The Pyrenees
For the full mod-cons, this modernist hotel 5km east of the centre is the place. It looks bland and boxy from outside, but the white-walled rooms are sharp and spacious; most overlook the central swimming pool and have sofas to lounge on. Extra spoils include a gym, private carpark, restaurant and solar-panel power.
On the downside, it's not convenient if you're not travelling by car.
22.75 MILES
Around 12km south of Lourdes, off the D821 near Argelès-Gazost, this fantastic animal park is home to many species that were once commonly sighted across…
Sanctuaires Notre Dame de Lourdes
19.41 MILES
The spiritual centre of Lourdes is the subterranean grotto where Bernadette Soubirous is believed to have experienced her visions in 1858. From the Porte…
3.01 MILES
Originally the residence of the monarchs of Navarre, Pau’s castle was transformed into a Renaissance château amid lavish gardens by Marguerite…
2.86 MILES
This townhouse is the birthplace of one of Napoléon’s favourite generals, Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte (nicknamed ‘Sergent belle-jambe’, on account of his…
19.6 MILES
Lourdes’ imposing castle stands on a sheer hill just behind the town. There’s been a stronghold here since Roman times, but the present building combines…
19.16 MILES
The griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) was once a familiar sight over the Pyrenees, but habitat loss and hunting have taken their toll on these strange,…
21 MILES
Panoramic views of Lourdes and the central Pyrenees are on offer from this rocky outcrop just outside town. There are two routes to the top: a punishing…
23.09 MILES
During the 19th century, the small village of Eaux-Bonnes (literally, Good Waters) flourished as a spa resort thanks to its geothermal hot springs, which…
2.44 MILES
Works by Rubens and El Greco both figure at Pau’s fine-arts museum, but the museum’s prize piece is a famous Degas canvas, A New Orleans Cotton Office,…
2.77 MILES
Take a stroll along this revitalised lane for a look at green spaces by day and light installations by night.
2.86 MILES
This townhouse is the birthplace of one of Napoléon’s favourite generals, Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte (nicknamed ‘Sergent belle-jambe’, on account of his…
3.01 MILES
Originally the residence of the monarchs of Navarre, Pau’s castle was transformed into a Renaissance château amid lavish gardens by Marguerite…
10.74 MILES
Rébénacq is one of the few bastides (fortified towns) of the Pyrenees, built in 1347 by a lieutenant of Gaston Fébus, the 11th Count of Foix. Like all…
15.36 MILES
Grottes de Bétharram is a network of subterranean caverns that has been carved out from the limestone, glittering with impressive formations of…
16.9 MILES
Perched precariously on a glacial outcrop, this hilltop village boasts a 12th-century keep and a truly magnificent valley view. From the belvédère …
17.92 MILES
The former ‘capital’ of the valley, Bielle is a beautiful village with many fine 15th- and 16th-century houses, linked together via a guided walk.