Lourdes Hotels

Holy Lourdes

Visiting Lourdes is a unique experience. For one thing, the people you’ll meet there are not tourists – they’re all in other parts of France. Instead, this Pyrenees town plays host to hordes and hordes of pilgrims desperately hoping for a cure from the supposedly holy water or to see a vision of the Virgin Mary, who is said to have appeared to Bernadette Soubirous here in 1858.

Regardless of whether or not you believe, going to Lourdes provides a fascinating insight into the power of faith. And while most of the tourist spots revolve around St Bernadette and her visions (principally the Rosary Basilica, theGrotto of Massabielleand even the Wax Museum), the rest of the town is beautiful in a typically French way.

Lourdes’s Top 10

Lourdes History

• Chateau Fort—The Lourdes castle has been a notable part of French history since the 8th century.
• Grotto of Massabielle—This shrine became a major pilgrimage destination following Bernadette Soubirous’ visions of the Virgin Mary in 1858.
• Maison Paternelle de St Bernadette—The town bought this house for Bernadette Soubirous after her visions.
• Musée de Lourdes—This museum showcases the town’s history and features period costumes and exhibits.
• Chateau de Pau—A historic castle in nearby Pau where King Henry IV was born.

Lourdes Art & Culture

• Musée Pyrénéen—This museum at the Chateau Fort has a collection of artefacts, folk art,and tools used hundreds of years ago.
• Basilique du Rosaire—A beautiful Byzantine-style church consecrated in 1901 with lovely stained glass and mosaics.
• St Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church—This church built in response to the miraculous visions is hard to miss with its golden domes.
• Lourdes Classical Music Festival—This annual festival in April features orchestra concerts held at churches around Lourdes.
• National Pilgrimage of St Rosaire—An annual pilgrimage in October celebrating St Rosaire with a special mass.

Lourdes Shopping

• Boulevard de la Grotte—The main road in Lourdes is lined with shops and boutiques, many selling religious souvenirs and kitsch.
• Au Mouton des Pyrenees—The wool of the Pyrenees is quite famous, and this boutique specialises in slippers, mittens and other items made from it.
• The Book Shop—Extensive bookstore in Lourdes featuring many works of literature, guides and magazines.
• Covered Market (Les Halles)—Located in the Place du Champ Common, this produce and grower market is open 6:30 am to 1:30 pm Monday through Saturday.
• Palais du Rosaire—Offers a large selection of religious souvenirs, including containers for bringing grotto water home.

Gay & Lesbian Lourdes

• The Angel—A lesbian-owned bed and breakfast centrally located in Lourdes offering holiday activities and women-only weeks.
• Helgon Hotel—This nicely appointed, gay-friendly hotel is on a quiet street close to the sanctuaries and offers free Wi-Fi.
• Résidence Les Jardins de Lourdes—This popular, gay-friendly hotel in the town centre has a fitness centre, sauna and solarium.
• Le Colibri—A mixed bar and disco that throws parties with performers and go-go dancers.
• Citotel de la Vallée—This simply furnished, gay-friendly hotel is located in the town centre and offers dining and a bar.

Lourdes Events

Lourdes Fetes is a two-month festival starting at Easter. Enjoy folk dancing, stargazing, markets and performances.

Bike racing is almost a religion in France and even Lourdes stops to worship the riders when the Tour De France rolls around in July.

August sees Journée de la Paix,a celebration promoting global peace.

National Pilgrimage of St Rosaire is celebrated every October.

When To Go

• The weather in Lourdes ranges from -5ºC (23ºF) to 20ºC (68ºF). So a jacket is a good idea even in summer!

• Summer gets the most rain. It shouldn’t interrupt your stay too much but you will most likely experience a few short downpours.

Getting Around

• Walking is the best way to get around and see the sights. With several pedestrian-only streets, it is also very safe.
• Hiring a car is a possibility, particularly if wanting to explore further afield.But Lourdes’ streets are confusing, with lots of one-way roads and pedestrian-only access. And for a holy town, parking is decidedly devilish!

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