Lourdes

At the foot of the highest mountains and leaning on the first Pyrenean foothills, the city of Lourdes welcomes every year more than 6 million visitors from all over the world. A Mecca of spirituality in the world, it draws its strength from the carnal relationship it maintains with its visitors.

Some of the must-see sites in Lourdes

In the Marian city, spirituality is inscribed by the strength and beauty of the site, the marks of the past and the recollection of the sanctuaries. Since the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, the Pyrenean town has been filled with peace and brotherhood at the rhythm of its visitors on the banks of the Gave.

The Sanctuaries of Notre Dame de Lourdes cover an area of 52 hectares, within which are 22 places of worship. Some of these gathering places are a must to make sure you don't miss anything during your visit to the Sanctuaries.

From the famous Massabielle Grotto to the church of Saint Bernadette, via the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, discover the Sanctuaries and its history.

The fortified castle of Lourdes

A thousand-year-old fortress that has never been defeated, classified as a historical monument and a museum of France. This site offers an exceptional panorama of the city, the Sanctuaries and the Pyrenees. Its walls also house a botanical garden at the foot of the 14th century keep and the Pyrenean Museum.

The Pic du Jer

The most beautiful panorama of the Pyrenees from Lourdes, the Pic du Jer overlooks the town and is recognisable by its large cross, illuminated at night. It is reached by a century-old funicular that takes us to the summit at an altitude of 1000 metres in a few minutes. At the summit there is a footpath that leads to the observatory: a belvedere offering a 360° view of Lourdes, Tarbes, Pau, the Argelès Gazost valley and the Pyrenean peaks.

→ Lourdes is 16 kms from Lestelle-Bétharram, 25 kms from Nay.