Sights in Lourdes
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Sanctuaires Notre Dame de Lourdes
The development of the Sanctuaires Notre Dame de Lourdes or Sanctuaries of Our Lady of Lourdes began within a decade of the miraculous visions of 1858. The most revered site is known variously as the Grotte de Massabielle (Massabielle Cave or Grotto), the Grotte Miraculeuse (Miraculous Cave) and the Grotte des Apparitions (Cave of the Apparitions). Open 24 hours, its walls are worn smooth by the touch of millions of hands over the years.
Hundreds of candles, donated by pilgrims, flicker, the fatter ones bearing the names of the groups that donated them. Here too are 19 baths in which 400,000 pilgrims seeking cures immerse themselves each year. Medically certifiable miracu…
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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
There's a truly splendid panoramic view of Lourdes and the central Pyrenees from the summit of 948m Pic du Jer. It's but a six-minute ride from valley level by the funicular railway (05 62 94 00 41; blvd d'Espagne).
More strenuous and much more satisfying, follow the signed trail to the summit from the lower station (allow 2½ to three hours for the return journey) or simply ride up and walk down. The ticket booth has a free stylised map.
Take bus 2 from place Monseigneur Laurence.
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Chemin de la Croix
Also called Chemin du Calvaire (Way of Calvary), the 1.5km Chemin de la Croix or Way of the Cross, leading up the forested hillside from near the Basilique Supérieure, is punctuated by the 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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