Sights in Lourdes
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Sanctuaires Notre Dame de Lourdes
The development of the Sanctuaries of Our Lady of Lourdes began within a decade of Ste Bernadette's apparitions in 1858. The main site is approached via one of two gateways; the Porte St-Michel and Porte St-Joseph or the Entrée des Lacets.
The most dramatic approach is via the Port St-Joseph, from where a broad boulevard sweeps west towards the Byzantine Basilique du Rosaire (Basilica of the Rosary), and the Basilique Supérieure (Upper Basilica), topped by lavishly gilded turrets and tiled frescos depicting Bernadette's visions. Beneath the basilica is Lourdes' most revered site, the Grotte de Massabielle (sometimes known as the Grotte Miraculeuse or the Grotte des…
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Château Fort
On a rocky pinnacle above town squats this imposing castle. There's been some kind of stronghold on this site since Roman times, but the present building is largely medieval, including the stout walls and the central keep. The castle was fortified again in the 17th and 18th centuries, and served as a state prison following the Revolution.
Since the 1920s, the castle has housed the Musée Pyrénéen, which owns one of the region's largest collections of folk art, rural artefacts, tools and other exhibits.
Take the free lift (elevator) from rue Baron Duprat or walk up the ramp at the northern end of rue du Bourg.
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Pic du Jer
When the crowds of pilgrims get too much, you can take refuge on the rocky 94m-high pinnacle of the Pic du Jer, which offers panoramic views of Lourdes and the central chain of the Pyrenees.
There are two routes to the top: a punishing three-hour slog along a signed trail, or a speedy six-minute ride on the century-old funicular. We'll leave it up to you to decide which is the more rewarding.
Either way, the summit makes a superb spot for a picnic. There's a choice of routes back down: a black-run mountain-bike trail, or a more family-friendly option along the Voie Verte des Gaves, a decommissioned railway that finishes up at the lower funicular station.
Take bus 2 from…
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Chemin de Croix
The Chemin de Croix (Way of the Cross, sometimes known as the Chemin du Calvaire) leads for 1.5km up the forested hillside from the Basilique Supérieure past 14 Stations of the Cross. Especially devout pilgrims mount to the first station on their knees.
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Maison Paternelle de Ste-Bernadette
The Maison Paternelle de Ste-Bernadette is the house that the town of Lourdes bought for the Soubirous family after Bernadette saw the apparitions.
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Le Cachot
Le Cachot, a former prison, is where Bernadette lived during the period when she saw the apparitions.
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Musée de Lourdes
Musée de Lourdes explores the town’s history and the life of Ste Bernadette.
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Moulin de Boly
The Moulin de Boly, Bernadette’s birthplace, is on rue Bernadette Soubirous.
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