Lourdes Towns and Villages in Lourdes

Lourdes, located in the Hautes-Pyrénées, in the heart of the Occitanie region and close to Toulouse, is a city known worldwide for its Marian sanctuary. Every year, millions of pilgrims and tourists go there for religious reasons or to discover its rich heritage.

A bit of history

Lourdes was originally a fortified castle that played a strategic role in the defense of the Pyrenees. During the Middle Ages, the city experienced various occupations, notably by the Counts of Bigorre and the English.

The history of Lourdes took a turn in 1858, when Bernadette Soubirous, a young girl from the country, reported seeing the Virgin Mary in the grotto of Massabielle. These apparitions were recognized by the Catholic Church and Lourdes quickly became a major pilgrimage site.

After the apparitions, the sanctuary of Lourdes expanded with the construction of basilicas and other places of worship. Pilgrims from all over the world flock there every year, attracted by the miraculous healings and the spiritual atmosphere of the place.

What to do in Lourdes?

• Visit the sanctuary, the Massabielle grotto, the basilicas, the pools, the Stations of the Cross…
• Discover the fortified castle which has a breathtaking view of the city and the Pyrenees. It houses the Pyrenean Museum, which presents the history and traditions of the region.
• Explore the surrounding area with many possibilities for hiking, visiting typical villages and discovering nature.