Lourdes
Lourdes is found in the Hautes-Pyrenees department, 45km south-east of Pau.
I hardly need explain the attraction of Lourdes. In 1858 in a cave near the town - the Grotte de Massabielle - the Virgin Mary appeared several times to a local girl. From this beginning an enormous industry has flourished, and many millions of visitors descend on the town each year, which has more hotels than any town in France except Paris.
To many it’s a town offering a glimmer of hope, and to others Lourdes is Blackpool on holy water. Set in the stunning backdrop of the Pyrenees there are many reasons to visit Lourdes, if not for a spot of the holy stuff, for the astounding scenery the endless activities there and amazing excursions to the Pyrenees.
Lourdes is indeed one of Frances leading tourist resorts, with over 220 hotels it boasts the largest bed space outside of Paris, represented by a massive 5 million visitors each year, it’s neither relaxing, tranquil or spiritual, but it’s sadly full of desperation, commercialism and has a conveniently placed Macdonalds.
For visitors looking for a spiritual experience, then indeed, there are masses offered in over 22 languages, at all times of the day and night, and a visit up the many steps to the tourist office will give you all the information you need ( if you’re able to get up them). For the curious, it’s also wise to get the mass program, or like me you’ll walk in at a crucial moment with children running amok and heads will turn, as you rapidly seek your excuses in any language before sneaking out tail between legs.
When Bernadette Soubirous had her Apparitions, very little thought was given to the fact that this beautiful valley town, would be impregnated by concrete monstrosities, and less thought was given to the fact that the sick and wounded would end up visiting this place as their last resort… as the narrow pavements, and steep hills aren’t overly conducive to wheelchair travel.
With countless churches burning over 750 tonnes of candles each year, 9 museums and far too many souvenir shops, Lourdes has both historical value interspersed with plastic tat.
The Basilica of Saint Pius X is the largest of churches, able to accommodate over 25,000 people. It’s an awe inspiring place and a “must” on your places to visit.
Le Pic du Jer has a large cross and can be accessed by the chair lift reaching the summit which is approx 1,000 high in only 6 minutes. The ascent is stunning, taking you through the pine trees and offering magnificent views over Lourdes, Pau, Tarbes and of course… the Pyrenees. It’s well worth a trip.
Slightly tacky, but a handy way to get around is by using the tourist train. This covers 7.5 Km, and the trip lasts about 45 minutes ; it offers you the chance to see the Cité Mariale, the old quarters, the upper town and its historic buildings. You can hop on and off the train at various intervals throughout the journey, but if driving through by car, beware, the driver gets irate if you get in his way.
Only minutes from the town centre is an amazing lake, formed from a glacier, it’s one of the largest in the Pyrenees spanning over 55 hectares. Finally you will escape from the hassle of Lourdes with an array of fishing and water sports including sailing, rowing, pedalos, mountain-biking, horse riding, and is a fabulous spot to picnic with many “tourist orientated” restaurants which are best avoided as they charge tourist prices too! The south bank of the lake also offers an 18 hole golf – course.
A walk up towards the forest and you’ll see where Bernadette gathered dead wood in her pre apparition days, there are a wide range of marked walks with information, children’s play areas, an exercise course and even a picnic area.
For historical value, a trip to the Mauvezin Castle (a medieval fortress) built between the 11th and 14th centuries by the counts of Bigorre and completed by Gaston Fébus and Jean de Grailly is well worth your time.
The castle is a great place to visit for those with children With a magnificent views you’ll see the Pic du Midi, and enjoy an amazing view of the Pyrenees along with the 37-metre-high keep houses. There’s also an archaeological museum, with various exhibitions, a gun room and reconstructions of historical scenes.
All in all… Lourdes is a place to say you’ve visited, there is something for everyone, but the commercialisation spoils the spiritual meaning, if it’s a spiritual place you’re looking for, then you’ll find soul in the Ardeche.
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The Lourdes hotels listed feature descriptions, guest reviews, ratings, location maps, online booking etc. as well as the 'best-price' guarantee. The search for hotels in Lourdes is provided by booking.com. General holiday / vacation options- See Midi-Pyrenees gites for Lourdes gites - Holiday villages in Midi-Pyrenees Holidays nearbyLooking for something close by? See a wide choice of hotels, holiday villages and holiday rentals at: Lourdes Car HireVisit Lourdes Car Hire for cheap car hire optons and available car collection points VisitSee Visit Lourdes for places to visit near Lourdes including: a detailed map, villages in bloom and most beautiful villages Find distances from Lourdes to other places in France and plan your route at France driving distances Airports near LourdesPau airport at 51 km Lourdes property for saleSee Midi-Pyrenees property for sale
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Tourist Classifications for Lourdes
- approved Station Classée (resort paying particular attention to facilities for tourism)
Places to visit near Lourdes, France
Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Lourdes.
Some places to visit within 30 km: 
18 km: Tarbes (Town)
See also Lourdes (version Francais)
