Lourdes, France
Explore Lourdes, France, a renowned pilgrimage site nestled in the Pyrenees. Discover must-see landmarks and get travel tips for visiting this sacred destination
by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 11/02/2024
We visited Lourdes in September 2023, and even though this was somewhat of a curiosity stop, we soon realized that this is a beautiful Monastery, City and the surrounding Pyrenees Mountains are a spectacular back-drop. Stopping here was based upon the fact that our return flight to London was departing from Toulouse, France and we did not find things we wanted to visit in the Toulouse area. So when we expanded our search criteria, we found that Lourdes was just 180 kilometers from Toulouse. Research revealed that Lourdes is the 4th most visited religious site in France, and the 12th most visited religious site in the world.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes Map
This sacred pilgrimage site, located in the Pyrenees Mountains, attracts millions of visitors annually seeking solace, healing, and divine connection. The sanctuary encompasses the Grotto of Massabielle, where the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, sparking miracles and transformative experiences for pilgrims worldwide. Explore the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, a magnificent neo-Gothic structure adorned with stunning mosaics and stained glass windows. Witness moving candlelight processions, participate in mass, and bathe in the holy waters of the Lourdes Spring, renowned for its healing properties.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, encompassing the Grotto of Massabielle, is the focal point of the town and attracts millions of pilgrims and visitors annually. Pilgrims come to seek healing and solace, and the town is characterized by a serene, contemplative atmosphere. The Grotto itself is a place of great reverence, with a spring believed to have miraculous healing properties.
Aside from its spiritual importance, Lourdes is set amidst stunning natural beauty, with the Pyrenees Mountains providing a picturesque backdrop. The town's charming streets are dotted with religious shops, hotels, and restaurants, catering to the needs of pilgrims and tourists alike.
The Fortress of Lourdes, known as the "Château Fort de Lourdes" in French, is a historic stronghold located in the town of Lourdes, in the Occitanie region of southwestern France. While it may not be as famous as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, it holds significant historical importance.
Originally built in the 11th century, the Fortress played a strategic role in defending the region during medieval times. Today, visitors can explore its well-preserved ramparts, towers, and dungeons, offering insights into its military past. The Fortress also houses a museum showcasing artifacts and exhibits related to the history of Lourdes and the Pyrenees region. With its commanding views and rich heritage, the Château fort de Lourdes is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.
Exploring Lourdes allows for a unique blend of faith, history, and natural wonder. The town's charming streets are lined with shops, cafes, and hotels, making it an accessible destination for all travelers. Whether you seek spiritual enlightenment or simply wish to admire the scenic splendor, Lourdes offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of southwestern France.
NOTE: This is a very, very popular place to visit, and we saw huge crowds each day. If you are not staying in a hotel that provides parking, it will be difficult to locate a parking place.
Lourdes, France Travel guide: Miracles and Beauty | Information for First time Visitors
Embark on a transformative journey with our Lourdes France travel guide, where spiritual wonders and breathtaking beauty converge. We provide information about where it is and where things are in the town including background information about the history and miracles that have occurred. Find out the story of St. Bernadette, view the grotto and images of the church; the Sanctuary of our Lady of Lourdes and get information about the most recent miracle that has been recognized. Ascend the historical fortress for fantastic views of the city. Whether you seek divine inspiration or simply wish to immerse yourself in the town's enchanting charm, this guide ensures an unforgettable pilgrimage to Lourdes.
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Château fort de Lourdes Map
View of the Fortress from the Sanctuary
Fortress ramparts
View of the Sanctuary from the Fortress
View of the Pyrenees from the FortressThe fortress is a 1.2 kilometer walk from the Monastery, where the last half of the walk is quite steep. We walked up there after we had completed our walk about the Sanctuary, because we could easily see that the views from the Fortress ramparts were going to be excellent.
The Château fort de Lourdes in France is a historic fortress perched atop a rocky promontory overlooking the town of Lourdes and the Gave de Pau River. Originally constructed in the 11th century, the castle played a crucial role in defending the region during medieval times. Over the centuries, it underwent several modifications and expansions, evolving into a formidable stronghold. Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved ramparts, towers, and inner courtyards, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Pyrenees Mountains and the town below.
