The 7 things to do in Lourdes

Visit Lourdes: what are the best things to do and see in this sacred city at the foot of the Pyrenees?

Lourdes is located in the south-west of France, at the foot of the mountain range between France and Spain. This charming little town has just over thirteen thousand inhabitants. Yet it is famous all over the world and welcomes almost six million people every year! Indeed, it is the fourth place of Catholic pilgrimage to the world after the Vatican, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe of Mexico and the Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida in Brazil. Yeah, nothing!

It must be said that the city is known for the Notre-Dame de Lourdes shrines and the Massabielle cave. The Virgin Mary in person would have appeared to a girl there. It was no other than the famous Bernadette Soubirous, who had the chance to see it in 1858. Since then, this place of pilgrimage had soon become a mystical space where spectacular healings were listed!

High tourist and religious place, inserted in a privileged natural setting, Lourdes has more than one tower in its bag. It could well seduce you with a day, a weekend or a week of holidays!

So to help you visit Lourdes, let yourself be guided! Wanderlix offers you a selection of the essential activities to do in Lourdes.

Ready? Here we go!

1. The sanctuary of Lourdes

The sanctuary illustrates the main tourist attraction of Lourdes. It includes the cave of Massabielle, where the Virgin Mary would have made an appearance. You can also admire the basilicas of the Immaculate Conception, Saint-Pierre and the Rosary. The sanctuary also invites you to stroll on a splendid esplanade, to discover fountains and swimming pools. On the pilgrimage side there are places to welcome the sick and a monumental cross path.

In fact, with its 52 hectares, the sanctuary is no other than the largest French pilgrimage centre! If you have come to visit Lourdes, it may be interesting to discover this mythical place. From a strict point of view, it is still one of the most visited places in France! It would therefore be a shame to pass next to this point of cultural and religious interest during your passage.

2. The panorama

If mystical extases are not your cup of tea, or if you accord only a relative importance to the Catholic religion, no concern. For in Lourdes, you can enjoy a myriad of exciting activities very far from the things of heaven!

For example, why not enjoy a unique view of the city of Lourdes and its surroundings? For this, go to the Pic du Jer, a summit overlooking the city. But not in any way: borrow the funicular of the Pic du Jer, about 1100 meters long and including viaducts and tunnels. This unusual way of locomotion will delight small and large and count among the must-sees when we are looking for what to do in Lourdes!

Built in the early last century, the funicular of the Pic du Jer offers a breathtaking view of the sacred city. So, what are you waiting to find out?

3. The castle of Lourdes

It is in the heart of the city of Lourdes that this medieval fortress, built in the Roman era and besieged many times during its history. Located on a rocky promontory in the center of the city, it offers an ideal position to discover Lourdes over time.

Today, there is little risk that barbarian hordes come to look quarrel to tourists who have come to visit Lourdes, of course. But it is easy to immerse yourself in the medieval imagination by discovering these fortifications perfectly preserved and renovated over the centuries!

4. Lake Lourdes

What to do in Lourdes when you love green natural spaces? We recommend you go to the discovery of Lake Lourdes, located on the commune. It is a paradise for mountain bike hikers and enthusiasts looking to get a great bowl of fresh air! Sometimes swampy, sometimes treed, it is possible to fish there and even indulge in the joys of golf. And for cause, the southern part of the lake is lined by the golf of Lourdes, one of the most beautiful in the department.

You will have understood it, visiting Lourdes is also discovering the surroundings of this protected natural space.

5. The Pyrenees Animal Park

It is in Argelès-Gazost, a few kilometres south of the town of Lourdes, that this animal park is located in the 600 species of animals. Birds, raptors, lynx, otters, bouquetins and marmots await you in this park of fourteen hectares created in 1999 and able to fascinate small and large!

If you still don’t know what to do in Lourdes, don’t hesitate to make a tour for a few hours, the game is really worth the candle.

6. The caves of Betharram

Here is a great site, just a few kilometers west of Lourdes. The Bétharram Caves are one of the points of interest to discover in this beautiful natural region! On nearly three kilometers, an underground route allows the curious who came to visit Lourdes and its surroundings to discover this special gem.

It has three floors of galleries, dug into the limestone rock by the river. Stalactites vertiginous, shadows and blurred atmosphere are of the part to offer an unforgettable moment to the passing tourists. A question remains, however: will you have the courage to immerse yourself in it?

7. The regional nature reserve of the Pibeste-Aoulhet massif

It is, with its 5110 hectares, the largest regional natural reserve in France! Between 400 and 1700 metres above sea level, its access is free and its surface is so large that we meet three types of climate in the area. Yes, well three: sub-mediterranean, oceanic and mountaineering.

If you are told, it would be a shame to visit Lourdes without passing through this classified reserve, swept by thirteen hiking trails! It houses a very remarkable fauna and flora. Of course, if you like walking, you will be conquered by this unique territory and the many spots to discover. Come on, put your boots on, it's time to get your legs down!

How to get to Lourdes?

The city of Lourdes is a few minutes’ drive from Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées International Airport. The third airport in Occitania provides the city with regular links to Europe. If you are using air transport, you will be able upon arrival rent a car or take a bus to the city of Lourdes. This, tourist, is thus well served by the shuttles and various public transport! Moreover, our partner Ulysses will allow you to get there by finding a flight at the best price.

In addition, the city has its own train station, Lourdes train station, welcoming many regional trains and even the TGV! Rail transport is therefore a simple and economic way to visit Lourdes.

What if, in the end, you wanted to move to the latter by car, and walk freely? Know that the roads that will lead you to Lourdes are particularly pretty (no wonder, in view of the beauty of the place). But they can also be very busy during the summer. Not to mention that it can be difficult to get there and park there. The city and its car parks are truly stormed. So you'll choose!

Where to stay in Lourdes?

When we look for what to do in Lourdes, we must also carefully prepare its arrival on site and therefore, the place Where we're gonna stay . In fact, you will find on site several types of accommodation to choose according to your wishes, and your budget. Lourdes is a very busy little town, especially during the summer season, or. That said, you can enjoy the many possibilities offered to find where to sleep.

Lourdes has a hotel park with 144 hotels, 12,000 rooms and more than 20,000 beds: it is the second hotel town in France, behind Paris! These hotels are present in and around the town, but they are often assailed by visitors. It can therefore be interesting to consult the rooms available in the surrounding cities, for example Tarbes or Pau. Moreover, we recommend that you discover the different possibilities using this Compare hotels .

Campsites are also scattered around the countryside, and are perfect for enjoying a privileged location. Moreover, camping is the easiest way to stay while enjoying a flexible and affordable solution.

Finally, in this high tourist place in southern France, it can be useful to consult the offers offered on rental platforms as Airbnb . Apartments, villas, studios are often offered by owners who want to make the area discover to tourists. And these ads can allow you to feel at Lourdes... as at home!

There you go! You now know that doing in Lourdes to enjoy your stay in this typical Pyrenean commune. You will only have to determine which activities will best match you.

So, who will you seduce when you come to visit Lourdes?