★ 2 · last edited Apr 20, 2020
Lourdes
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Lourdes
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A world-renowned pilgrimage site, Lourdes is one of the most visited cities in France. Beyond the grotto and sanctuaries, you can also discover several museums and a few old quarters.
Overview of Lourdes
A world-renowned pilgrimage site, Lourdes is one of the most visited cities in France. Beyond the grotto and sanctuaries, you can also discover several museums and a few old quarters.
Key Facts
- Type of place: small town.
- Tourist interest: (worth seeing).
- Location:
- Distances:
- Local time: .
- Population: 13,389 inhabitants (2017).
- Area: 36.94 km².
- Altitude: from 343 to 960 m.
- Website: https://www.lourdes-infotourisme.com
History of Lourdes
What to See in Lourdes
Fortress Castle
This medieval fortress sits on a rocky promontory right in the heart of the city. Inside, it houses the Pyrenean Museum of Lourdes, dedicated to local folk arts and traditions.
This medieval fortress sits on a rocky promontory right in the heart of the city. Inside, it houses the Pyrenean Museum of Lourdes, dedicated to local folk arts and traditions.
Bernadette's Life Path
This is an urban walk that takes you to the various places—or eras—significant in the life of Bernadette Soubirous. You’ll discover her birthplace (the Moulin de Boly), a small dedicated museum, the Hospice Sainte Bernadette, and other more or less important sites.
This is an urban walk that takes you to the various places—or eras—significant in the life of Bernadette Soubirous. You’ll discover her birthplace (the Moulin de Boly), a small dedicated museum, the Hospice Sainte Bernadette, and other more or less important sites.
Ukrainian Catholic Church
Built in 1982 by the Ukrainian diaspora in France, its architecture and interior are designed in the Eastern style.
Built in 1982 by the Ukrainian diaspora in France, its architecture and interior are designed in the Eastern style.
Wax Museum
18 scenes and over 100 life-size figures depicting the story of Christ and the life of Bernadette.
18 scenes and over 100 life-size figures depicting the story of Christ and the life of Bernadette.
Little Lourdes
This is an outdoor reconstruction of the town of Lourdes as it was "at the time of the Virgin Mary's apparitions" in 1858.
This is an outdoor reconstruction of the town of Lourdes as it was "at the time of the Virgin Mary's apparitions" in 1858.
Pic du Jer
On the outskirts of Lourdes, this hill at 948 m offers a lovely panorama of the town and the surrounding mountains. You can reach the summit via an old funicular.
On the outskirts of Lourdes, this hill at 948 m offers a lovely panorama of the town and the surrounding mountains. You can reach the summit via an old funicular.
Lourdes Sanctuary
It is primarily a place of pilgrimage. Covering around fifty hectares, the Sanctuary includes the grotto (site of the apparitions), fountains and pools, the Basilicas of the Immaculate Conception, the Rosary, and the underground Basilica of St. Pius X, St. Bernadette’s Church, the Rosary Esplanade, and a monumental Way of the Cross.
It is primarily a place of pilgrimage. Covering around fifty hectares, the Sanctuary includes the grotto (site of the apparitions), fountains and pools, the Basilicas of the Immaculate Conception, the Rosary, and the underground Basilica of St. Pius X, St. Bernadette’s Church, the Rosary Esplanade, and a monumental Way of the Cross.
What to Do in Lourdes
Climate and Weather in Lourdes
Transportation
Getting There
Getting Around
Accommodation
Dining
Useful Addresses
Nearby Attractions
Key places of interest near Lourdes:
Bétharram Caves
A series of caves to explore on the border of the Hautes-Pyrénées and Pyrénées-Atlantiques.
A series of caves to explore on the border of the Hautes-Pyrénées and Pyrénées-Atlantiques.
Pau
The city of Henri IV is primarily known for its castle. It is also the prefecture of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques.
The city of Henri IV is primarily known for its castle. It is also the prefecture of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques.
Pic du Midi de Bigorre
This peak, located at 2,877 m, is known for its astronomical observatory. It offers a superb panorama of the surrounding Pyrenees range.
This peak, located at 2,877 m, is known for its astronomical observatory. It offers a superb panorama of the surrounding Pyrenees range.
Ossau Valley and Peak
Dominated by the Pic d'Ossau, this valley in the Pyrénées National Park is one of the main ones in the Béarn region. It’s a major hub for tourism and hiking, with stunning landscapes. Visitors can enjoy the Gourette and Artouste ski resorts, as well as the Artouste little train.
Dominated by the Pic d'Ossau, this valley in the Pyrénées National Park is one of the main ones in the Béarn region. It’s a major hub for tourism and hiking, with stunning landscapes. Visitors can enjoy the Gourette and Artouste ski resorts, as well as the Artouste little train.
Further Reading
Worth a look / Other
Lourdes Fortress
★★ This medieval fortress sits on a rocky promontory right in the heart of the city. Inside, it houses the Pyrenean Museum of Lourdes…
Bernadette's Life Path
★★ This is an urban walk that takes you to the various places—or eras—significant in the life of Bernadette Soubirous…
Pic du Jer
★★ On the outskirts of Lourdes, this hill at 948 m offers a lovely panorama of the town and the surrounding mountains. You can reach the…
Lourdes Sanctuary
★★ It is primarily a place of pilgrimage. Covering around fifty hectares, the Sanctuary includes the grotto (site of the apparitions)…
Ukrainian Catholic Church (Lourdes)
★ Built in 1982 by the Ukrainian diaspora in France, its architecture and interior are designed in the Eastern style.
Wax Museum (Lourdes)
★ 18 scenes and over 100 life-size figures depicting the story of Christ and the life of Bernadette.
Little Lourdes
★ This is an outdoor reconstruction of the town of Lourdes as it was "at the time of the Virgin Mary's apparitions" in 1858.