Must-see attractions in Lourdes

  • Sanctuaires Notre Dame de Lourdes

    Lourdes

    The spiritual centre of Lourdes is the subterranean grotto where Bernadette Soubirous is believed to have experienced her visions in 1858. From the Porte…

  • Château Fort

    Lourdes

    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…

  • Pic du Jer

    Lourdes

    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…

  • Le Cachot

    Lourdes

    In 1857 Bernadette Soubirous’ family fell on hard times and were forced to move to this dingy former prison, where they lived communally in a room…

  • Grottes de Bétharram

    Lourdes

    Grottes de Bétharram is a network of subterranean caverns that has been carved out from the limestone, glittering with impressive formations of…

  • Grotte de Massabielle

    Lourdes

    Underneath the soaring spires of the Basilique Supérieure is the fabled Grotte de Massabielle, where people queue for hours to enter and take a blessed…

  • Moulin de Boly

    Lourdes

    Bernadette was born in this millhouse on 7 January 1844, one year after the marriage of her parents Louise Castérot and François Soubirous. She lived here…

  • Porte St-Michel

    Lourdes

    This gate into the sanctuary is the first you'll reach when approaching from across the river (where you'll find the majority of lodging and dining…

  • Maison Paternelle de Ste-Bernadette

    Lourdes

    After Bernadette Soubirous experienced her visions, Lourdes’ abbot bought this house for her family. It’s still run by her descendants, and has a…

  • Porte St-Joseph

    Lourdes

    By evening or early morning (when the Porte St-Michel is closed), this is the most convenient access to the sanctuary.

  • Porte de la Crypte

    Lourdes

    Connects the Basilique Supérieure with the Chemin de Croix (Way of the Cross).