Let's visit Lourdes together

A Catholic pilgrimage center since the mid-19th century, Lourdes welcomes millions of visitors and pilgrims from all over the world each year. Lourdes is located on the banks of the Gave de Pau, in the Hautes-Pyrénées, about twenty kilometers from Tarbes.

In the Middle Ages, Lourdes was under the command of the Counts of Bigorre and then came under the domination of the Counts of Champagne, the Kings of France and the English until the 15th century.

In the 19th century, Lourdes was a city focused on agriculture, particularly pig farming. It was in 1858 that the Virgin appeared several times in the grotto of Massabielle to Bernadette Soubirous. Seventeen other apparitions followed and the creation of sanctuaries began. Since this famous date, more than 7,000 healings have occurred, 69 of which have been recognized as miracles.

Economic life began at the end of the 19th century with the construction of housing estates and hotels that could accommodate the many pilgrims. Today, the economy of Lourdes still relies on tourism and pilgrimage. Restaurants and souvenir shops are developing outside the Grotto grounds.

The city, located at the crossroads of several valleys, offers its visitors various discovery circuits around exceptional flora and fauna as well as several cultural activities.

Some must-see places

• Basilicas and Sanctuaries

The Massabielle cave

This is the place of the apparitions of the Virgin to Bernadette Soubirous, from where a "miraculous" spring gushes forth. "Massabielle" means "old rock" in Gascon. It sees the passage of thousands of pilgrims every day coming to touch the sometimes damp walls of the rock under the gaze of the statue of the Virgin, installed in 1864. The wall has become smooth as thousands of pilgrims' hands have passed, showing the importance given to Lourdes.

It was the Virgin herself who told Bernadette Soubirous about the benefits of this clear and pure water, which can cure many diseases and infirmities. It is therefore possible to collect this water using taps installed near the grotto.

Processions take place regularly so that everyone can make a wish or a prayer. Carrying a blessed candle, the pilgrims walk one behind the other in memory of Bernadette Soubirous.

The Crypt

Located between the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, the crypt is the first sanctuary of Lourdes, inaugurated in 1866. A sacred place dedicated solely to silence and prayer, it also houses the relics of Saint Bernadette. Its long corridor is covered with ex-votos in homage to God. Masses are held every day, starting at 7 a.m.

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary

Built between 1883 and 1889 for the fiftieth anniversary of the apparitions, it is connected to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, known as the Upper Basilica, in neo-Gothic style. It is therefore nicknamed the " Lower Basilica " in order to distinguish these two buildings.

This basilica is accessible from the large square, called the " Esplanade du Rosaire ", which has a capacity of 80,000 people. Two access ramps provide access to the upper basilica, under the gaze of the many statues of saints.

Three semi-circular chapels have been dug into the rock. These chapels are dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, to Saint Bernadette (large golden mosaic representing other saints surrounding the statue of Bernadette) and to Saint Pascal Baylon (patron saint of the Eucharistic Congresses).

Inside, you will find the Romanesque-Byzantine style as well as numerous mosaics visible in the radiating chapels.

The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

Upper Basilica, it was the first basilica built in Lourdes following the apparition of the Virgin to Bernadette Soubirous. Its insufficient capacity triggered the construction of the lower basilica a few years later.

This basilica is in neo-Gothic style and houses the crypt as well as the hunting lodge of Saint Bernadette. The stained glass windows invite you to discover the history of the Virgin (high windows) as well as the apparitions of Lourdes (low windows).

The Underground Basilica of Saint Pius X

This basilica was built under the esplanade of the two other basilicas. It is the last basilica built in Lourdes but also the largest. Consecrated in 1958 for the centenary of the apparitions, it is one of the largest buildings in the world, in the shape of a concrete ship's hull.

The Espéluges Way of the Cross

Located on the Espélugues hill, the Way of the Cross stretches over 1,500 meters. It allows each visitor to follow each station of Christ's Calvary, from his condemnation to his resurrection. These passages are illustrated by more than 115 cast iron characters, painted in gold and whose realism can surprise more than one.

The start of the Way of the Cross is located not far from the Upper Basilica and forms a loop through the mountain. It is open from 6am to 10pm between Easter and All Saints' Day and from 8am to 6pm from All Saints' Day to Easter.

At the end of the walk, you can admire the Espélugues cave. Beautiful panoramas are also visible from the different levels of the Way of the Cross.

• The Museums

There are also several museums to visit:

- The Sainte Bernadette museum, to learn everything about the life of the saint thanks to the rich collection of objects that belonged to her.

- Bernadette's birthplace or Boly mill where the family lived before being evicted because they could no longer pay their rent.

- The paternal house or Lacadé mill, shop-museum. Furniture, objects, photos of the Soubirous family. It is still in the possession of Bernadette's descendants.

- The Cachot, a 13 m2 dwelling lent by the municipality and where the family lived at the time of the apparitions

- The Wax Museum, which brings together several biblical characters created by the artists of the Musée Grévin. You will see 18 scenes as well as a hundred life-size characters.

- The Lourdes Museum presenting the biblical reconstructions made by the artists of the Grévin Museum.

• The Castle

Built on a rocky peak, it was the residence of the Counts of Bigorre. Since 1921, it has housed the Pyrenean Museum, a museum of popular arts and traditions.

Discover its medieval defensive architecture, its panorama from the ramparts over Lourdes ( hanging gardens ) as well as its botanical garden made up of sculptures and models.

• In the Surrounding Area

In the surroundings of Lourdes, forests and lakes provide other places for walks and leisure activities, as does the greenway, traced on the old railway line, leading from the gaves of Lourdes to Luz-Saint-Sauveur, ideal for exploring on foot or by bike.

The Peak of Jer

You should definitely take the funicular from the early 20th century to climb to the Pic du Jer, at an altitude of 1,000 m, to enjoy a magnificent panorama of the region. At the top, the botanical trail leads to the observatory.

Lake of Lourdes

An area for aquatic activities but also popular with hikers, the lake stretches over 6 kilometers. Visitors can enjoy the panorama of the Pyrenees, its 18-hole golf course and its various water activities such as pedal boats or paddleboarding.

Hiking enthusiasts can indulge in their leisure activities by taking the Henri IV path which offers a superb view of the Pyrenean landscapes. It is an ideal place for families and nature lovers.