The castle also houses the Pyrenean Museum, which showcases the cultural and natural history of the Pyrenees region through artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays. Visitors can learn about the castle's military history, the significance of Lourdes as a pilgrimage site, and the traditional way of life in the Pyrenees.
Where to stay when visiting Lourdes, France
Lourdes is a very popular place to visit, with over 5 million visitors per year. And as you can imagine, there are a number of accommodations (of all types) in Lourdes, as of July 2024 there are 614 accommodations according to Google. Here is a Google Search Results list for accommodations in Lourdes.
Our "where do we stay" requirements were that we needed a secure place to park our rental car, as we did not expect to be driving during our stay in Lourdes. So we wound up staying at the Hotel Eliseo, which provides a secure underground parking garage for their guests.
If you are looking for 4 or 5 star rated accommodations, Google lists 203 accommodations of 4 star and higher. Here is link to a Google Search Results list for 4 star and higher accommodations in Lourdes.
Some of the top-rated hotels in Lourdes area include:
Belfry & Spa by Ligne St Barth: a 5 star hotel located in an 11-minute walk from Lourdes Train Station, Belfry & Spa by Ligne St Barth provides accommodations with a terrace, private parking, a restaurant and a bar. With free WiFi, this hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. oogle Reviews
Grand Hôtel Moderne: this 4 star is the closest hotel to the grotto, as it is conveniently located within walking distance to the Lourdes Sanctuary, restaurants, and shops. There is a bar and restaurant in the property. oogle Reviews
Hôtel Padoue: This 4-star property features a restaurant to make your stay more indulgent and memorable. The car parking and the Wi-Fi are free. oogle Reviews
Hotel Alba: a 4-star hotel with restaurant near the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, at the foot of the Pyrenees. oogle Reviews
Grand Hôtel Gallia & Londres Spa NUXE: this 4 star hotel is centrally located in Lourdes. It's only a short walk away from Basilica of St. Pius X and 7 minutes from Massabielle Grotto. oogle Reviews
There are many other hotels, so if you would prefer to perform your own research, click here to view a Google Search Results list for the highest rated hotels in Lourdes.
To research Lourdes Hotels on Expedia, here is a pre-built search link for an Expedia Hotel Search for Lourdes.
More Info for Lourdes, France
- Where is Lourdes France Located?: Paris is 830 kilometers north, Bordeaux is 252 kilometers north and Biarritz is 159 kilometers west. Lourdes is located in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains, southeast of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port by about 93 miles. The nearest city of any size is Pau France northwest of Lourdes by 41 kilometers.
- Does Lourdes have a Train Station?: Yes, the station is centrally located, and it's only about a mile away from Our Lady of Lourdes shrine. There is high-speed TGV service and a night train departing from Paris.
- Can I fly to Lourdes?: Yes, the Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport is located just 10 km from Lourdes, with direct access from the A64 motorway (exit no. 12 Tarbes-Ouest) then main road RN 21. The Pau-Pyrénées Airport is located 7 km north of Pau and only 45 km from Lourdes.
- How to drive to Lourdes?: From Bordeaux or Pau, you can take the A65 and A64 highways to Soumoulou, then take the National road 117 to Lourdes. From Paris, you can take the A64 via Toulouse, which takes about nine hours.
- Lourdes Parking: Here is a Google Map link displaying where parking is located in Lourdes. Parking can be difficult, as this is a very popular place to visit (5+ million visitors annually). TIP: If you are going to drive & stay here, be sure to determine if your accommodations include parking!
- Google Reviews: for Lourdes, France
- 10 Best Restaurants in Lourdes: from "The Fork" Website
- Google Reviews: for the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
- Lourdes Restaurants: Here is a Google Map link displaying restaurants in Lourdes, France. Please note that while you are on that page, you can resort the restaurant list to be sorted by price, cuisine, ratings, etc.
- Lourdes Website: Here is a link to the Lourdes, France Website. You will find a lot of useful information on their website.
- Things to do in Lourdes: Additional visitation information can be found on the "Get Your Guide" Website.
- Lourdes Wikipedia Article: Click here to view the Lourdes Wikipedia Article.
- Our Lourdes Image Gallery: Click here to view our Lourdes Image Gallery.
- Google Image Gallery: Click here to view the Google Images set for Lourdes.
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