10 Best Things To Do In Lourdes, France

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In the year 1858, between the 11th of February and the 16th of July, something of massive importance took place in a little market town at the foothills of the Pyrenees, in southwestern France. 

According to believers, the Blessed Virgin Mary had appeared 18 times to a 14-year-old peasant girl called Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes.

Bernadette’s little hometown had risen to prominence soon after and she would later become a Catholic saint. The town of Lourdes in Occitanie Region has become a very significant site of pilgrimage and religious tourism since. 

Every season, about 6 million tourists and pilgrims come to Lourdes for healing and worship. However, Lourdes is not all about Saint Bernadette and the Marian apparitions. 

10 Best Things To Do In Lourdes, France

Here’s a list of the 10 best things to do and see in Lourdes, whether you’re religious or not.

Top Religious Things To Do In Lourdes

1. Enjoy an unforgettable experience exploring the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes (the Domain)

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, or the Domain, lies on the banks of the river Gave de Pau. This historical site welcomes pilgrims and visitors from all over the world all year round. 

For a truly unforgettable experience of the Domain, one shouldn’t miss its main churches, especially the following:

• The Crypt

Constructed in 1866, the Crypt features enormous pillars supporting the weight of the Upper Basilica, which was built on top of it. It is accessible through a long corridor covered with ex voto plaques and an entrance with a bronze statue of St. Peter.

• The Upper Basilica

Officially the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, this Gothic church is known widely as the Upper Basilica, built in 1876 on top of the Crypt. You will get awed by its stained-glass windows depicting various events in the story of Lourdes. 

• The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary

The Domain’s third church, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, was completed in 1899 and can hold 1,500 people.

On the exterior of the dome, you will see the gilded crown and cross given by the Irish people as a gift, while on the exterior facade is a depiction of the Luminous Mysteries. 

• The Underground Basilica

The modern oval-shaped Basilica of St. Pius X is known as the Underground Basilica because it is constructed almost entirely underground. 

The largest of the Domain’s churches, the Underground Basilica can accommodate 25,000 people. It was built and completed for the centenary of the Apparitions in 1958 and features gemmail stained glass art.

2. Drink and/or bathe in the Lourdes water

In the Grotto of Massabielle in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, there’s a spring deemed holy by believers because it’s where the Lourdes water flows. 

The spring’s location was supposedly described to Bernadette Soubirous by the Blessed Virgin Mary in an apparition, with the instruction to “drink at the spring and bathe in it.” A number of believers claim to have been cured of their illnesses or diseases by doing so. 

You can ask the Lourdes authorities for a bottle of this non-liturgical holy water – free of charge. The water is tested and proven potable, so go ahead and drink!

3. Climb the Holy Stairs

A replica of Rome’s Scala Sancta (Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs), Lourdes’ Holy Stairs lead to the first Station of the Cross on the Hill of Espélugues. Pilgrims climb up on their knees in penance, so be prepared!

4. Light a candle and join a candlelit procession

Called the Torchlight Marian Procession, this activity happens daily at 9 in the evening. The procession starts near the Grotto, continuing around the esplanade, and ending in Rosary Square.

5. Relive St. Bernadette’s beginnings and where it all started at Moulin de Boly and Le Cachot

Both must-visits in Lourdes, these two pilgrimage sites are important parts of St. Bernadette’s life. 

Moulin de Boly is the saint’s birth home where you can see authentic artifacts from the time of her birth. Just a short walk from Moulin de Boly is Le Cachot, where the first Marian apparition is said to have taken place. 

Top Non-Religious Things To Do In Lourdes

6. Spend a few hours at the historic Château Fort

Lourdes, some say, is the place where heaven touches the earth, with the Sanctuary representing heaven and the Château Fort symbolizing the earth. 

The Château Fort, a medieval castle of Roman origins, is located at the entrance to the seven valleys of the Lavedan. 

Walk in its botanical garden, broaden your knowledge at the Museum of the Pyrenees, and be awed by the original tabernacle of St. Bernadette’s Church at the Notre Dame de Château. You will also be rewarded with the stunning views of Lourdes from up the castle. 

7. Ride the funicular to Pic du Jer

The Pic du Jer, a summit in the Hautes-Pyrénées, is famous for mountain biking. However, it’s a lot of fun to ride a funicular and be up there quickly. 

Experience to soar high into the fresh Pyrenean air and get a bird’s-eye view of the Sanctuary below. It’s truly breathtaking!

8. Get friendly with the animals at La Ferme du Bon’Air

Perched in a serene and green setting at the foot of the Pyrenees, La Ferme du Bon’Air is a children’s farm for all the family to enjoy.

They have over 200 farm animals you can pet or feed, some of which are unusual like the sheep with 4 horns, sheep pandas, and miniature cows. 

If you come in the spring or the summer, you can have a picnic at La Ferme du Bon’Air. Otherwise, the farm has a café where you can sit and enjoy lunch with your company.

9. Relax on the shore of the Lac de Lourdes

Lac de Lourdes is a glacial lake situated in the surroundings of this famous pilgrimage town. It’s a nice trip away from the crowds of Lourdes itself. 

Walk around the lake, have a picnic, try the canoes, or just about anything while also getting back to nature. There’s a local restaurant nearby for refreshments after walking. 

Lac de Lourdes can be reached via bus service from Lourdes town.

10. End your day at a brasserie 

After a day’s exploration and activities, find a brasserie (brewery) for an authentic Occitan dinner and cocktail. 

There are a number of brasseries in Lourdes with several on boulevard de la Grotte alone. Pizza lovers will also enjoy making their own pizza at pizzerias scattered all over – with vegan options.

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