The Sanctuary and Castle of Lourdes Spectacular Pyrenees

Spiritual and fraternal Experience Lourdes for yourself.

Cosmopolitan and welcoming, Lourdes is situated at the gateway to the Pyrenees. Renowned as a major centre of spirituality and fellowship, it welcomes 6 million visitors every year from every continent who come to reflect and contemplate the Cave of Massabielle, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, changing the town’s destiny forever. But Lourdes also boasts a rich natural and cultural heritage, and now offers a variety of tours and activities. This Marian town cannot be described; it must be experienced, through the people you meet, the atmosphere and the fervour of the people.

Sanctuary of Lourdes A cosmopolitan place

Soak up the serene atmosphere and the energy of millions of pilgrims to recharge your batteries in a spiritual centre that is unique in the world. Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, from the famous Cave of Massabielle to the Church of Saint Bernadette, via the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. The beauty of the mosaics and the incredible architecture of the monuments take on a whole new dimension during the night-time torchlit processions accompanied by singing.

Free entry from 6am to 1am.
Dogs not permitted.

Visit the sanctuary’s website

Detect Stories from the Pyrenees!

Make the most of your stay in the valley to immerse yourself in the history of the Pyrenees.

Here are our tips and suggestions to ensure your visit to Lourdes is comprehensive, varied and enjoyable.

The underground basilica Visit

Welcome to the Basilica of Saint Pius X. Its single-span vault, resembling an upturned ship’s hull, allows it to accommodate up to 25,000 people underground, making this unusual site one of the largest in the world for hosting worshippers indoors.

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Pic du Jer Funicular 360° panorama

Enjoy a leisurely ride on the Pic du Jer funicular. Head up to the summit and take in the most stunning views of Lourdes and the Pyrenees.

Prices:
Adults €13.50
Children under 18: €10.50 · Children under 6: free
Student €10.50
People with reduced mobility: €10

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Epicentre Interpretation centre

At the Centre for Earthquake Risk Awareness, experience the earthquake of your choice in virtual reality on the simulator! Did you know that this region is one of the most earthquake-prone in the country? L’Épicentre gives you the chance to learn about earthquakes and seismic risks in the Pyrenees and around the world.

Free entry.
Guided tour: €5 per person (€18 per family: 2 adults + 2 children).
Simulator: €2 per person.

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In the footsteps of Bernadette Soubirous An immersive experience

Discover Lourdes by following the brass studs set into the ground and through an immersive virtual reality experience that transports you back to Bernadette’s time. Follow in her footsteps and explore the iconic sites of her life: the Moulin de Boly, her birthplace, the Cachot where she lived with her family during the apparitions of 1858, and the Hospice where she attended school and received her First Communion.

Continue your tour to the parish church, the presbytery where she met Father Peyramale, Bartrès where she stayed on two occasions, and then the Moulin Lacadé, the family home after the apparitions. A unique insight into the history of the town and of Bernadette, before she changed its destiny forever.

Have a look at the leaflet

Fortified castle and Pyrenean museum The great stone ship!

1,000 years of history, art and traditions transport you through centuries of life in the Pyrenean mountains. Listed as a Historic Monument, the castle – originally a stately home, then a military fortress and prison – proudly overlooks the town of Lourdes from its rocky outcrop, offering a strategic 360° view of the entrance to the valleys and the surrounding countryside.

Inside, the Pyrenean Museum, founded by Louis and Margalide Le Bondidier, is a century-old treasure trove that recounts the legends of Bigorre and immerses you in the rural and pastoral life of days gone by: traditional games, period costumes, Barège fabric, clogs, capulets…

Prices:
Self-guided tours: €8/adult – €8/family
Guided tours: €9 per adult – €21 per family