Hotels in Lourdes

Visiting Lourdes in the south of France is a fascinating experience. The landscape around the famous shrine is incredibly beautiful. Rugged slopes and the river Gave de Pau meet near the Pyrenees, creating a truly atmospheric location. The village gained international fame in 1858 when fourteen-year-old Bernadette Soubirous saw visions of the Virgin Mary amongst these rocks. As you look up at the irregular hollow in the cliff, you'll see a statue of Mary in the exact spot where Bernadette witnessed the apparitions. Although the city is always associated with the Massabielle Grotto, there are many other places of interest, including Lourdes Lake and its tranquil woodlands. In the town, you'll discover many exclusive restaurants and small, cosy bistros.

You can find plenty of accommodation in the city. More than 270 hotels provide rooms for approximately 500,000 tourists every year. There are many luxury hotels and guest houses in the centre of town. Traditional gites, or country cottages, should be fairly easy to locate in the surrounding area. The Sanctuary itself offers a variety of rooms. Many establishments provide convenient wheelchair access for visitors seeking the healing waters of the shrine.

What to see and do in Lourdes

• Sanctuary of Notre Dame de Lourdes. It consists of three churches, each built to commemorate Bernadette's visions. The three spires above the Sanctuary were not completed until 1908.
• Crypt: The oldest church was built in 1866.
• Upper Basilica: This was constructed in 1876 and connects to the Grotto. It has gothic architecture and is famed for its stained-glass windows.
• Rosary Basilica: Inspired by Byzantine architecture, it features a semi-circular nave, a domed roof and beautiful Venetian mosaics.
• Basilica of Saint Pius X: This atmospheric church was built underground to mark the 100th anniversary of the Massabielle Grotto.
• Sanctuary Baths: They are replenished daily with water from the natural spring near the Grotto. The water is believed to have miraculous, healing powers.
• Castle: This eleventh-century, stone fortress stands on the steep hill overlooking the city. It's worth ascending the main tower to enjoy panoramic views of the city and countryside.
• Old Town: You won't be able to resist wandering through the cobbled streets of the oldest part of the city. It features narrow alleyways and mediaeval architecture.
• Lourdes Lake: You can enjoy outdoor activities such as sailing and paddleboarding. There are also cycling trails and many picnic areas. Along the lake's southern edge, you can find an attractive 18-hole golf course.

What to eat in Lourdes

The restaurants and cafes primarily serve traditional French dishes made with locally grown ingredients. Vintage cheese and cured meats are produced in the foothills of the Pyrenees. They include:

• Pyrenean lamb: A tender meat that's served in the city's restaurants.
• Gascon black pork: This traditional breed is prized for its delicate flavours.
• Garbure: A casserole of mixed vegetables and tarbais beans.
• Touradisse: A light pastry made with cornflour, eggs and vanilla flavouring.

Typical events and festivals in Lourdes

• Marian Torchlight Procession: This is a very atmospheric event that is renacted every evening. As twilight descends, you're invited to light a candle at the chapel on the far side of the river. Then you follow the procession to the Sanctuary where there are many decorative banners.
• Holy Music Festival: There is always a different theme for this annual event that takes place in March.
• Festival of Lourdes: Beginning in June, this three-week festival features a large market and many sideshows, including entertaining performances of music and dance.

How to move around in Lourdes

The main attractions are in a fairly compact area, so you can often enjoy walking to each destination. A local bus service operates throughout most of the town. Many visitors prefer to hire bicycles, but you can also hire a car for convenience.

The climate in Lourdes

The location enjoys relatively mild weather due to its sheltered position. There is some rainfall, but you can visit the city at any time of year. The warm months from April to October consistently bring the most sunshine. The hottest month of the year is usually July, with a temperature of around 14° Celsius (79° Fahrenheit).