Château Fort de Lourdes Historic Monument in Lourdes

The Lourdes Castle is an iconic historical monument, perched on a steep rock overlooking the town of Lourdes, in the Hautes-Pyrénées.

History and architecture

It is a medieval fortification, whose origins probably date back to the 11th century.
Its strategic position, at the entrance to the seven valleys of Lavedan, has made it an important place of defense over the centuries.

The castle was successively occupied by different powers, notably the counts of Foix-Béarn, the English (during the Hundred Years' War), then the kingdom of France.
It presents varied architectural elements, bearing witness to its eventful history, such as the keep, the ramparts, the drawbridge and the Notre-Dame-du-Château chapel.

Pyrenean Museum

The castle houses the Pyrenean Museum, a museum of popular arts and traditions which presents the history and culture of the Pyrenees.
The museum's collections include ethnographic objects, costumes, tools, furniture and models, offering an insight into traditional life in the Pyrenees. The museum also features a botanical garden.

Cultural and tourist importance

Listed as a Historic Monument in 1995, the Lourdes fortified castle is a major tourist attraction, attracting many visitors every year.
It offers an exceptional panorama of the city of Lourdes, the sanctuaries and the Pyrenees.
Its presence reinforces the historical and cultural appeal of the city of Lourdes, world-renowned for its sanctuaries.