Lourdes, France is a bustling Pyrenean city, best known for the famous Virgin Mary sightings, a phenomenon that is central to other large cities and attractions.
Lourdes is the second most popular tourist city in all of France, attracting more than seven million pilgrims annually from around the world to the cave where a peasant girl had several sightings of the Virgin Mary.
Although the spiritual atmosphere of Lourdes is tainted by numerous shops selling tasteless religious trinkets (think of Jesus’ art in velvet and pink plastic rosaries), even an atheist could appreciate the splendor of the massive Basilica del Rosario. It was built in response to the hordes that began to descend on the city after the Virgin Mary sightings, and it is a striking example of architecture.
The city is also in a prime location. The Pyrenees are a few steps to the south, and Spain is close by. It is the perfect destination for the adventure traveler, with numerous outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and much more close by. The Pyrenean cities of Pau and Tarbes are just minutes away. The charming little spa town of Argeles-Gazost is about a 15-minute drive away, and it also has a casino.
Sightings of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes
In 1858, Lourdes went from being a small town in the Pyrenees to a global attraction. This was when the peasant woman, Bernadette Soubirous, had a life-changing visit to a cave with her brothers to collect wood. According to the stories, “Raising his head, he saw, in the crevice of the rock, a girl, surrounded by light, who looked at her and smiled.”
This was the first of eighteen visions Bernadette claims to have had of the Virgin Mary. Bernadette eventually became a nun in Nevers. Today, the cave is right at the base of the basilica. Streams of believers, many in wheelchairs or even rolled on stretchers, invade the cave where Bernadette had her visions to taste the spring water there and in the hope of a miracle.
Things to do in Lourdes
- The main attractions in Lourdes are the cave where the sightings occurred and the Basilica del Rosario built to keep watch over it. It’s free to enter, and it’s a must see. This Romanesque-style cathedral is one of the largest in the world.
- Climb the huge winding ramp to the basilica, turn and look ahead and you will see it: Lourdes Castle and the Pyrenees Museum . If it weren’t overshadowed by sightings of Basicila and the Virgin Mary, it would surely be the city’s main attraction. Although it dates back to Roman times, very little remains of that time. Mainly, it is a fascinating fortified Gothic castle. It also houses a wonderful museum detailing life in the Pyrenees.
- The parents of the House of Bernadette Soubirous have a mill, kitchen, Bernadette’s bedroom, photographs and other mementos from the childhood life of the most famous daughter of Lourdes.
Transport to Lourdes
One way or another, if you are coming from the US, you will have to pass through Paris en route to Lourdes. There are connecting flights through Paris to Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrenees International Airport.
You can also fly to Paris and then use a France Rail Pass to get to Lourdes or visit any other destination during your visit.
Lourdes Hotels
There are a dizzying amount of accommodation options for such a small city, but you can use it to your advantage. You can camp for a few euros or stay in four-star accommodation for a lot of money.
- The Best Western Hotel Christina is blessed with a fabulous location just steps from the sanctuary and grotto, as well as the train station.
- For more attention to detail and finely decorated rooms, the Grand Hotel Belfry, at the foot of Lourdes Castle, is a good choice.
Day trips from Lourdes
Lourdes has an excellent location, close to several other charming Pyrenean towns and villages and close to the Spanish border. The best day trips from Lourdes are:
- Argeles-Gazost, a few minutes from Lourdes. This is a charming little town with a picturesque street lined with boutiques and cafes, as well as a casino and thermal spa.
- Pau, about 45 minutes by car. This is a fascinating city at the foot of the Pyrenees, the birthplace of King Henry IV. To this day, you can visit Pau Chateau, where he was born, and the famous tortoise shell cradle in which he slept.
- Tarbes, a 20-minute drive from Lourdes. This city is surprisingly large considering its rural location in the Pyrenees.
- Zaragoza, about four hours by car from Lourdes. Although it’s a bit of a stretch to call this a day trip (it would be a long day), there was also a Virgin Mary sighting here that predates the Lourdes sightings by centuries. This is another popular pilgrimage city.
