Activities

Lourdes is the largest Marian pilgrimage destination in the world. Approximately 5,000,000 pilgrims visit Lourdes each year to visit the Sanctuaries Notre-Dame de Lourdes, which contains the Grotto and churches.

Besides the Roman Catholic pilgrimage, Lourdes is famous for its historical architecture. Lourdes has been inhabited for over 2000 years and holds historical artifacts, monuments and buildings. Atop a rocky embarkment in the center of Lourdes, lies the Château Fort de Lourdes, a fortified castle that is 1000 years old.

Lourdes offers direct access to stunning Pyrenees nature like Pont d’Espagne at the heart of the Pyrenees National Park, where you can see exceptional wildlife and plants, Pic du Midi de Bigorre (alt. 2877m) with panoramic terraces, or the Pic du Jer for a dramatic overview of Lourdes and scenic hiking. There are many outdoor activities to enjoy in and near Lourdes, or check out Halles of Lourdes, the covered market, or simply relax and enjoy the fine Occitanie cuisine.

Sanctuary of Notre Dame de Lourdes

Lourdes is most known for being one of the main Catholic pilgrimage sites worldwide since having been declared a holy city by the Catholic church. The story goes that in 1858 the young shepherdess Bernadette Soubirous testified to the appearance of Virgin Mary in the cave next to Massabielle. Declared “Marian City” by the Catholic church, Lourdes now receives millions of pilgrims every year from all over the world.

Castle Fort of Lourdes

The thousand-year-old fortress of Lourdes, which has never been conquered, is a listed historical monument. This site offers exceptional views of the city, the Sanctuaries and the Pyrenees. Inside it now hosts a botanical garden at the foot of the 14th-century keep, and the Pyrenean Museum.

Pic du Jer Funicular

The best panoramic view of the Pyrenees, from Lourdes. The Pic du Jer that overlooks the town can be recognised by its big cross, which lights up at night. It is accessible by taking a century-old funicular railway, which will take you up toward the summit at an altitude of 900 meters in just a few minutes, on a very scenic journey.

Les Halles

Les Halles forms the culinary heart of Lourdes, where people shop for fresh fruit and vegetables as well as specialty ingredients or weekend treats. Expect locally produced cheeses, charcuterie and many more. Make sure to try the traditional local pastry gâteau à la broche, which is a cake cooked on a spit in front of an open fire.

La Ferme du Bon’Air

For a break from cultural or religious sites, this farm offers a fun and intriguing alternative surrounded by lush greenery. Meet and pet locally reared animals including ponies, guinea pigs and more. There are plenty of picnic areas for a leisurely lunch and if you’re visiting the town with young children, this farm provides a welcome diversion from the slew of historic sites.