Location: Lourdes
Top Things to do in Lourdes
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What to do and see in Lourdes, Occitanie: The Best Things to do
As the French would say, Lourdes, c’est magnifique. Nestled in the southwestern Pyrénees, its status as a pilgrimage center was largely cemented by the sighting of the Virgin Mary at the The Grotto of Massabielle. The city abounds with religious activity, with opportunities to attend mass, say the Rosary as part of the daily Candlelight Procession, or visit holy sites like the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. The Cirque de Gavarnie offers opportunities to experience breathtaking mountain beauty, such as the tiered Gavarnie Falls.
Restaurants in Lourdes
1. Basilique de l’Immaculee Conception
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 232 reviews
Reviewed By JW_Dam - Nijmegen, The Netherlands
The basilique was blessed on August 15, 1871 and consecrated in July 1876. The stained glass in the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception retrace the history of the Virgin Mary until the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception by Pope Pius IX in 1854 and the Apparitions of Lourdes in 1858. This same Pie IX is represented on a medallion above the entrance of the Crypt. Surely worthwhile to visit
2. Grotte de Massabielle
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,431 reviews
Reviewed By HappySharingCompany - Altorf, France
Lovely experience to visit Lourdes once upon a time and pray while also benefitting of the Holy waters Sources.
3. Le Via Crucis/ Way of the Cross/ Chemin de Croix
4. Sanctuaire Notre Dame de Lourdes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,717 reviews
Reviewed By laurencC2840FK - Paris, France
Through walking the cute quiet town of montemarte, which has tons of quirky art and souvenir shops, you reach the beautiful church and climb up to the dome. Lots of stairs so be prepared but worth it.
5. Chateau Fort of Lourdes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 971 reviews
Reviewed By michaelsX3039KB - New York City, United States
Lourdes is said to be the place where heaven touches the earth. Whilst the Sanctuary for Christian pilgrims represents heaven, this medieval castle symbolizes the earth walking in its botanical garden, dwelling in the intimate museum of the Pyrenees, or visiting the Notre Dame du Chateau (where the original tabernacle of St. Bernadette's Church can be admired and the original cross of Jesus and the statues of St. Peter and Paul) is just a celebration for the eyes as they notice stunning views on the beautiful town of Lourdes, the churches & cathedrals, the Sanctuary along the river Gave, and the majestic snow-covered mountains the local staff doesn't speak much English (hey this is no Chicago), but quite friendly and fairly customer-oriented (not money minded at all), and the General Manager who I believe has a background in the history of fine arts often organizes sublime exhibitions on Lourdes and the Pyrenees for master Rodin aficionados, there is a sanguine drawing from the sculpture August Rodin tucked in the exhibition room right from the majestic tower. Enjoy your visit in this must see historical monument on your journey toward eternity!
6. Pic du Jer
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 700 reviews
The Pic du Jer, towering over the town, is recognizable by its large cross which is illuminated at night. You can get there by a hundred-year-old funicular railway which takes you to the summit at an altitude of 1000 metres in a few minutes; it's a charming trip. At the top, a gentle path takes you to the summit, where you will discover a unique panoramic viewpoint offering a 360° view over Lourdes, Tarbes, Pau, the Argeles-Gazost valley and the summits of the Pyrenees.
7. Moulin de Boly - Maison Natale de Bernadette
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 471 reviews
Reviewed By TjRomesh
Definitely one should visit this place when you go to Lourdes. It's only 10mins from the Church which is guided by a blue line. The house is well preserved. Its precisely drawing the picture how her life was in that era.
8. Le Petit Lourdes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 229 reviews
THE VILLAGE OF LOURDES IN 1858 A wonderful reconstruction in stone based on the description from authentic documents. The visitor will be able to walk round the old lourdes of the time of the apparitions in a natural open landscape, with its houses, brooks and historical monuments reproduced in a beautiful garden of flowers and bonsais.
Reviewed By janicetV749IM
A real jewel. Tucked away at the end of "hotel row" along the Gave, this re-creation of Lourdes at the time of the Apparitions was extremely useful in helping me see how it had all happened in 1858, as the town now has changed beyond recognition. The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable, and are in fact descendants of the man who created the miniature village. Beautifully and skillfully done, not to be missed in any trip to Lourdes.
9. Basilique Notre-Dame du Rosaire
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 165 reviews
Reviewed By kenbaines - Wrotham, United Kingdom
Stunning from both the outside and the inside. It is well worth studying the outside to appreciate the meaning of all the murals.
10. Basilique Saint-Pie X
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 588 reviews
Reviewed By Cyreese - Davenport, United States
A short walk from the Grotto of the Apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes is the Basilica of Saint Pope Pius Xth. What makes this church unique is that it is completely underground! If you miss the entrance, all you see above ground is a park. The Basilica accomodates thousands and is better suited to accomodate huge-attendance religious services at Lourdes than the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. This is a modern structure, reminiscent of a large auditorium. Masses and religious services are held here. Must be seen by pilgrims and just plain tourists alike.
