrenees’ thermal wellness. There are nearby spa towns and wellness centres where couples can treat themselves to a few hours of relaxation, with thermal waters, steam circuits and treatments designed to help you wind down.

These plans become one of the area’s great attractions when the cold encourages you to seek shelter. The contrast with the fresh mountain air afterwards makes the experience even more enjoyable.

Short breaks near Lourdes

Lourdes also has the advantage of being surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, perfect for exploring without having to travel far. These half-day excursions feel like small shared adventures for couples.

A little further afield, the Pyrenean valleys offer small villages, scenic roads and perfect viewpoints for spontaneous stops. Plans without strict schedules, where what truly matters is the journey shared.

Flavours of south-west France, made for sharing

No romantic getaway is not complete without good food, and Lourdes allows visitors to discover the cuisine of south-west France in a warm and comforting way. Dishes such as garbure, duck confit or Pyrenean sheep’s cheeses are best savoured over long, unhurried meals. Sharing a bottle of local wine, a dessert for two or a cheese board is an essential part of the journey. Here, luxury lies not in sophistication, but in authenticity.

Sleeping well, sleeping together

Lourdes offers a wide range of accommodation, including small, family-run hotels and charming properties which are particularly peaceful outside of the high season. In winter, many offer a more personalised welcome, making them perfect for a romantic getaway.

Choosing a centrally located hotel makes it easy to get around on foot, improvise plans and return to your room after an evening stroll through the city. These kinds of details — not relying on a car, walking together — make all the difference on a couple’s trip.

Valentine’s Day in Lourdes

Travelling to Lourdes in February means discovering its most intimate side: fewer visitors, more silence and a greater sense of authenticity. It is the ideal time for those seeking an emotional experience rather than just another destination to tick off a list.

Here, Valentine’s Day is not about artifice; it is about having a long conversation in front of a beautiful landscape, going for a walk together and taking a mindful pause. Lourdes invites you to reconnect with each other, and also with yourselves.

We invite you to escape to Lourdes, turn down the volume, look at each other and share. Because, ultimately, that is one of the most beautiful ways to celebrate love.

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!

Visiting the magnificent Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is of course why millions of people come to this town in south-west France, considered the second most popular Catholic pilgrimage site in the world.

But whether or not you’re a believer, it is well worth spending time in this charming town, where there’s an air of great spirituality, and there are other interesting things to see in addition to the shrine.

To go back to the origins of Our Lady of Lourdes we need to step back in time to 1858, when a 14-year-old girl called Bernadette Soubirous witnessed an apparition of the Virgin Mary, who told her of the exact spot from where the waters of a miraculous spring would flow. Bernadette did in fact find the spring, and from then on, this water has been considered miraculous and can be drunk, taken home or used to bathe in by pilgrims.

Today, access to the enormous Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, which includes 22 places of worship and occupies, together with its esplanade, a large part of the town, is open to all free of charge; the key sights are the basilicas of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of the Rosary, the Basilica of St Pius X and the Grotto where, according to Catholic belief, the Virgin appeared to the shepherdess Bernadette.

And some of the sites you can visit in Lourdes are linked specifically to the figure of Bernadette, such as the house where she was born or the one in which she lived with her family before and after the apparitions. Lourdes also has an interesting castle dating back to the 14th century, which now houses the Pyrenean Museum, dedicated to the history of the people of the Pyrenees, and boasts a lovely botanical garden.

As well as the wonderful views of the city from the castle, there’s another spot that’s perfect for enjoying panoramic views of Lourdes from above: the Pic du Jer, a mountain 1000m high, which can be reached by a funicular. The stunning views of the Sanctuary and the Pyrenees from the top will bring you closer to the mysticism of this wonderful place.