Visit Lourdes

Lourdes is one of the foremost tourist and Christian pilgrimage sites in France with over 5 million visitors annually. For many it is an essential place to visit, but the mass of hotels and constant crowds of people can sometimes be a bit too much to deal with. We think you might prefer our more relaxing and characterful holiday accommodation a short drive away from Lourdes, in peaceful French countryside. Within easy reach of the religious sites, we are also perfectly placed to explore the wider region, from the high Pyrenees to the easier terrain of the foothills and the beautiful, historic city of Pau.

Lourdes has been a great Roman Catholic pilgrimage site since 1858 when the Virgin Mary revealed herself to Bernadette Soubirous, a 14 year old shepherd girl. This took place in an underground grotto on the left bank of the Gave de Pau where Mary appeared on a further 17 occasions. Bernadette’s visions were authenticated by Pope Pius IX in 1862, and she achieved sainthood in 1933. The mountain spring uncovered by Bernadette is said to be responsible for many miraculous recoveries and the sick travel from all over the world to bath in the waters. A chapel was built on the site of the vision and today consists of three chapels, built one on top of another. Other churches have been built to cope with the increasing number of worshippers. The largest, the Basilica of St. Pius X, can hold more than 30,000 pilgrims, with international masses conducted in six languages, including English, every Wednesday and Sunday at 3.30pm from April to October. Bernadette's incorrupt body can be seen in a glass casket in the Nevers chapel.

The medieval fortified town of Lourdes sits on the banks of the Gave de Pau River in the Département Hautes-Pyrenees south-west of Toulouse. The Chateau has served as a military fortress, a state prison and, in the 16th and 17th centuries, the residence of the counts of Bigorre. Today it provides wonderful views of the town and the Sanctuary, well worth the climb up onto the castle walls. Inside you will find the Musée Pyrénéen, exhibiting the history, art and tradition of the area. Dont miss the section on the first climbing pioneers to meet the challange of the Pyrenees.

The Grottes de Bétharram offer the opportunity to rides underground boats and trains through spectacular, vast caverns.

Regardless of your religion, Lourdes is a very special place, and the artwork and architecture are spectacular. In it's beautiful mountain setting, Lourdes should not be missed, although we find it best to avoid the crowds as much as possible.

Information: Town Tourist Office
Place Peyramale
BP 17 - 65101
LOURDES CEDEX
FRANCE

Tel: (011 33) 5 62 42 77 40
Fax: (011 33) 5 62 94 60 95